This October, Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga will transform into a vegan paradise, full of cruelty-free, plant-based treats. Ten years in, the festival has grown from a crowd of 1000 in 2007 to 12,000 attendees at last year’s event. Incoming co-festival director Lea McBride says she wants this year’s festival to be a “celebration of how far we’ve come … and the huge impact we’re having worldwide”. “Veganism used to be something that was mocked or just not talked about,” she says. “But now it has become something of a norm."

Of course, McBride wants the festival to speak to non-vegans and the “V-Curious” as well. “Probably about 60 per cent of visitors are vegan already. We’ve tried to bring in different activities for the broader population. I believe the community is ready to be educated a bit more.” There will also be speakers, workshops, cooking demonstrations and robust Q&As. Local bands Inkswel, Donnarumma and A Party for Kate will perform over the weekend. Naturally, the event is committed to sustainability. The zero-waste festival will use compostable products and packaging, and a three-bin system will allow attendees to manage composting and recycling. Vegan Festival Adelaide will take place at Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga, Adelaide, on October 28–29. Entry is $5. For the full program visit the website.