Newbridge Winter Solstice

The winter solstice occurs when the poles of the Earth reach a maximum tilt away from the Sun, creating the shortest day – and longest night – of the year. In the southern hemisphere this occurs on June 22 but can occur between June 21 and 23.

In the Central Tablelands village of Newbridge, 15km south-east of Blayney, the winter solstice is celebrated on June 24 with a festival of Viking battles, dance performances, live music and the event centrepiece, the burning of a huge bonfire with a wicker man atop.

The burning of the wicker man has its roots in Celtic pagan ceremonies which gave rise to modern events in Scotland, Ireland and France. These historically take place in Spring or on Midsummer’s Eve, so the Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival has more in common with the midwinter traditions of Portugal’s Caretos, Bolivia’s Willkakuti, Peru’s Inti Raymi, Sweden’s St Lucia and the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. Mini wicker men will again be on sale, to toss into the fire as a cleanser of bad energy.

After a COVID-induced hiatus since 2019, the return of the Newbridge festival in 2023 was intended as a small event. Enthusiasm has proven so strong, however, that this is heading back with a fiery roar.