“If this year’s East Gippsland Winter Festival’s opening weekend is anything to go by, it is going to be the festival’s most exciting year yet”, was the announcement from the organisers after the region’s much-anticipated yearly festival launch party held at the Slipway in Lakes Entrance last Friday night.
Hosted by festival founder and director Adam Bloem, emceed by Cameron Smith from Triple R, the official event started with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Alan Solomon, and was officially declared open by East Gippsland Shire Council mayor Cr Tom Crook, before opening to the public to party in true winter style.
Guests were treated to a sneak-peak festival showcase while enjoying food and beverages from local producers, live musical performances and appearances from some of the festival’s unique characters.
East Gippsland Marketing’s Lilly Martin announced that with 100 events organised over the next month, it is the largest winter festival in Australia.
The Gippsland Jersey Winter Solstice Sunrise Swim followed the successful opening party the next morning, with 200 adventurous participants engaging in a breath-work session before leaping into the freezing lake.
Running until July 21, there is still plenty of experiences to cater for all ages, interests and budgets.
Mr Bloem was elated by the success of the opening weekend and what is shaping up to be a successful fourth festival.
“Our creative community have pulled out all stops to make 2024 more magical than ever,” he said.
“They know this year more than ever, everyone needs some good free fun and a winter full of experiences to distract from the day-to-day pressures many households are feeling. Our school holiday events are amazing value (many free) for families and there are still some tickets left to the ‘adult only’ long lunches, dinners and gigs.”
Some events coming up for Lakes Entrance and Metung include:
– The annual Lakes Lights: Enchanted Shores on July 6 with a mesmerising spectacular of artist-made lantern sculptures, roaming performers, and lighting projections will create a whimsical world on the Lakes Entrance Foreshore, with food trucks and live music.
– Also on July 6 is Metung Fire and Ice – a festival favourite, don’t miss the magic of live ice carving, fire breathing, food stalls and live music in the picturesque Metung village.
– Koho Sauna Full Moon Night Sessions, July 19 and 20, is a unique experience of hot/cold contrast therapy, enjoy access to Scandinavian styled wood-fired sauna before taking the plunge in the Gippsland Lakes to cool off under the full moon.
– Paint and Sip event at the Metung Yacht Club with all art materials and professional guidance from local artist Helen Crossley on Sunday, July 7, and there is the Metung Winter Market on July 12.
– Local sustainability leader Beth Ripper and Landcare folk will host a bushwalk from the Lakes Entrance Footbridge to the Ocean Entrance on Sunday, July 7, and Sunday, July 14.
– The Lake Tyers Beach bush picnic, stroll and activities starting from Oneonta, locals help find animals, birds, plants and frogs on Tuesday, July 2. Also Tracks, Traces and Nightlife on July 12.
– There is the EMERGE retreat on Saturday, June 29 to Sunday, June 30. Inverno, an Italian feast by Guy Grossi and Nick Mahlook at Sodafish has sold out.
– Sirens of the Lakes Craft Studio has many workshops over the festival including making a scratch art lamp and slime time.
– Resin Art at Saltwater Creative with an experienced instructors will guide you through the process to create your very own unique resin artwork on Saturday, June 29 and Saturday, July 13, and Kids Skateboard Painting on July 4 and 9.
– FROTH is an evening of local storytellers telling short personal stories about festivals, friendships and fiascos. Held at the Slipway Sheds with Darren McCubbin as MC, Dane Nicholls on music on Saturday, June 29.
– Paddlers Progressive Picnic at the Footbridge then making your way by Kayak or SUP towards the entrance boardwalk, stopping in along the way to dine on local produce. Sunday, June 30.
– Yoga Nidra with Rayne is at Metung on Sunday, June 30, it is the practice of non doing while lying or seated. The practice by simply listening and feeling, and skillfully taken into deeper states of your being.
– Sardine curing workshop and lunch at the Slipway on July 2 and 9 or perhaps make a postcard from Lakes Entrance, nibbles and champagne at the Slipway Shed on July 13.
– Nungurner has a Fungi Walk, Fungi Flan and Fungi Latte on July 5, a Lakeside Stroll and Fireside Sketching on July 5, 6, 7, 12 and 13 and creative child drawing adventure on July 6 and 13.
– Damper and lantern making under the stars is at Nyerimilang Homestead on July 12.
More activities and details can be found on the East Gippsland Winter Festival website.
IMAGE: Tahlia Rose-McKenley, Atina Baker and Teagan Mitchelson were in the spirit of the evening at the East Gippsland Winter Festival launch party held at the Lakes Entrance Slipway Sheds last Friday. The month-long event kicked off with a busy weekend and there are still more than 100 events to enjoy across the region until July 21.