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Check out what is in the East Gippsland Winter Festival from 21 June to 21 July 2024

From June 21st to July 21st, East Gippsland Winter Festival offers over 100 diverse events, including feasts, lantern parades, and workshops across the region. Join the fun!

By news@gippsland - 28th April 2024 - Back to News

For the fourth year, the East Gippsland Winter Festival is set to bring a lively list of activities to the region. There will be lavish feasts, lantern parades, art installations, workshops and pop-up events, all with a fun seasonal theme - we're talking full moon sauna soaks, a Medieval fire festival and icy sculptures to make you feel like you're in a winter paradise. There is so much on offer at the festival that we can't possibly round up all of our favourite events, but here's a taste.

Enjoy winter in East Gippsland, with a vibrant festival featuring light, food, music, art, and culture, from 21 Jun - 21 Jul. Perfect for all ages!

Festival fun weekend

On the first weekend of the festival, head to Koho Sauna for some hot-cold contrast therapy. Get steamed up in the sauna before plunging into the icy lake, living your best Scandi life. Then, if you're keen on continuing the Viking spirit, head to the Medieval Winter Fire Festival in Bruthen. The East Gippsland Historical Re-Enactment Group will be there to teach you some mediaeval games - and show off their sword fighting skills.

Once you've warmed yourself by the fire, bundle up and take a boat ride under the stars. The Stargazing & the Magical Milky Way Boat Cruise departs from Paynesville towards Ocean Grange, where you can admire the solar system away from the light pollution in town. Once you've reached your destination, you will be taken on a guided nocturnal walk through the bush, where you may spot kangaroos and bandicoots.

Lantern parade delights

Everyone loves a lantern parade, so there are several to choose from throughout the festival. There are the bright lights of the Neon Jungle in Orbost, where handcrafted lanterns are held aloft amid live music and fire twirling, and the Lakes Entrance Lantern Parade that is so popular that it takes place over two nights. There is something beyond magical about watching the lantern lights reflected in the Gippsland Lakes.

Meanwhile in Metung, there's Fire and Ice. Marvel at the glittering ice sculptures as they take shape under the artists' hands, right in front of you. Then be mesmerised by the fire twirling, breathing and juggling.

Winter Festival program

If that's too intense for you, visit the Metung Winter Market, where local artisans and farmers will be selling their wares. Think freshly baked sourdough, vegetables pulled straight from the soil, as well as handcrafted woodwork and homemade clothes. You might want to bring a basket to complete the wholesome, country market vibe.

Despite our best efforts, we've barely scratched the surface of what's on offer at the East Gippsland Winter Festival this year. We think you had better look at East Gippsland Winterfest website to discover even more events to enjoy.

Program highlights

Koho Sauna Full Moon Night Sessions

• Fri 21 June - Sat 22 Jun, various times
• Take advantage of Koho Sauna's hot-cold contrast therapy by simmering in the sauna and then taking a plunge into the lake

Bruthen Medieval Fire Festival

• Sat 22 June 3pm - 9pm
• Dress up in your best costume and enjoy the bonfires at the Medieval Winter Fire Festival, before watching historical re-enactments that feature ancient games and swordplay

Neon Jungle - Orbost

• Fri 28 June 5pm - 10pm
• The streets of Orbost will be lined with amazing lanterns from community workshops, as well as fire twirling, music and delicious food

Stargazing & the Magical Milky Way Boat Cruise

• Various dates, 7:30pm - 10pm
• Enjoy a boat ride departing from Progress Jetty in Paynesville to Ocean Grange for an unforgettable Stargazing tour, followed by a nocturnal wildlife walk

Lakes Entrance Lantern Parade

• Fri 5 July 5pm - 7pm
• Bring your own handmade lantern to carry in the parade - it's a sight not to be missed as the Lakes Entrance Foreshore comes alive with hundreds of lights

Fire & Ice @ Metung

• Sat 6 July 3pm - 7pm
• Enjoy spectacular fire and ice entertainment, live music and food. Watch a live ice carving performance, followed by a jaw-dropping fire breathing and juggling show

Nicholson River Trestle Bridge Long Lunch

• Sun 7 July 12pm - 2pm
• Enjoy lunch with a twist at this unique event, sprawled over the Nicholson River Trestle Bridge. Live music will keep you entertained while you dine on the very best local produce prepared by The Local Metung and Albert and Co, Lakes Entrance

Metung Winter Market

• Sat 13 July 8am - 12:30pm
• Stock up on winter produce at the market in Metung, where local stall holders will be in sell fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs and fungi, preserves, breads and baked goods, kombucha, handcrafted chocolates, ready-to-eat foods plus homemade clothing, woodwork and artisan made items

Pictures from Visit Gippsland website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com