The Brightwater Wine and Food Festival was created by the Richmond Rotary Club as a charity fundraiser in 2004. From modest beginnings as a country fair, the Festival has now become one of the iconic events of the Nelson Region’s summer season, attracting 5000-6000 visitors.

The focus is on providing a great family day out, packed with high quality entertainment for all the family at low cost.

2010 featured musicians - Annie Crummer, Lipstick, The Eastern, Chill Factor, Trent De L'Armour and the Subcommittee. Past performers have included The Warratahs, Pearl, and the Ladykillers (Suzanne Lynch, Taisha Teriaki, Tina Cross and Jackie Clarke). Local entertainers have included Road, The Nancies, The Immigrants, and Mojo Mighty Clouds of Joy Funk Orchestra.

The event offers a wonderful festival atmosphere amidst vineyards in a native bush setting – a great family day out!

Subsidised bus services will run from Nelson, Stoke and Richmond and sober driver services are available.