It’s Back. It’s Epic. It’s how you should Winter.

The fifth annual East Gippsland Winter Festival has a jam-packed program running until 20 July featuring art, culture, food, nature and wellness activities across the region.

From Paynesville to Omeo to Cape Conran, this year’s festival will showcase creativity, recovery and resilience as it marks five years on from the devastating black summer bushfires.

Festival Director Adam Bloem said that the festival has grown each year thanks to the efforts of employed staff as well as local artists, musicians, and volunteers.

‘In year one we were just amazed at the response, with so many people and local businesses getting involved. As the Black Summer Bushfires rolled straight into COVID lockdowns, the region was hit hard – but the Winter Festival provided some joy and an opportunity to help bring the community together with lots of free outdoor events,’ he said.

‘It’s been amazing to see the winter festival grow over the last five years. We’re constantly blown away by the support of the local community and our wonderful festival partners and sponsors. With so many people working together, the festival is now delivering a big impact with significant economic and social benefits across the region.’

This weekend, hit up Fire & Ice at Metung (5 July).  The event will feature live ice sculpting and a spectacular fire show  on the Metung Village Green overlooking the tranquil waters of Bancroft Bay.

On 12 July, check out  Lakes Lights at  Lakes Entrance Foreshore- a mesmerizing 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.

On 19 July check out Deep In The Weeds at Sailors Grave’s Dunetown, Marlo,  Sailor’s Grave Brewing’s infamous ‘Deep in the Weeds’ festival is back, taking place at ‘Dunetown’, for the first time – their epic new home base. Expect great music, weird and wonderful beers, delicious food and one hell of a night!

Four new noteworthy events this year

• Après Ski Party, Eight Acres, Lakes Entrance – A collaboration between Eight Acres x Albert & Co, this winter party will include a DJ, mulled wine, hot toddies, mouthwatering winter classic food options, a roaring fire and an après ski dress code.
• Op Shop Ball, The Monaro Centre, Cann River – Dress in your best Op Shop finds and enjoy a night of dancing, food, music and more in the stunning mud-brick Monaro Centre.
• The Great Alpine Scarecrow Competition, Swifts Creek – grab the straw, get creative & display your scarecrow in the Swifts Creek area! If you need some inspiration the Great Alpine Gallery will be running a scarecrow making workshop at the start of the festival. Prizes for the most creative scarecrows
• Bottomless Cocktail Brunch – Join Bancroft Bay Distillery for a Bottomless Cocktail Brunch at Pier 70 on the waterfront in Paynesville. The food will be as impressive as the view and Bancroft Bay Distillery will bring their signature spirits including gin, vodka, and agave.

For more information, including ongoing program updates, visit www.egwinterfest.com.au

Photo : Eclipse Photography