Christmas in July has become such a popular event that it is almost now a tradition in its own right.
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Celebrations of winter fare were once deeply connected to agricultural cycles known as "Saturnalia".
Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and time ruled the world during the golden age, an era that was thought of by the Greeks and Romans as birthing the origins of humanity.
Pagan traditions celebrating winter food were once known as a festival of "the best of days".
Much of our produce is at its best in winter, when flavours are concentrated into a delicious depth that is every chef's delight.
Mystery Bay-based Figtree Food Company will take to Cobargo Hall on July 6 from 6pm to present a seasonal banquet of the best winter fare available in the Sapphire Coast and Bega Valley regions.
The food will be hand-selected by Figtree's Sydney Royal medalist chef Richard Lawson, who is designing the banquet menu based around the best food on offer this winter.
The menu will also involve Figtree's hand-made chocolate, also a Sydney Royal medalist based on free trade, single origin, spice driven chocolate.
The event will be complemented by live music by Tim Northam of Bermagui's Honorbread, and Honey with Rich and Liz, as well as special local guests the Cobargo Nightsprites who will bring a special touch of magic to the evening.
"This is going to be a celebration of local produce, all the food coming from local farms and suppliers and again we are also very happy to have Tim Northam from Honorbread playing music and also supplying bread," Mr Lawson said.
"Honey will also play their beautiful music.
"The last event for Mabon Harvest in March at Tilba Hall was sold out and a fantastic community/regional event."
Saturnalia feasts were originally two-day events.
So the Figtree team have broadened out Saturnalia into a second event on Sunday, July 7 from 1pm at Cobargo Hall called Return to Your Bliss where live ethereal piano music will be played to a small audience, who will lie in warm blankets as the music infuses their ears, taking the listener deep underground to visit the winter space of the soul.
Tickets on July 6 are $38 for a three-course set menu, with vegan options available. Tickets on July 7 are $15.
To book, click here.