Nocturne No. 2: Winter Solstice Darkness to Light

Gather in the woods to mark the longest day of the year as we welcome the returning of the light. Step out from the the festive frenzy for a while and enjoy the fun of being out after dark. Come alone or bring family and friends – teenagers welcome!

You are invited to join a small group with a night guide to gather in Talbot Woodland at night. Do something different at this special time of year. Allow yourself to release fear and relax into the community of togetherness. Let your eyes adapt to the darkness and your senses heighten as you embrace this natural human condition.

Nocturne is a celebration of natural darkness and human connection and invites you to seize the night!

What to Expect:

• A guided night-time gathering in Talbot Woodland on the eve of Winter Solstice

• Gentle rest and reflection in the dark

• Carol singing together as we gradually illuminate the space around us.

• Space to relax, chat and connect with each other in nature and on the longest day

• This event will be experienced in low light.

Details

Meet Briony and the team at Slades Park Pavilion by the car park at 6.30pm. We will take a short stroll (5 minutes) by torchlight to a clearing in the woods where we will sit together on our own chairs.

6.45pm Introduction from Briony - why are we here and what is important about being outside at night in the dark together. Introduce yourself to the group.

6.55pm LIGHTS OUT, LISTEN and REFLECT – Sit peacefully in the dark woods, listen to the sounds around us as we enjoy the midwinter darkness.

7.10 DARKNESS TO LIGHT We begin to sing as the candles are slowly illuminated, gradually lighting up the woodland clearing

7.30 LANTERN MAKING - Record a favourite memory from this year in a lantern. Hang it on a tree and read other people's memories and chat.

7.50 RETURN - Procession out of the woods carrying our lanterns.

What you will need:

Wear warm clothes, we will be outside.

Bring a chair, a torch and a warm drink. Maybe a blanket too if its cold.