Donnybrook Apple Festival 2026

Easter Saturday in Donnybrook delivered just about the perfect backdrop for this year’s apple and pear showcase, with blue skies, warm sunshine, and a steady stream of festival-goers creating an ideal atmosphere for connecting with the public. The 2026 Donnybrook Apple Festival proved once again why it’s such an important date on the calendar, and this year’s Pomewest promotion was a standout success.

Adding a splash of fun (and making us very easy to spot!), the Pomewest team donned bright hot pink shirts in tribute to Pink Lady apples. The bold colour choice sparked plenty of conversations before we’d even started talking fruit, and it certainly helped draw people into the stall. From there, the real stars of the show took over.

With an impressive lineup of 13 different apple and pear varieties available for sampling and sale, visitors were spoiled for choice. The “pick your own mix” concept was a clear winner, with customers enthusiastically filling small and large bags with their personal favourites. It was fantastic to see so much curiosity and willingness to try different varieties, with many people discovering new flavours and textures they hadn’t experienced before.

A key ingredient in the day’s success was the strong presence of growers at the stall. Having growers on hand to chat directly with the public added enormous value, allowing for genuine conversations about varieties, growing practices, and the care that goes into producing high-quality fruit. These interactions are what set events like this apart, helping to build trust and appreciation for locally grown produce.

Of course, none of this would have been possible without the incredible support from local Donnybrook orchards. Apples and pears were generously donated, with many varieties picked fresh just days before the festival. The quality and freshness were evident, and customers noticed – there’s nothing quite like fruit that has come straight from the orchard to the consumer. Thanks too to Terry Martella, Sam Licciardello and Jason Jarvis serving as growers on the day, talking to consumers and showgoers alike.

From a financial perspective, the promotion was equally encouraging. Not only did the event successfully cover its costs, but it also generated surplus funds. This puts us in a strong position to continue building momentum, with plans already underway to stage an additional promotion at Yagan Square at the end of April. It’s a great example of how well-executed events can create ongoing opportunities to showcase our industry.

A very special thank you goes to Sam Licciardello, whose behind-the-scenes efforts were instrumental in making the day run smoothly. Coordinating the fruit donations and expertly manoeuvring the fruit bins into position at the festival site, Sam’s support again ensured everything was in place and ready to go.

Overall, the Donnybrook Apple Festival was a fantastic success for apples and pears, highlighting the strength of our local industry and the enthusiasm of the community. With strong engagement, excellent fruit quality, and a great team effort, it’s safe to say this year’s event has set a high benchmark for future promotions.

Donnybrook Apple Festival Sponsorship and Promotion a Pink Hit!