Luggate puts BYO twist on long lunch

Luggate is set to play host to a long lunch with a difference - instead of having food served up to them, diners will bring a plate to share.

It's all part of the Autumn Harvest Festival to be held this weekend at the Luggate Community Hall.

In addition to the lunch, there will be community apple juicing and chutney making sessions, how-to presentations on growing and foraging food and then preserving it, and a 'harvest market' with fresh food for sale in a festive atmosphere.

Organisers say they've "flipped" their usual Sunday long lunch format "on its head" in order to showcase the "whole community"

"This year we are encouraging attendees to BYO home creations in a co-created shared long lunch."

The afternoon is set to be hosted by Lake Wānaka Tourism chief executive Tim Barke and includes a presentation from Lisa Johnston, the team leader of Frog Song Farm market garden, one half of Village Nuts Wānaka, and orchard care specialist for Green Fox Gardening Company.

"She has dedicated herself for over a decade to understanding the food ecology of the Upper Clutha region, and building livelihoods around regenerative horticulture," event organisers say.

"Lisa is also an obsessive foodie who likes to share her appreciation for the flavour and magnificence of fresh organic home grown produce."

Attendees will also have the chance to hear from the Ali Soper from Your Garden Coach podcast.

"The central mission of the podcast is to guide new gardens and to help gardeners become confident vegetable growers. Ali will be sharing her wealth of knowledge and local tips for gardening abundance."

The long lunch will be held on Sunday from 1pm until 3pm, and tickets are $5, plus a dish.

Seating is limited.

For more details of the weekend's schedule of events, head to the Autumn Harvest Festival website page.

Some of what's on offer

• Make your own vegan aioli with Fox and Badger NZ Catering
• Introduction to beekeeping with Tiaki Bees
• Drying herbs and making teas with Herbal Culture
• Starting a home orchard with Ben Elms
• Bring surplus fruit, a sharp knife, a chopping board, small jars and bottles for juice to the 'apple drive' organised by the Local Food Wānaka group
• Sell and/or buy homegrown vegetables at the Sunday market