Done and Done!

Wow. Just wow. The Alive Team is still recovering from a most epic day on Saturday. But we are all vibing so high! I’m so damned proud of the volunteers who summoned preternatural energy in the lead up to, and on the day of, the event. The gleam off their smiles, inspiring every one of those members of the public who came, who saw and who felt energised by what was around them. Alive Fest is more than a market. There is a collective magic to it that is totally unique in Australia. And we’re lucky to have it right on our doorstep on the Central Coast. The energy was palpable and our visitors came from Canberra, Dungog, the Blue Mountains and many, many made the journey from Sydney.

To round off, I’d like to end with a favourite quote that sums up the magic of this place we call home. It’s a simple, elegant thought from Douglas Jarrold.

“Earth is here so kind, that just tickle her with a hoe and she laughs with a harvest.”

This is the potential we have in this magical place. It was so comprehended by the traditional owners - the Darkinjung - and this weekend it was potently celebrated in a spirit of joy and community.

Thanks once more to the @centralcoastcouncil for believing in Alive. And thank you, Coasties, for coming out in force to celebrate with us.

Any thoughts and suggestions for next time, or if you just wanna say something nice, please drop us a line @ alive@vnsw.org.au. Tickle us, and we will laugh with an even more bountiful festival next time!

Alive Fest 2024!

We are so excited to announce that Central Coast Council has come on-board to join us for 2024! They have recognised the high-vibing contribution that the event has made to the region in creating an inclusive community, working with the highest environmentally-responsible standards, and in utilising our vegan ethics to aid in a tasty and sustainable future for us all!

That means we can make the day even more fantabulous than ever!

As ever, Alive Fest will tantalise your taste buds with the most scrumptious plant-based hot food stalls in the state, the sweetest desserts on the Central Coast and the most exquisite range of artisanal wares available!

Epic New Venue

Our new home is the freshly transformed Leagues Club Park, adjacent to the best kids’ playground in the region and still only 5 mins from Gosford Station! And it’s flat, flat ground so it’s super wheel-friendly!

Always Free Entry!

That’s right. No cost. Nada. Not that you’ll be able to resist spending your hard-earned once you’re on site. Try and resist those aromas, we dare you!

Super Kid-friendly!

Don’t be afraid to bring the mites. It’s the perfect excuse to burn the energy out of them at the awesome playpark, then refuel it again with tasty doughnuts, cupcakes and fresh and fun bubble teas.

Fabulous Entertainment

Smooth tunes and epic live performances from our talented vegan entertainers and DJs. Free yoga sessions and more aweseomeness to be announced!

Get Ready!!

This is the signature plant-based festival in the state and we want put our stamp on the region as the new heart of an ethical, inclusive and vegan lifestyle!

And did we say it was fur-friend friendly? We’re saying it now 🐾 Bring along your pup-tastic housemates!

Spread the word about what we do, spread the love and see you soon!!

🐤🐔🐖🐓🐄🐑

Alive is brought to you by the Vegan NSW - a community-based charity and NFP organisation whose vision is to create a vegan world. As former stall holders at Alive, Vegan NSW is thrilled to be entrusted to facilitate Alive together with the local community. Together with a host of volunteers, we also run Newcastle Vegan Market and Sydney Vegan Market.

Enormous recognition and thanks go to Ricky Simoes for seeing the possibilities, dreaming big, and bringing the community together to create the haven of hope that is Alive.

Can’t wait for the festival? Create the festival vibe at home and support Alive at the same time!

If you love Alive, you’ll also adore the monthly Newcastle Vegan Market and Sydney Vegan Market. Treat yourself to their beautiful recipe ebook packed with over 50 mouthwatering recipes from vegan stallholders, businesses and individuals including I Should Be Souvlaki, Mi and Tea, Bodhi, Yullis, Alibi, and more!

Proceeds from the eBook support Vegan NSW and help keep the Alive Festival going.

Curated by @rainbownourishments - an enormous thank you Anthea for her outstanding work!

This is what people are saying about the eBook!

My mouth is literally watering after reading these recipes and looking at the beautiful photos. Can’t wait to try them out.

Greg McFarlane, Director, Vegan Australia

What a stunning book this is, replete with delicious universal recipes. Clear instructions and beautifully illustrated. When people ask “what do vegans eat” this book is the perfect answer. And when you don’t feel like cooking Vegan Eats and Treats provides access to some of the best vegan restaurants in NSW. I highly recommend it.

Lynda Stoner, Animal Liberation NSW

Everyone at Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary is very excited about the Vegan Market Eats and Treats ebook. The recipes look very delicious and we are looking forward to teaching children and ourselves loads of wonderful recipes from snacks to meals to refreshing drinks. 

Enjoy all the very yummy food and drinks it has to offer.

Tracey and Mick, Peanuts Wellbeing Sanctuary

We can’t wait to try each of the incredible recipes in the Vegan Market Eats and Treats ebook. Every recipe looks not only delicious, but easy to follow and sure to impress!

Kate & James, co-founders of Little Oak Farm Animal Sanctuary

The ebook is such a good way to get to know the people and stories behind the businesses. These recipes looks AMAZING and mean we can cook a bit of our market favourites at home! Cannot wait. ❤️

Renee Buckingham, World Vegan Guides (including Sydney Vegan Guide)