Pair’d main street party triggers call for more major Margaret River town centre events

The success of the weekend’s main street party has sharpened residents’ appetite for more of the same, with calls on social media for the town centre to host more events.

Hundreds of people flocked to Bussell Highway for an afternoon celebration dubbed Pair’d Back — a sign-off from the new Pair’d festival which replaced the defunct Gourmet Escape as a four-day food, wine and music showcase.

Sunday’s street party included music stages at Reuther Park and Fearn Avenue.

While crowd numbers were not as high as the hordes which flocked to the new-look CBD during the first ever street closure – celebrating the end of the Margaret River main street redevelopment which literally divided the town for 12 months – residents lauded the event online.

“My small business thrived from that event,” Maelys Vert said.

“I am so grateful. Well organised and great vibes.”

Resident Julie Dignon applauded the “European feel” to the street closure event.

Others cheered on the festival vibe and the chance for families to roam safely in the town centre.

“How good was the vibe outside Yonder Bar,” Simon Minissale said online.

“Great family atmosphere as well as wicked beats.”

Among the commentary, some residents questioned why the “festival precinct” did not host more events.

Augusta-Margaret River shire president Julia Meldrum acknowledged the call.

“It was wonderful to see our community come together over the weekend to celebrate what makes our shire so special: our incredible local businesses, amazing produce, talented musicians and creatives, and strong community spirit,” she said.

“Once we’ve reviewed feedback from everyone involved, we’ll consider opportunities for future street parties and ways to further activate our public spaces throughout our shire.”

Pair’d was co-ordinated by on-the-ground local event managers Ahoy Management, with Perth’s Mellen Events and Sydney-based We Are Gather taking top-level direction in co-ordination with State Government agency Tourism WA.

Unlike the failed Gourmet Escape, the State Government ensured it owns the Pair’d name – though that also came in for some flack at the weekend.

Vendors and creative industries experts revealed ticket numbers were not as high as anticipated and free tickets were relied upon to boost numbers where attendance was low.

More than one industry insider said any underperformance was likely a by-product of the success of other events.

Festivals such as Cabin Fever, also run by Ahoy, had emerged to lure visitors to the region during quieter months, which now meant a steady flow of events, festivals and gigs in the Margaret River region catering to Perth and interstate visitors as well as residents.

Ahoy spokeswoman Erin Molloy thanked business and local government partners for helping make the overall festival a success.