143 EAST GIPPSLAND WINTER FESTIVAL – The highlights

East Gippsland has come alive this winter with the launch of its new East Gippsland Winter Festival celebrating all things art, food, music, beer and wine.

Over the course of the festival, we have seen a Laneway event in Bairnsdale, a lantern parade in Bruthen, incredible food and wine and the truly mind-blowing Lakes Lights in Lakes Entrance.

The original aim of the Winter Festival was to draw visitors to East Gippsland, post bushfires and during the low season for visitation, creating additional income for the hard-hit tourism and hospitality businesses across the region.

The outcome, so far, has been overwhelmingly positive, with workshops and dinners sold out across the region. Communities have come together to create lantern festivals, lighting up remote townships and showcasing their ‘patch’ during the cooler months.

Event Creator Adam Bloem said of Lakes Lights “WOW! Lakes Lights as part of the inaugural East Gippsland Winter Festival blew my mind! So much magic on a cold winter’s night. The lanterns were literally WONDERFUL and the choir amongst the dunes was very special. Enjoyed by thousands of visitors! It was unbelievable and such a boost for the market stall holders and local businesses who all had roaring trade. All the organisers of the event should be so immensely proud - this group of talented, creative, passionate, hard-working, community-minded individuals are nothing short of amazing. Well done superstars! Can’t wait for next year”

Marketing Manager, East Gippsland Marketing, Hayley Hardy said “Winter in East Gippsland is typically a quiet time of year. It was so wonderful to see whole towns full of visitors, accommodation booked out and restaurants busy.“

The East Gippsland Winter festival, which ran from June 18 to July 11, has showcased the villages and towns of the east through a series of pop-up events, cultural activities, exhibitions and workshops.

The program includes inspiring day time experiences and night time activities.

visit egwinterfest.com.au