It has to be one of Sydney’s most picturesque food and wine festivals. Now, this year’s annual Pyrmont Festival has the added attraction of a new wine region partner, with NSW’s Orange joining in the fun to show off its many attractions.

This year sees the ever-popular two-day festival, now in its eighth year, move to spring – on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September – while the fabulous harbourside location remains the same: Pyrmont’s Pirrama Park.

Across the two days of the family-friendly festival of food, wine and more, visitors can sample an extensive range of gourmet bites, great wines and regional produce from around 100 stalls. There will also be plenty of live music, local and Orange region artists showcasing in the Tap Gallery Pyrmont Festival Art Prize, art classes in the park, plus rides and children’s entertainment.

This year’s festival is all about renewal and growth, says festival producer Lawrence Gibbons. “The festival is now in its eighth year, and it was time to bring the people of Pyrmont, Ultimo and the broader city of Sydney a refreshed and renewed festival – starting by changing the festival to spring. We are also delighted to be partnering with the award-winning Orange wine region, to showcase the best of the cool-climate winemaking central NSW has to offer.”

This year’s gathering also kicks off a 10-day culinary collaboration throughout the inner-city suburb, with local restaurants collaborating with wine makers and brands from the Orange region for a series of exclusive events. Highlights include:

• A festival after-party at the Terminus Hotel in collaboration with Printhie Wines and Pioneer Brewing on Sunday, September 16.

• A Mediterranean degustation with Ross Hill and Philip Shaw Wines at the new Mister Percy Wine Bar in Ovolo 1888 Darling Harbour on Wednesday, September 19.

• A degustation of fine poultry at Whirly Bird with matching Tamburlaine wines on Thursday, September 20.

• A lunchtime degustation at Café Morso paired with SeeSaw wines on Friday, September 21.

For more information on the Food and Wine Festival and its associated events, head to pyrmontfestival.com.au The festival is free to enter, with tasting tickets available for purchase on the day or in advance via the website.