Welcome and firelight ceremony

The Welcome and firelight ceremony takes place at the Mansfield Botanic Park stage, at the eastern end of the park - a beautiful and fitting setting to open the festival weekend as darkness falls on the first night of the winter solstice celebrations. There is no fixed seating, so please bring a fold-up chair or picnic blanket to make yourself comfortable. The park has low lighting, so a torch or headlamp is recommended. Parking is limited at the park, but Mansfield town centre is an easy walk away. We'd encourage you to stroll in as the evening begins. Expect quiet and calm with acoustic music with Abigail Wettenhall, a meaningful welcome and firelight to mark the start of the weekend. Dress warmly - it will be cold but it will be worth it. *Coffee van onsite - grab a hot chocolate or coffee to keep you warm* Please grab a (free) ticket so that we can keep track of numbers