EVERYONE loves a party and this week’s much-loved Dungog Tea Party has something for everyone.
Based at historic James Theatre, it’s one of the town’s most delightfully unique events of the year.
Beginning on Wednesday, the party attracts more than 1000 locals and visitors who love tea and all the quirky things associated with the ancient beverage.
Why a celebration honouring tea?
For organiser Erika Seck, the free event is a labour of love: she’s a tea drinker who loves tea cosies.
“We wanted to bring more people to the Dungog Shire and thought this would be fun and quirky,” she said.
“Morpeth used to hold a tea cosy event until the lady who ran it retired.
“A group of us contacted her and said we would like to do a tea cosy challenge in our town, and she kindly gave us her support.”
Ms Seck said the party brings together the region’s vibrant creative arts and crafts community, with tea-themed creations ranging from the gloriously wild and wacky to treasured antiques.
”There are farmyard scenes, timber masterpieces, elegant ceramic works of art, and brilliant recycled innovations. There’s something magical around every corner,” she added.
The party has a serious side, too: there are seven categories in both the tea cosy and trivet competitions.
Cash prizes of $100 and $50 for first and second place, respectively. The Tea Cosy of the Year winner receives $500, $100 for the best trivet.
Tea cosies have a huge following, with entries arriving in Dungog from across Australia.
Workshops and events celebrating tea include the art of making herbal tea, felting, Paint and Sip at the Tin Shed Brewery, High Tea at the Long Room Café, and mindfulness Chinese and Japanese tea preparation and tastings.
Dungog’s businesses and schools are involved again this year.
Businesses sponsor a category of their choice and have their logo displayed in their category area and on the prize certificate.
Students’ artworks are displayed on the wall at Loveys IGA, with prize money for the best entries.
Dungog High School’s hospitality students also serve morning tea after prize winners are announced on Wednesday
Tea Cosy and Trivet entries can be purchased, while market stalls sell tea-related products, ranging from tea towels, bags and jewellery, to succulents in teacups, ceramic cake stands, candles, cups and saucers, and teapots.
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