Aussie Mangoes’ annual event, mango Mess-tival, saw Australians descend on North Bondi to mark the beginning of summer and the peak of mango season in Australia.
Held in partnership with North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, festivities kicked off with nippers competing in fast and furious mango relay races and activities on the beach, followed by messy mango-eating competitions between nippers and members of the public.
Mango growers from across the country also shared their delicious produce at mango stalls where attendees were able to learn about growing and harvesting processes, whilst taste-testing different varieties of mangoes, such as Kensington Pride, Calypso, R2E2 and Honey Gold.
Mango-lovers were also treated to intricate mango flower carving demonstrations throughout the morning, and were given the opportunity to blend their own mango smoothie by hopping on a bicycle-powered blender from Bike n’ Blend.
Also on offer were juicy, grilled mango cheeks, available at the BBQ station.
Whilst Mess-tival allows Aussie mango lovers to celebrate the fruit of summer, it’s also an opportunity to raise-much needed funds for North Bondi Surf Life Saving Club.
This year, Mess-tival helped raise $67,185 which will go towards life-saving equipment and training resources.
Australian Mango Industry Association chief executive Robert Gray said it had been a wonderful day celebrating the peak of mango season at Mess-tival 2016.
“Mangoes are in abundance, and the flavours of all the products are exquisite, so it’s the perfect opportunity for consumers to try the four main varieties that are available at the moment,” he said.
“It’s been great to have mango growers from all over the country come together on North Bondi Beach for this annual event - the Prime Minister even came down to show his support.
“With the PM sharing the fact that he kick starts his morning with a mango shows that the King of Fruit really does fuel the nation.”
