NEWQUAY’S community garden is staging a new family-friendly festive celebration to mark the winter solstice.
Newquay Orchard is inviting the community to come together to mark the shortest day of the year and welcome the return of light on Saturday, December 21 between 10am and 4pm.
The inaugural winter solstice celebration will feature an array of activities including craft stalls offering handmade gifts and a range of workshops to help people enhance mental wellbeing during the winter months and learn new skills.
There will also be organic food and drink with a festive theme available at the Heart and Soul Café as well as an opportunity to explore the Orchard in its winter beauty.
A Newquay Monoliths clay and ceramics workshop in collaboration with ALAM ArtSpace will be held between 10am and 12pm.
Guided by artist Robin James Sullivan, participants will create and shape their own ceramic panels using locally gathered materials which will adorn The Newquay Monoliths, a new public sculpture commission for Newquay.
A Winter Solstice mindfulness workshop will be held in the Orchard Gardens from 10am and 12pm.
Participants will be learning about the origins of the winter solstice, drinking some warming wellness tea, and doing a short ceremony to celebrate the year so far and welcome the next part of the year.
Those taking part will also practice mindfulness techniques, discuss winter wellbeing and make a small nature lantern to represent solstice at the orchard.
Christmas Lunch will be served between 12pm and 2pm. Visitors will be able to enjoy a pre-ordered two-course Christmas lunch sourced locally and utilising ingredients from the surrounding gardens, served by the dedicated volunteers in the Heart and Soul Kitchen team.
A guided nature tour and advent-themed scavenger hunt will be staged between 2pm and 4pm.
Those taking part will be able to explore the Orchard Gardens with an engaging family-friendly scavenger hunt featuring festive treasures.
A sustainability and recycling workshop staged by Beach Guardian will be held in classrooms one and two. Participants will be able to discover how to repurpose waste materials into new products and learn practical ways to live more sustainably.
Charlotte Hill, the CEO of Newquay Orchard, said: “We warmly invite you to share with us this magical winter season event, with the opportunity to see the wonderful lanterns again, created by local children and Blystra Arts, used in the Trenance lights parade last month. Enjoy time out from the hustle and bustle, enjoy some seasonal treats and get creative.
“Whether you’re looking for unique holiday gifts, delicious food, or a space to unwind and reflect, the Winter Solstice at Newquay Orchard is the perfect way to celebrate this special time of year.
“The Heart and Soul Café will be open all day, serving festive treats and drinks crafted by our dedicated volunteers.
“Browse our mini market, showcasing unique, handcrafted gifts and products created by staff and volunteers. Perfect for your last-minute Christmas shopping.
“Further activities and some extra festive surprises to be announced closer to the day.”