Not only is Festivale the chance to unwind and catch up with friends and family over the course of a weekend, but it also gives our residents an opportunity to meet the producers behind the food and drinks we enjoy throughout the year.

Plus we get to sing and dance along to music from the likes of Hoodoo Gurus, Kate Ceberano and Brian, as well as be inspired by our top chefs to cook up a feast.

Festivale chairman David Dunn said there had been a lot of buzz building throughout Launceston as the weekend drew near.

“One of the highlights this year is the lineup of entertainers. There’s been a lot of positive comments, with people saying it’s the best lineup in years,” Mr Dunn said.

“We just released the stallholder details and a map. People love the number of stalls, the calibre of their offerings and the variety of food.”

The Festivale committee introduced corporate seating tickets for the first time this year, offering reserved tables of 10 between 4pm and 7pm on Friday.

“We had lots of businesses buy them as staff rewards, a social club activity or for clients. Many have ordered platters [from the stallholders] to be delivered to their tables,” Mr Dunn said.

Moving the event forward to the first weekend in February has received a thumbs up from parents, with the popular family-oriented Festivale Sunday a family-friendly activity before the 2019 school year begins.

“It will be one last hurrah for families that weekend before school goes back,” he said.

AccuWeather forecasts mild, slightly cloudy days for Festivale, with temperatures of 22 and 23 degrees expected.

“The weather is looking unbelievably good on the long-term forecast,” Mr Dunn said.

Some masterclass tickets are still available, and general release tickets are selling now.