BRENDAN Pang will be cooking up some of his famous dumplings at this year’s Rotary Jacaranda Festival.
The Applecross resident, of MasterChef Australia fame, will join about 165 stall holders on a section of Ardross Street for the 18th edition of the free family-friendly event on November 24.
About 10,000 people are expected to eat, buy gifts, listen to music and socialise at the big annual event.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOWMr Pang said it was his first time taking part in the festival, although he had visited numerous times.
“I’ve got one of my fellow Masterchef contestants Reece Hignell over from Newcastle, we were doing the (Margaret River) Gourmet Escape together so it made sense,” he said.
“I’ll do a few different dumplings, including a pork and prawn which is my signature dish and have some simple, tasty sauces like a satay sauce.
“I think I’ll have to make a lot, I made 600 recently for an event but I know how busy it gets here.
“There’s always a great atmosphere at the festival and I’m excited to be a part of it, pop-up restaurants are more my style.”
Festival organising committee member Kate Zappa said preparations for the festival were going well.
“It feels like every year is going to be the biggest,” she said.
“There’s going to be a great mix of stallholders from retailers to food outlets, pop-up food vendors.
“There will be plenty of activities in the kid’s zone such as a fun bus, bouncing castle, animal farm and face painting.”
“The festival is a big market for Christmas items because it’s one of the first events leading into the festive season so there will be lots of treats and gifts.
“We have a stage next to Pharmacy 777 which will give an opportunity for local groups and schools to perform.”
All parking on the day will be at Applecross Primary School, although people are encouraged to walk or cycle if they live close enough.