Easter Saturday in Donnybrook was the ideal backdrop for this year’s apple and pear showcase. The 2026 Donnybrook Apple Festival was blessed with blue skies and warm sunshine, attracting around 9,000 festival-goers eager to sample the finest selections of the new season’s pome fruit.
Words Nardia Stacy, Executive Manager, Pomewest


YET again, the 2026 Pomewest stall was a standout success, bolstered by the enthusiastic presence of local growers. Dressed in bright hot pink shirts to honour Pink Lady apples, the Pomewest team engaged visitors with 13 different apple and pear varieties available for sampling. The “pick your own mix” concept was a hit, allowing customers to create personalised selections and explore new flavours.
“ Growers like Terry Martella, Sam Licciardello, and Jason Jarvis played a vital role, interacting with attendees and sharing insights about their produce. ”
Consumers love talking to growers, understanding the attributes of each variety, and learning the in-house secrets of growing a perfect piece of fruit.
Financially, the event not only covered its costs but also generated surplus funds, paving the way for future promotions, including the Pink Lady® Apple Launch event at Yagan Square and the Perth Royal Show, which has become an institution.
Special recognition goes to Sam Licciardello for coordinating fruit donations and ensuring everything ran smoothly, setting up and packing up on the day. Overall, this year’s festival showcased the strength and enthusiasm of our local industry, setting a high benchmark for future events.
The Pomewest Team made front page cover on three publications, The Countryman, Manjimup/Bridgetown/ Times and the Bunbury Herald, great exposure for the industry at harvest time!
More information Nardia Stacy, 0411 138 103, nardia@pomewest.net.au

