Winter solstice event electrifies the Borough

MORE than 4,000 people rugged up and headed to Queenscliff over the weekend to celebrate the winter solstice at the inaugural fire and ice themed Nightide event.

The Borough beamed with electrifying music, soundscapes, enchanting activations and winter delicacies as the sun set on Saturday evening, to toast to one of the longest nights of the year.

Attendees had the chance to take a dip into inflatable ice baths and saunas, taste fine local wines and beers and cast their eyes over flaming structures and an enthralling fireworks display.

Event producer Shaun Adams said the evening of vibrant celebrations far exceeded expectations.

“It went absolutely incredible, the energy within Queenscliff was amazing.

“We got very lucky with the weather, which made it even better.

“There were so many special moments – the Welcome to Country, the school kids lighting up the Borough with their lanterns and award-winning opera singer Lee Abrahmsen performing before the fireworks.

“The fire statue Pinch also had the full crowd engrossed.

“You don’t know what to expect going into ideas like this, so to get the response we did from the community was very special.”

Mr Adams said based on the success of the event, Nightide will hopefully be back in the immediate future.

“I definitely hope we can do it again.

“It had fantastic support from Searoad Ferries, Queenscliff Music Festival, Borough of Queenscliffe and local artist David Beaumont.

“Hopefully in future years it can continue to grow into something a lot bigger.”