THE inaugural and exciting SENSE-ational Aireys festival, held between Friday 29 May and Sunday 28 June, lived up to its name and was truly sense-ational.<\/p>\n
Boasting a program of sensory overload, the festival had over 40 events\u2014all of which celebrated the diverse cuisine, fun and cultural activities, arts and craft, health and wellbeing, music, dance and nature-based experiences that are available in Aireys Inlet.<\/p>\n
SENSE-ational Aireys proved to be an exciting addition to the Surf Coast calendar, with Aireys showing everyone that it is open for business in June and has lots to do even in cooler weather.<\/p>\n
“The support (and belief) in SENSE-ational Aireys from our sponsors, traders and volunteers has been fantastic,” Michael Lawrey, president of the Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association (AITTA), said.<\/p>\n
“The fact it is a festival of sensory experiences and a celebration of what Aireys has to offer, excited sponsors and engendered great support.”<\/p>\n
AITTA confirmed key sponsors of SENSE-ational Aireys included KCM Travel, the Surf Coast Shire, Anglesea and District Community Bank, Surf Coast Arts Inc., Surf Coast Times and Eagles Nest Gallery.<\/p>\n
In addition, key contributors such as AAH Art and Healing, Ocean Inlet Holiday Accommodation, Snap printing in South Melbourne and Le Comptoir Restaurant and Bakery made it possible to create a social media platform, print programs, host artists and guests and provide support to our volunteers.<\/p>\n
“With the support of the wonderful sponsors and contributors and volunteers with diverse experience, we created a platform for something unique, and an event entirely focused on showcasing the businesses, services and community of Aireys Inlet and surrounds,” Lawrey said.<\/p>\n
“A volunteer hosted a labyrinth walk at her property, Painkalac Valley Network volunteers offered nature walks and a creative en plein air experience and others hosted dancing, films, art and a music through the decades event.”<\/p>\n
A conversation panel was also held on 13 June about “connection to Aireys and the Surf Coast” and featured special guests including actor and media personality Glenn Robbins, sports media professionals Neil Kearney and Luke Darcy, and Supreme Court Justice Rita Incerti.<\/p>\n
The festival program included art and craft workshops hosted by AAH Art & Healing, musical tributes (including Beatlemania), literary sessions conducted by Great Escape Books, mini golf and nature excursions, salsa and line-dancing sessions and amazing cultural and taste experiences provided by A La Grecque, Le Comptoir, Pasta Di Puglia, Kiem’s Dining and the Captain of Aireys.<\/p>\n
The Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association is committed to delivering another SENSE-ational Aireys program in 2027 and says there is no doubt that 2026 was an amazing first year.<\/p>\n