Ghost tour meets true crime and tales of centuries passed.. Explore the 140-year-old iconic Hotel Esplanade and the ghosts of land and souls.

Ghost tour meets historical tale. Explore the 140-year-old iconic Hotel Esplanade through the lens of the paranormal. Presented as part of the Australian Heritage Festival

Presented as part of the Australian Heritage Festival's 'Oral and Social History' program.

'Social history provides a window into the past of ordinary people and oral history tells these stories through songs, storytelling, folklore, and memory. The secrets of our history tend to lurk in forgotten archives and dwell within the intergenerational narratives that make-up our diverse heritage. The voices of the Victoria's past continue to unravel the historical threads that binds places, families, and communities to the physical fabric of our heritage. Through stories, artefacts, recordings, places, and archives, these events will provide a window into the hearts and minds of ordinary people who shaped the historical landscape of Victoria.'

TOUR

Not your average ghost tour, this storytelling experience explores the ever-evolving Euro Yroke / St Kilda shoreline from pre-colonisation through to the current landscape where the grand dame Hotel Esplanade stands today. Storyteller Bo paints a picture of communities evolving and shifting as he unveils the souls who float and have floated throughout the Hotel Esplanade.

VENUE

Classified by the National Trust of Australia, the Hotel Esplanade is one of the earliest and most prominent 19th-century resort hotels in Victoria. From seaside resort to live music institution, these walls bare the hallmarks of ghostly potential. The hotel has housed and hosted many famous (and infamous) residents, visitors and musicians, none-the-least Alfred Felton; Australia's largest ever philanthropist to the arts, whose spirit still permeates the pub.

GUIDE
Led by charismatic local storyteller Bo Svoronos. A wordsmith, performer, researcher and fascinating mind, Bo weaves together insightful stories of mystery and intrigue with a touch of humour. Having lived and worked in St Kilda since the mid-nineties, Bo has independently produced and co-directed two St Kilda Writers' Festivals, numerous Yalukit Wilum Ngargee festivals for the City of Port Phillip (amongst many other hats) and spent his fair share of time frequenting The Espy.

DATES: Wednesdays during 2019

DURATION: 60 minutes

MEETING POINT: Details will be sent to ticket holders 3 days before the event. Please check in with the host on arrival to be shown to the meeting point.

MORE INFO AND ACCESSIBILITY ENQUIRIES: Please note this tour is through a busy working venue, involving walking and standing for much of the hour. If you require assistance, please email any accessibility requirements and questions through to arts@hotelesplanade.com.au and our staff can assist you.

U18's MUST be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian at all times

**Please arrive 10 minutes before the start of your tour. Unfortunately latecomers may not be able to join until a suitable point in the journey.**

We acknowledge the lands on which we present this work are the lands of the Yalak-ut Weelam people of the Kulin Nations. We pay our respects to their elders, past, present and emerging.