French sociologist Emile Durkheim introduced the term ‘collective effervescence’ to the world around a century ago. Delightfully, it’s described as phenomenon that occurs when people come together in a way that ‘excites individuals and unifies the group’.

The very best shared experiences vibrate with this communal energy. We feel it at concerts, parties, sporting contests, stage spectacles, the best conferences and, of course, festivals.

Jaumafest is a December weekend festival that celebrates collective effervescence at Lenswood on Peramangk Country in the Adelaide Hills. It’s a time to pick your own cherries, sample natural wines and dance to a wild selection of joyful musical performances.

This curated experience, led by Sophie Erskine, enlivens a regenerative farm she shares with her family and many, many friends.

It’s hard to know which comes first – awe or inspiration. In the festival experience, any distinction between performance and audience is impossible to define

It was a delight to participate in this merry gathering as a festival-goer and as a host in the talks marquee – a new addition to Jaumafest’s offerings. Here in the powerful heat we shared playful conversations about food, art, nature and farming.

Rebecca Sullivan – regenerative entrepreneur

I was grateful for the opportunity to have a freerange conversation with Rebecca Sullivan, ‘granny skills’ practitioner, author, philanthropist and social entrepreneur. Bec is one half of First Nations food venture, Warndu; farm, Mallee and Myrtle; and Common Culture lab.

Bec’s zest for adventure with social ventures is compelling. She drew us into wily stories that kept us curious about doing more to regenerate our relationships with food, farming and Country. (If that sounds like your jam, her @grannyskills account is a must-follow.)

Jason Tyndall – artist by nature

After a fine interlude of stage takeovers led entirely by children carrying chickens, I was joined in conversation by poet, illustrator, photographer and CEO of Nature Play SA, Jason Tyndall. We leapt deep into his past as Jason vulnerably shared stories from his challenging childhood. Jason told us how this motivates his work to increase human connection with nature, starting as early in life as possible. If you can get hold of one, find your own copy of Where Birds Sing and Wildflowers Dance.

James Erskine – winemaker in natural flow

My final guest was the man whose name inspires the Jauma label (it’s Catalan for James) and, of course, the festival. We were treated to James Erskine’s insights about natural wine, cherries and farming life. As music continued in the background, we heard from James what it is to be in tune with the landscape, including explorations of cultural ‘cool burning’ with Traditional Owners. James and Sophie are some of the first non-Aboriginal farmers to open their gates (and arms) to this practice in recent years.

A fallow year follows before festivities renew!

It is clear that Sophie and James Erskine have co-created something special in bringing farming and festivity together with Jaumafest. It comes around every two years, so be sure to make some time in your world in December 2026 to contribute to its effervescent magic.

And if you’re ever looking for a host for a freerange festival or conference conversation, let me know. It’s one of my favourite things.