Love Winter in Aireys launches this weekend

THE Love Winter in Aireys Festival is back from this Saturday and is set to ignite the Surf Coast with jam-packed weeks of creativity, celebration of local flavours and family fun.

The annual festival, now in its ninth year, will celebrate all the winter goodness Aireys Inlet has to offer.

Attracting locals and visitors alike, Love Winter in Aireys will officially launch with an Italian Disco Night at Little Feast of Aireys this Saturday, May 29, and run until August 30.

“The festival is just a wonderful way to celebrate our businesses, artists and community generally,” festival organiser Anne Dansick said.

“Our businesses are incredibly proud to be involved in this year’s festival to share the wholesome and nurturing experiences Aireys Inlet is renowned for.

“We invite everyone to explore our backyard, discover old and new favourites and support our community.”

Love Aireys in Winter will feature art exhibitions, local gin tastings, markets, a poetry competition, wellness retreats, mini golf and tennis tournaments and many more opportunities to connect with Aireys’ many friendly locals.

The program features events and culinary experiences for foodies of all ages, including a specially “foodies”-themed market and progressive dinner, which takes festival-goers to three different venues for each course and back home at the end of the night.

Coinciding with World Gin Day, craft gin aficionados will be able to taste the region’s finest gin while listening to live music performances in Aireys’ boutique tasting room.

Aireys is also joining the International Lighthouse Weekend celebrations with a specially themed poetry competition to celebrate and honour the iconic lighthouse.

The festival also has the school holidays covered with an introduction to Kids Circus Arts, a morning dedicated to making crafts, winter markets, homemade soups in the local community gardens and mini golf championships.

For those wishing to escape the daily grind to indulge their body and soul, Love Winter in Aireys will offer a Yoga and Ayurveda Retreat and Women’s Healing Circle to help us calm the mind and warm up from within.

“Winter on the Surf Coast is such a special and cosy time of year,” Ms Dansick said.

“There are still so many things to do and see.”

Love Winter in Aireys is presented annually by the Aireys Inlet Tourism and Traders Association, with support from the Surf Coast Shire.

For event details, head to the Aireys Inlet Facebook and Instagram pages for updates.