Bridge feast spans years

The highly-anticipated Banquet on the Bridge was held as part of Bridgetown in the Winter on August 12 and the 180-seat event was sold out.

A staple of the three-month festival, the banquet celebrated the town’s 150-year history with 23 dishes that each represented a different decade during that time.

“Sometimes the connection to a decade was a bit cryptic,” event convener Pip Mills said.

Mrs Mills said where possible, the team behind the banquet used products from the Blackwood River Valley and also made use of products sourced from all the way to the mouth of the river.

“We had organic grass-fed beef from Boyup Brook, shark from Augusta and lemon myrtle from the Blackwood River Valley,” she said.

“We tried to use as many kitchens from the shire, including input from most cafes and restaurants.”

Mrs Mills described the banquet as a significant event in Bridgetown, from the venue to the massive input from the community to make it happen.

“Logistically, it’s a challenge, the bridge is closed from 7am on the day,” she said.

“Where else in Australia can you close a bridge to host a banquet? As far as venues go, it’s probably the most unique.”

Mrs Mills also thanked all the volunteers who were involved in putting the event together and who helped out on the day.