City of Clarence has announced a major new food collaboration for its 30th anniversary festival, partnering with Hobart restaurant Scholé and chef Luke Burgess to deliver a bespoke dining experience at the heart of the 2026 Clarence Jazz Festival.
Presented as ‘Scholé X CJF’, the collaboration places Clarence producers and produce front and centre, extending the festival’s long-standing connection to place through food as well as music.
Luke Burgess, whose work at Scholé is widely recognised for its clarity, restraint and deep respect for season and origin, will design a menu shaped by Clarence’s growers and makers. The experience will sit within the festival program, offering audiences an opportunity to further engage with the region’s landscape, produce and creative culture.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the collaboration reflects the festival’s ongoing evolution and its focus on craft, collaboration and local context.
“The Clarence Jazz Festival has never been just about music – it’s also about celebrating our community and that includes all the incredible local producers and businesses that help make our region what it is,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“From lamb, to oysters, and wines from our magnificent Coal River Valley, the festival offers a true taste of Clarence alongside world-class music.”
“Working with a chef of Luke Burgess’ calibre to deliver this collaboration further cements Clarence’s place within Tasmania’s world-class food and wine landscape. It’s a strong example of how food, culture and place can come together in a way that benefits our community and visitors alike.”
Luke Burgess said that he was attracted to how the story of local food sits within the festival rather than outside it.
“This collaboration is really about creating space for people to slow down, eat well and stay connected to what’s happening around them. I’m excited to be involved in a festival that feels so genuine – the focus on Clarence, on collaboration, and on doing things well really resonates. And of course, being part of the festival’s 30th year feels extra special,” he added.
The Scholé collaboration forms part of a broader anniversary program that brings together local, national, and international artists, major new commissions and a strong focus on Tasmanian creative practice. Festival wines for the 2026 program will be poured exclusively from Frogmore Creek in the Coal River Valley, further reinforcing Clarence’s role as both host and producer.
Mayor Blomeley said the 30th year of the Clarence Jazz Festival is a powerful reflection of both the festival’s legacy and its future.
“Reaching 30 years of this festival is a truly remarkable achievement and really speaks to the strength of this event and the ongoing appeal of this festival,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“We can think of no better way of celebrating this milestone birthday than with good food, good wine and four days of world-class music.”
The Clarence Jazz Festival runs from 19–22 February 2026 at Rosny Farm, with a host of local, interstate, and international artists and packed program spanning free and ticketed performances across five stages encompassing everything from family-friendly programming to late-night experience.
Leading the charge are Australian funk and soul heavyweights The Bamboos and global favourites Close Counters.
The full 2026 lineup, program and tickets are now live, with audiences encouraged to secure tickets early for The Big Day at The Park, which traditionally sells-out quickly.
For program details, tickets and updates, visit the Rosny Farm website.
Photo: (L-R) Owner of Scholé and chef Luke Burgess, local lamb farmer Lachie Van Balen and City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley.