Harvey’s Harvest Festival given funding boost as it gears up for return

A popular South West food festival is gearing up to make its grand return after a year-long hiatus with a funding boost.

Harvey’s Harvest Festival was one of 11 regional arts and cultural projects to be granted part of a $252,566 investment through the Federal Government’s Regional Arts Fund, managed by Regional Arts WA.

Harvey Main Street Inc has received $20,000 to bring the event back to the community.

In addition to the funding, the organisation has announced a collaboration with the South West Opera Company, with a Harvey Music Spectacular expected to be a highlight of next year’s event.

Preforming with a backdrop of Gibbs Pool at Harvey Dam, the musical showcase will include choral melodies from classic operas to musical theatre, all performed by some of SWOC’s most talented artists.

Harvey Main Street Inc chair Joe Capogreco said he was excited to include the opera company in next year’s celebration.

“This collaboration with SWOC allows us to elevate the Harvey Harvest Festival to new heights,” he said.

“The inclusion of the Harvey Music Spectacular as part of the Harvey Harvest Festival is an amazing addition to the new three-day format aimed at bringing people to the Harvey region to stay for longer.

“We’re thrilled to have this event included in the festival’s program.”

SWOC president Susanna Ingham said the crew were excited to share the joy of opera.

“The Harvey Music Spectacular has been a staple of our performance event calendar for over 10 years,” she said.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Harvey Main Street Inc in 2025 to align with the Harvey Harvest Festival and expand one of the community’s favourite annual arts events.

“Music has the power to unite and inspire, and performing in such a breathtaking setting makes this a truly special occasion.”

The Harvey Harvest Festival will run from March 7-9, with a host of events taking place over the weekend.

The Harvey Music Spectacular will start at 6pm on March 8 at the Gibbs Pool Amphitheatre, and guests are encouraged to bring picnic blankets and chairs.

Tickets to the 2025 event are free through Try Booking.