WinterWild

Overview

Move over, Dark Mofo. Victoria's Apollo Bay is getting an after dark arts festival of its very own.

Creeping into the coastal shire on the eastern side of Cape Otway, WinterWild will take place on select Saturday nights in July and early August. Each evening will begin with a ceremonial bonfire on the beach, before branching out to the Mechanics Hall and beyond.

Standout events on the program include a performance of Tosca by local opera company Cut Opera, a screening of the '90s cult surf film Litmus, sets by Sand Pebbles and Dirty Three's Mick Turner, and talks by Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford and Arnold Zable.

Local cafes and restaurants will also get involved with the festival. Steve Earl's acclaimed La Bimba will devise a special festival menu, and provide a place for revellers to recover as the sun rises on Sunday morning.

"This festival won't be for the faint-hearted," said festival director Roderick Poole. "It is very much aimed at adventurous spirits ready to take on a challenge; to embrace the harsh environment and celebrate the beauty of the elements at their extremes.

WINTERWILD 2017 DATES:

Water (July 1-2): Mick Turner (Dirty Three), Sand Pebbles, screening of Litmus with soundtrack performance by director Andrew Kidman.

Earth (July 15-16): Butoh performer Yumi Umiumare, Tek Tek Ensemble, Tosca by Cut Opera.

Air (July 29-30): Programmed by the Apollo Bay Writer's Festival, including Michael Leunig, Clementine Ford, Arnold Zable and Emilie Zoey Baker.

Fire (Aug 12-13): Massed choir of 100 singers, ritual burning of festival sculpture, live music.