THE NATIVE BOUNTY FEAST. PIC CREDIT: SAMMY JONES PHOTOGRAPHY
ECHO Festival EVENT FEATURE
ECHO Festival – an event known as the “grown- ups playground” – is back for another year celebrating the senses and quintessential lifestyle of Tasmania’s beautiful East Coast T he idyllic rural setting of lutruwita / Tasmania’s East Coast is well known for its striking beaches, food and wine, and breathtaking views. But ECHO Festival goes deeper to shine a light on the importance of a symbiotic connection with country that many Tasmanians are increasingly seeking to make space for in our lives. The East Coast Harvest Odyssey – ECHO – runs over the weekend of March 22-24, bringing together local winemakers, producers and chefs along with artists, musicians, scientists and thought leaders. ECHO 2024 has been artfully curated to help festival lovers switch off from their busy lives and switch ON the senses for a playful exploration of mind, body, and spirit – yes, there’s gin and whisky tastings – but there is a whole lot more than that! “ECHO is for the curious, the slightly odd, but meaningful types who care about things – the people who are interested in living,” says creative producer Ange Boxall, who founded the festival back in 2019.
“It’s about switching on in all the fun ways, so you’ll leave feeling connected, informed and enriched.”
The 2024 program offers a diverse range of experiences across culture and arts, food, and nature – all centred around this year’s theme – oysters. Nestled in the stunning East Coast wine country on the fringe of the seaside town of Swansea, ECHO 2024 celebrates authentic sensory experiences and the coming together of cultural, culinary and local produce legends. “It’s a celebration and representation of who we truly are as Tasmanians. It’s for people who crave a deeper, unique kind of enrichment and rejuvenation,” Boxall says. The iconic Native Bounty Feast, which sells out every year and is held on the Friday evening, is a food experience showcasing local and indigenous produce cooked over the coals. The 2024 feast will be prepared by Simon Ford of Marefold. Now based on Bruny Island, Ford has plied his craft in Europe, UK, Asia and the Middle East. His clients have included many high-profile individuals on some of the world’s most beautiful super yachts, private estates and private planes. Ford and his team support Tasmania’s talented, hardworking, and visionary primary producers,
28 Tasmanian Hospitality Review February/March Edition
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