GEELONG will host Essendon in the annual Powercor Country Festival blockbuster at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night at 7.50pm.

Those attending the game and in the area are encouraged to come along from 4pm to enjoy the festivities which will include live acts on the Morris Finance Main Stage, the Farmers’ Market presented by The Food Purveyor in Legends Plaza, a heap of activities for the kids and much more.

Plus, Geelong’s VFL team will play a curtain raiser against Essendon from 4.10pm.

SUPPORT COUNTRY VIC WITH THE FOOD PURVEYOR

Nicole Newman, Managing Director at The Food Purveyor joined Cameron Ling and Scott Gullan to discuss this year’s Farmers’ market on Geelong’s official podcast.

“It is so exciting because last year we didn’t get to have it and everything was online and as much as that’s amazing, it’s great to have more of a physical presence where everyone can come along and learn more about what happens on a farm from an agriculture point of view and taste some amazing products from producers not only in our region but the rest of Victoria,” Newman said.

“It will be a great opportunity for people to come along and see some sheep shearing, listen to some amazing acts on the stage and it will be an amazing event.”

“Foodbank Victoria will be here, and they do such an amazing service for all of Victoria and we will have a couple of stands there showcasing local and Victorian produce as well.”

It has been a challenging period for our farmers and regional operators and Newman would like to encourage everyone to come along and show their support.

“The important thing to remember is these businesses have all done it hard in the past 18 months and we need to continue to support these small regional businesses as much as possible.”

Learn more about this year's festival in the full interview with Nicole Newman below.