Nic Giblett, one of the famous Manjimup Gibletts, has penned this following piece.

GOURMANDS all over have lately become increasingly aware of a once little-known South West Australian town, thanks largely to the magic woven by the famous black truffle that has made Manjimup its Southern Hemisphere home.

“Manji,” however, is no one-trick pony. Combine it with neighbouring Pemberton, Walpole and Northcliffe, and think breathtaking stands of tall karri surrounding rolling green hills covered with vineyards, dotted by peaceful grazing cattle, sparkling freshwater dams and lakes teeming with sought-after marron, and the picturesque orderly rows of orchard trees – none more popular than the sweet red cherry. All this and more besides will be celebrated at the 2008 Manjimup Cherry Festival, to be held December 13 and 14 in the heart of Western Australia’s beautiful Southern Forests region.

Originally conceived as a morale-boosting event to revive the flagging spirits of the Manjimup township following the demise of its lifeblood tall timber industry, the festival is now in its seventh year and continues to attract a crowd of thousands to celebrate everyone’s favourite fruit.

According to festival coordinator Rose Moyle, the 2008 events programme is moving into new territory. “We want to highlight and celebrate the extraordinary range of beautiful fresh produce available in one of Australia’s most spectacular, clean and green regions: WA’s Southern Forests – and the talented people who bring that produce to your table,” Rose says.

The undoubted highlight of this year’s festival and a new introduction in 2008 will be an interactive cooking demonstration – ‘Tastes of the Southern Forests’ – by top West Australian chefs Don Hancey and Peter Manifis, to be held in main street Manjimup on the Saturday.

These two charismatic culinary maestros bring with them a wealth of experience in staging public food and wine-related events. Expect the very best of Southern Forests produce – marron, truffles, trout, lamb, beef, cheese, nuts, wine, a veritable cornucopia of veggies, and of course, cherries – used to great effect but in a quick and easy style that can be replicated in anyone’s kitchen.

The main festival day also features a range of entertainment for the family, including the traditional pip-spitting competition, fashion parades, market stalls, wine tasting, craft & wood displays, street theatre, and children’s rides and activities.

On the Saturday evening, cherry lovers are invited to pack a picnic for the Manjimup Timber and Heritage Park and enjoy WA band Murphy’s Lore – headed by Australian Idol finalists and brothers Chris and Courtney Murphy.

Sunday sees the festival blue-ribbon event unfold at Newtons’ picturesque cherry orchard, where a gourmet-focussed crowd of 160 converge to partake in a unique five-course long table lunch. Cherries naturally feature in most courses, paired with the best of local produce and wines and set under the leafy shade of cherry trees laden with sweet ripe fruit.

For further information on this year’s cherry festival contact Rose Moyle on 08 9771 2316, e-mail mjpcherryfestival@westnet.com.au or visit the website: www.cherryfestival.com.au. For information on Don Hancey, visit his website at www.donhancey.com.au or Peter Manifis’ www.vineleaves.com.au. The festival’s 2008 long table lunch chef is Ian Leaning of the Gloucester Motel and Figjam Catering; contact 9776 1266 or www.gloucestermotel.com.au.