The winter solstice also known as midwinter marks the day with the shortest time of daylight and the longest night of the year. Here in Australia our solstice is in June with this year’s falling on Wednesday the 21st. To celebrate, as it has been here in the Blue Mountains since 1994, a very dedicated team of the community organises an annual, vibrant, free community event known as the Winter Magic Festival.
On Saturday 24th June 2017 Katoomba’s main street will close to motor traffic allowing it to come alive with the towns biggest party of the year, lined with market stalls and totally handed over to locals and visitors to wander up and down. The festival organizes encourage you to dress in costume to be part of the spirit and if you need any inspiration this year’s theme is……
“Gaia. Our Winter • Our Magic • Our Connection”
Celebrating the connection between Mother Earth and the Festival – essentially the Winter Solstice
“The Gaia Theme personifies nature and Mother Earth and the environment that we live in – the trees, the leaves, the branches and how Mother Earth arms nurture the eco system that we live in here in the Blue Mountains.”
Much of what makes this festival a hit every year is the opportunity to experience the local talent of the Blue Mountains. From the artists, dancers, musicians drummers, choirs, jugglers, storytellers and poets all of them enthusiastic to share with you their talents and loves in one of Australia’s most famous towns, Katoomba.
THE BEST WAY TO ARRIVE
Arriving by train, whether it be from Sydney, or local from any of the stops along the Blue Mountains, is the best and easiest of options to be amongst the festival straight away. You can always walk, drive, taxi it or catch a bus but keep in mind local parking will fill quickly if your choice is to drive.
Why not go one better and make a weekend of it, we have homes available to spend the weekend in but be quick because we always book out for this very popular weekend. Blue Mountains Escapes accommodation and holiday rental.
The festival itself is free; however some activities may charge a fee.
For more information: www.wintermagic.com.au
