The program has been released online and in booklet form, featuring the favourite 100 Mile Dinner, Sunday Producers Market and Brunch and FOOD HQ, as well as the night markets and Forage among the 80 events.

FOOD Week president James Sweetapple said there had been no changes to events because they were a proven success after 24 years and encouraged people to plan their itineraries.

“There’s something for everyone,” Mr Sweetapple said. “People should go to the Orange FOOD Week website and have a look at the program, or pick up a printed copy, and go through and look at the events.

“They can also have a look at the Orange app, all the information is on there.”

Over 10,000 people from across NSW are expected to attend events throughout the nine-day festival, with the night markets likely to attract 6000 people alone.

Mr Sweetapple said the simplicity of seeing where products came from and talking to those who made them where what drew people back to the festival year after year.

“People want to get in touch with the producer of the food, or the cook, caterer or chef, and meet those people and talk to them, and see that even I can make a yummy dinner,” he said. “It’s not just about fancy dinner parties.”

But Mr Sweetapple said the best part of FOOD Week was its boost to the Orange economy.

“Everybody wins,” he said. “It’s so nice. It’s not some big commercial pitch. It benefits the whole of Orange. Accommodation, because everyone needs to stay somewhere, but also the winery, the cafe, the restaurant, even the clothes shop. It’s inclusive of everyone.”

FOOD Week Night Markets at Robertson Park will open the festival on April 10. Over 50 stalls showcasing the region’s producers will set up from pm to 8.30pm. Entry to the markets costs a gold coin donation.

COLOUR City Creative show off their talents in an exhibition at The Barracks, 2B Peisley Street, open every day of the festival from 10am until 4pm.

FORAGE, a 3.6 kilometre walk from Borenore to Nashdale through three vineyards, is on April 18. Tickets are $115 each and buses depart from the Orange City Library car park at 11.30am and return at 6pm.

THE 100 Mile Dinner on Molong’s Village Green is on April 13. The food and wine served on the night has been sourced from a 161-kilometre radius. Tickets cost $105 per person, with bus tickets an extra $20. Buses depart the Orange City Library car park at 6pm for a 6.30pm start.

SUNDAY Producers’ Brunch and Market will wrap up the festival on April 19. Held at Cook Park, the event will be on from 8.30am until 12.30pm. Entry is free.

alexandra.king@fairfaxmedia.com.au