JOHN VAN KLAVEREN meets the locals staging a winter-long festival on the Surf Coast
Many of the one million plus annual visitors to the Great Ocean Road often overlook one of the cutest towns along the journey.
Many visitor guides point to Torquay, Anglesea and on to Lorne – but make no mention of Airey’s Inlet.
“It’s a pity because we have a lot worth stopping off for,” as Anne Dansick, organiser of the Love Winter in Aireys festival, points out.
The festival was the brainchild of a number of traders in 2007 and has since grown from a single weekend to a three month series of events.
“We wanted to put Aireys on the map and not be overlooked,” Anne says.
“It seems to have worked.”
The festival outgrew its initial weekend format, with more and more businesses and organisations asking to add events and activities.
“The only way to accommodate everyone was to have a longer festival, with a series of connected events, not only for visitors for also for the locals,” Anne explains.
“It gives the local community something to get excited about during winter and its certainly helped the businesses.
“Some have stayed open during the winter months instead of closing during down the off-season.
“Plus we have Aireys Pub hosting events and we nearly lost it which would have been a tragedy.
The bumper program for this year’s festival, now in its fifth year, offers an eclectic range of events and activities to the coast until the end of August, promising entertainment for visitors and locals every week throughout winter.
The program includes the popular Winter Ball at Fairhaven Surf Club, Wintersong at the Aireys Pub and the intimate Danny Spooner Afternoon House Concert at Cimarron.
With a local tennis tournament, trivia nights and literary gatherings, the Love Winter in Aireys festival presents community events across a wide range of genres.
“We’re thrilled with the number and range of events scheduled for this winter because there is something on the program for everyone,” Anne says.
“Whether you prefer to sing and dance or enjoy international cuisine, or just like to sit and watch and take it all in, you’re bound to find an event that appeals.
This year’s extensive program also features book launches, wellbeing and yoga workshops, live music, artist trails, international food and a family movie night.
“We’re thrilled to have such diversity and events that educate as well as entertain,” Dansick says.
For all event details and bookings, visit the Aireys Inlet website at aireysinlet.org.au and check Facebook for regular updates and news.
