The East Gippsland Winter Festival celebrations continue to bring communities together, following a successful midwinter long-table feast in Marlo last weekend and ahead of a diverse line-up of local events scheduled for this weekend.
On Saturday, July 11, locals and visitors gathered beside the fire at Dunetown in Marlo for Embers & Ales: The Long Night Feast.
Hosted by Sailors Grave Brewing, the Yule-inspired evening focused on regional produce, dark beer, and shared community tables.
Gardener, television presenter, and cook Paul West designed and prepared a four-course menu showcasing East Gippsland and South Coast ingredients.
The dishes were accompanied by craft beer pairings from Sailors Grave, as well as local wines and non-alcoholic alternatives.
The menu for the evening featured freshly shucked South Coast oysters served with hot seaweed brown butter, sourdough crumb, and chives; Gözleme-style silverbeet and three-cheese flatbread with burnt butter, herbs, and garlic yoghurt; dark ale-braised beef served with winter root vegetables, celeriac-potato mash, bay leaf and horseradish gremolata; and winter apple crumble topped with burnt honey cream, toasted almonds and vanilla.
Local musical act Smuggler’s Moon provided the entertainment for the evening.
In keeping with seasonal traditions, guests also participated in a winter reflection ritual, writing down thoughts or habits they wished to leave behind, tying them to a Yule tree, and watching them burn in the central bonfire.
EVENTS THIS WEEKEND
The regional winter festivities will continue this weekend with three local events scheduled on Saturday, July 18.
The Cann River Winterfest – A Winter Night Out! will be held at the Cann River Community and Information Centre, running from 3pm-7pm.
Designed as a cozy, family-friendly evening, this event will feature a collection of market stalls showcasing handmade goods, local crafts, and unique treasures.
A line-up of food vans will serve a variety of winter hot foods and sweet treats.
To conclude the evening, attendees can gather on couches to watch a relaxed, feel-good movie.
The Snowy Steampunk Soirée in Orbost will make its return this Saturday, and will once again be held at the Snowy Rail Bridge (Western Bridge Precinct). Kicking off at 4pm and concluding at 7pm, this unique, themed event invites attendees to step into a winter wonderland beneath Orbost’s iconic timber trestle bridge.
Tickets include a bus shuttle to the western bridge precinct, live music from Smuggler’s Moon and electric cellist Christina Hayes, and one arrival drink (with hot toddies, local beer and wine available).
Catering will be provided by Wyanga Park Winery, with additional food and drinks available for purchase.
Proceeds from the evening support the ongoing preservation of the historic Snowy Rail Bridge.
For those looking for late-night entertainment, the Marlo Hotel is hosting a themed Wild West Night from 8pm until close.
The evening will feature themed cocktails, live country music, line dancing and country swing.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in Western attire, including boots and cowboy hats, to enjoy a night of classic regional hospitality.
