WASHED OUT FESTIVAL NOW READY TO SHINE

THE postponement of boutique harvest festival ECHO has come with a silver lining. The rescheduled event now boasts an even bigger list of performers and entertainment.

Originally scheduled for March, the ECHO Festival, or East Coast Harvest Odyssey, had to be rescheduled to late April because of severe flooding that left the event site under water.

Founder and creative producer Ange Boxall said she had spent the past month trying to lock in a new date and provide even more entertainment for fans.

“Once we had a new date locked in, then we focused on adding to the list of entertainment and I’m thrilled we can add even more to the ECHO experience,” Ms Boxall said.

“The biggest change has been around the music lineup. We sadly lost two, but we’ve upped the ante and gained six artists,” she said.

One of the new artists is musician Ben Salter, who said he was thrilled to come on board and perform.

“The line-up is great so I’m really excited to be a part of the festival,” Salter said.

“Those coming should expect a lot of good food, nice booze and a great atmosphere in an awesome location,” he said.

Ms Boxall said while she was originally upset the event had to be postponed, she was thrilled it allowed her more time to make the event even bigger.

“Originally it was really devastating to lose those from interstate. We had to refund their tickets due to it being postponed,” she said.

“Thankfully though the extra time has allowed us to create an even bigger event and festival goers can now expect even better music,” she said.

Ms Boxall said the event would bring together diverse chefs, wine masters, storytellers, musicians, performance and installation artists, as well as scientists to create a unique and cultural experience.

“On top of all the performers and entertainment, there’ll also be fire and hot gin drinks and lots of warmth, we really want to embrace the elements,” she said.

ECHO runs from Friday to Sunday at Gala Mill, Cranbrook.