Tasmania’s boutique ECHO Festival is expecting up to 600 people this weekend as the adults-only event celebrates its sixth year with record advance sales.
The East Coast Harvest Odyssey (ECHO) takes place on a historic farm site in Swansea, offering what founder Ange Boxall calls a “festival of the senses” combining food, wine, live music and hands-on workshops.
“People find out about ECHO through word of mouth more than any other way,” Boxall said.
“Once they experience it, they want to return each year.”
The festival runs from Friday to Sunday, with the main drawcard being Friday night’s feast in a 200-year-old candlelit barn, which sold out rapidly this year.
Boxall said the adults-only policy allows visitors to fully engage with activities like blacksmithing, woodworking and ceramics while enjoying local gin, wine and whiskey.
“You switch off from your daily routine, forget about your worries and focus on switching on all your other senses,” she said.
This year’s lineup includes Yirramal, who has flown down from Arnhem Land for the weekend and local Hobart band Powderkeg.
A new Sunday “Ripple Session” featuring seafood and brunch has been added to close the festival.
“We’ve got sheep shearing up close and personal, our maker’s market and farmer’s corner where people can sample locally produced wares,” Boxall said.
The festival, which became a not-for-profit company in 2022, aims to showcase Tasmanian artists and producers while incorporating Aboriginal knowledge and cultural understanding.
Weather forecasts are favourable for the weekend, allowing organisers to light their signature fires for atmosphere.
Limited tickets remain available, including an “Echo Express” option for those who can only attend after 5pm Saturday.
All tickets include Sunday access.
Go to echofestival.com.au for more.
