A fun festival with a sustainability message

If you like your festivals small and quirky the Tasmania’s ECHO festival should be on your radar.

ECHO, the brainchild of singer and entrepenueur Ange Boxall, combines of activities and experiences in a rural setting on Tasmania's east coast.

The festival, officially launched yesterday, will run from March 14-16 next year, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a celebration of music, local produce, sustainability, creativity, and the natural world.

The festival’s Friday evening signature event: Native Bounty Feast (above) will again showcase Tasmanian produce, this time incorporating elements inspired by the tides.

ECHO Festival is renowned for its hands-on workshops and artisanal demonstrations, and the main day on Saturday will see guests involved with traditional craftsmanship, such as blacksmithing in the on-site 200-year-old forge, where they’ll create unique anchor wall hooks.

Woodworking enthusiasts can craft a boat paddle-shaped spatula from Tasmania’s legendary Huon Pine.

Festivalgoers will also have the chance to explore their creative side at the Writer’s Corner with acclaimed Tasmanian author Robbie Arnott, and dive into the world of bees and pollinators with a special Bee & Honey Workshop hosted by Wild Hives Honey.

Additionally, the festival will feature seaweed activations, highlighting the ecological importance of these coastal organisms.

Throughout the event there will be live music performances and attendees can also enjoy gin, wine, and whisky masterclasses, led by top distillers and producers.

The Trashions on The Field fashion parade, where participants showcase outfits made from recycled materials, will return for another year.

For food lovers, the Farmers Corner will feature a selection of local producers offering fresh Tasmanian products.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.echofestival.com.au.

Images: Dearna Bond