ECHO – East Coast Harvest Odyssey. A festival of the senses
‘Odyssey’ – a long series of wanderings or adventures, especially when filled with notable experiences.
ECHO Festival is back for another year, running over the weekend of the 8th, 9th and 10th of April. Hosted in the picturesque wine country on the fringes of Swansea, the 2022 program brings together chefs, winemakers and producers along with artists, musicians, storytellers, scientists, entrepreneurs and thought leaders.
The festival’s theme for 2022 is Kelp Forests, which play a vital role in the ecosystems of the East Coast and have been a staple for Tasmanian Aboriginal people from the region for thousands of years.
The East Coast Harvest Odyssey, known as ECHO Festival, has become known for weaving together immersive sensory experiences around the traditions of harvest, old and new. This boutique festival guides guests on a journey of exploration that encompasses all the senses – taste, smell, sight, sound and touch.
ECHO Festival showcases a diverse program that offers a range of experiences across food, sciences, nature, and art. The immersive experiences of this festival of the senses are intended to create a sense of reawakening and rebirth. Interactive experiences like the Womb Room, The Great Eastern Ferment (grape stomping) and Kelp Forest activations at the Beaker St Science Bar, are all designed to help patrons reconnect and recentre.
Other program highlights include headline musicians Hayley Mary and The Embers and performance art from Emily Sanzaro and Julia Drouhin, along with a host of talented performers. On Sunday, the After-Party Recovery Trail includes a Wine Trail itinerary followed by a relaxed afternoon concert at The Barkmill Tavern with acts including Pete Cornelius Band and Phil Smith Band.
ECHO Festival acknowledges the Pakana / Palawa people as the traditional and ongoing custodians of Lutruwrita and pays respect to Elders past, present and future.