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

The festival, which runs from June 18 to July 11, will showcase the villages and towns of the east through a series of
pop-up events, cultural activities, exhibitions and workshops. The program, which went live on Wednesday 12th May,
can be found at https://egwinterfest.com.au/ includes inspiring day time experiences and night time activities. So, pack
your winter woollies, book in your friends and plan a weekend away in East Gippsland during winter.

The festival kicks off on Friday 18 June in Bairnsdale with a launch event of live music, roaming performers, art projections
by local and international artists and food and wine. This weekend's events include a six-course dining experience with
local produce and beverages at Long Paddock, Lindenow. There will be a limit of 40 people who will enjoy smoked,
slow cooked and roasted foods with the food fire roaring.

On Sunday 20 June, Lightfoot and Sons Winery will host a Pinot Picnic and Masterclass. Lightfoot Wines & Sardine Eatery
+ Bar will come together to celebrate Pinot Noir at Lightfoot's Cellar Door. Sardine will provide delicious picnic boxes with a
selection of cheeses, charcuterie + conservas, not to mention a few treats during the course of the day to be enjoyed on the
deck or out on the lawn. Lightfoot's winemakers will be taking you through a Pinot Noir Masterclass down in the barrel
room.

The weekend of 26 June is brimming with activities including the Lakes Lights Festival – set to be a highlight event. It will
feature a jetty based, lakeside augmented and virtual reality installation surrounded by a parade of lights that will traverse
the footbridge to explore the light sculptures dedicated to East Gippsland's returning flora, fauna and the famous Bogong
Moth. The Nicholson River Winery will host a Winter Love Matchmaking night for singles over 40 and Omeo will host a Bonfire, Burgers and Banter pop-up event.

The festival continues into July with the weekend of July 3-4 hosting a Deep Winter event at Sailors Grave and in Lakes
Entrance, guests can enjoy a night of hearty winter foods, sourced locally and served with Gippsland Wines and Beers at
The Slow Movement Community Dinner. Enjoy the night with live music, live performances, woodfire pits and spectacular
light displays.

July 9 to 11 is the last weekend of the festival which will see a Winter Tunes Music Camp in Marlo, an adventure race in
Metung and Food Truck Festival at Mallacoota. On the final day, Sunday 11 July, local chef Rob Turner of Northern Ground
will be feature chef at a long table style event at Kings Cove, Metung to celebrate local food, wine and cooking. Ticket holders will tour the Metung Hot Springs site and have the opportunity to try the pop-up bathing tubs. On the same day there will also be a Quasitrad Music Concert at the Marlo Hotel.

W: https://egwinterfest.com.au/
Dropbox of images – https://www.dropbox.com/sh/oln0qk0f5e8kufz/AADthL68wHN0huvGxmra8wEFa?dl=0
For further information contact:
Ingrid Huitema | Gemini Communications | 0408 112 728 | ingrid@geminicommsconsulting.com.a