This year’s Dark Mofo theme of “Reflection” is the perfect time to reflect on the event’s impact on Hobart.
The City of Hobart continues to be the naming rights sponsor of the iconic Winter Feast as the festival celebrates its 10th year.
Aside from the stunning cultural impact on the capital, the economic benefits have exceeded expectations.
During the 2022 Dark Mofo Hobart saw about $26.5 million spent on dining and entertainment across the two-week period and a further $7m on transport.
From 2022 there were 300,000 general entries to the festival, and $3.5m in revenue generated from 72,000 tickets sold, and of those tickets, 65 per cent of tickets were purchased by interstate visitors.
On top of this, more than 2000 nudists took the icy plunge for the solstice swim, 5000 participated in the Reclamation Walk to open the festival and 13,000 witnessed the parade and burning of Ogoh-Ogoh.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said it was hard to imagine winter now without Dark Mofo and the City of Hobart Winter Feast.
“It is important to look back over the past decade and reflect on how much we’ve grown and changed both as a festival and a city,” Cr Reynolds said.
“The City of Hobart has been a very proud partner with Dark Mofo on the journey since 2013. Our community has indicated that it supports Council providing funding and in-kind support for the festival.
“Hobart’s artists and cultural organisations – including Dark Mofo – are one of our most important economic sectors as well as bringing vibrancy and life to the city.”
The highlight was the City of Hobart Winter Feast – a sumptuous banquet that has long cemented itself as a festival favourite for visitors and locals.
Featuring more than 90 food and drink vendors and an array of unique live performances, with the outdoor fires and canopy of lit-up trees creating an idyllic atmosphere for guests to stave off the cold and enjoy Hobart at its best.
Hobart’s Creative City Portfolio Chair John Kelly said the City was in full swing bringing streets and venues across Hobart out of their winter hibernation with art, live music, performance and nocturnal revelry.
“The festival not only brings unique spectacles to Hobart but also showcases the city in midwinter in new and exciting ways, infiltrating Hobart’s streets and laneways, buildings, parks and waterfront,” Cr Kelly said.
“We are particularly pleased to once again be supporting the Winter Feast.
“Each year it provides a banquet of food and drink celebrating diverse cuisines from around the world in a hub of camaraderie and warmth.
“Locals and visitors alike indulge in the best that Tasmania has to offer.
“The feast is a wonderful way to get a taste of the Dark Mofo magic.
It is a highlight of the program for me, and my family, and I look forward to seeing what’s on offer this year.
Dark Mofo’s City of Hobart Winter Feast is from Thursday 8 June to Sunday 11 June in Week one and Thursday 15 June to Sunday 18 June in week two.
The final night on Sunday 18 June is a free event, including free transport on Metro buses to and from the venue between 3-9pm.
Castray Esplanade is closed until 22 June for the event.
Visit darkmofo.net.au for ticketing and stallholder information.
