Battle of the Banger

The Surveyor General Inn in Berrima hosted a food event for years that locals still talk about. It was simple, loud and joyful. Unapologetically regional. We all know Australians love a sausage sizzle.

In 2026, the Battle of the Banger returns to The Surveyor General Inn after more than a decade, re-imagined as part of Horizontal Festival.
The festival was launched to celebrate NSW, and this event goes to the heart of regional food culture. Food grounded in the stories, producers, and people of New South Wales.

This is not about novelty. It's about recognising the humble sausage as one of our most democratic food rituals — a product of farmers, butchers, makers, and cooks, shaped by place, tradition, and skill. From paddocks and abattoirs to butcher's blocks and BBQ's, the banger carries more story than it's often given credit for.

Set in historic Berrima, the Battle of the Banger starts on Sun 4 Oct 2026 at 5pm where NSW butchers and producers will put their craft on the line. Each sausage is judged not just on flavour, but on balance, technique, sourcing, and respect for ingredients. Guests are invited to taste, vote, debate and take part. Food stories are meant to be shared, not staged.