Lovers of seafood and Mid West produce waiting for an update on the popular Shore Leave festival have been assured that organisers are taking step towards its return.
One of Geraldton’s flagship tourism events, Shore Leave is not being held this year but is planned to return at some point.
Tourism Geraldton Midwest deputy chair Michael Reymond said a preliminary meeting between stakeholders to discuss Shore Leave would be taking place this week.
The event has been a hit among Geraldton locals and visitors since it began in 2021.
Last year was the first time since the festival started that a local committee took charge of organising the event, rather than a Perth team. They had a short four-month turnaround in getting the festival up and running, with the State Government only giving the green light to the event in January.
The festival has been supported financially by the government over its five-year history, but no funding was confirmed for this year.
Shore Leave’s multi-day festivities offer a mix of free and ticketed events with both local stakeholders and VIP chefs, which showcase the best of Mid West produce, lifestyle, history and culture.
Marquee Shore Leave events include the Abrolhos Islands long table lunch and Paddock to Plate at Yanget Farm.
In 2025, 26,000 people attended, including 9000 visitors who spent about $1.8 million.
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