Warm night for shortest day

THE winter solstice has been celebrated for thousands of years, and the Friends of Park Lake in Creswick will continue the tradition on later this month.

On Friday 23 June the group will be calling up the spirits of druids, pixies, elves, fairies and other mystical woodland creatures who will emerge from the twilight to gather with the community, both far and wide, to celebrate the Winter Solstice Bonfire at Park Lake.

There will be prizes for best costumes, including a special category for Steampunk interpretations.

Andrew Bell from Friends of Park Lake suggested that people attending the function should let their imagination run wild when it comes to costumes.

“It’s going to be such a fun evening and I would love to see as many people, young and old, come up with really creative, not to say mad, ideas,” he said.

“Anything goes. We are building on the success of our community winter bonfire last year when hundreds of people came to join in the celebration.”

Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction that incorporates retro futuristic technology and aesthetics inspired by 19th century industrial steam-powered machinery.

It may also incorporate elements of fantasy, horror and historical fiction.

As part of the event the Creswick Drum Circle will be performing, and bringing lots of percussion instruments for anyone who wants to join in.

Meanwhile the Creswick Scouts will be providing a free sausage sizzle.

The bonfire will be lit at 5 pm and the Creswick CFA will be there to keep everyone safe.

Park Lake Gardens are located in Creswick between the Midland Highway and Bridge Street.