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The countdown is on for the biggest party of the winter, with Solstice Search Party returning to Lake Pertobe on Saturday June 21.
The annual event attracts several thousand people annually, with attendees encouraged to rug up and embrace the shortest day of the year.
WildHoney Performing Arts made their Solstice Search Party debut in 2024 and will return with roving performances and a giant fire effigy.
The event will also feature a selection of new and returning neon sculptures from artist Carla O’Brien, The Nature Bus will help you create your very own clay owl and One Day Studios will be creating a “glow wall” and projecting lights across the beautiful natural landscape of the park.
After forecast storms meant Lotte Gallagher was unable to perform at the 2024 event, the Triple J Unearthed High finalist is on the bill for 2025. She will be supported by Pyper & Dylan, Mick Ferguson and DJ Andrew McClelland.
There will also be a wide array of local food vans, coordinated by the team from The Fresh Market Warrnambool.
Warrnambool Mayor Cr Ben Blain said that the event would be a celebration of light, colour, music and warm food.
“What started out as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic has grown and evolved into the most anticipated event on our winter events calendar,” he said.
“It’s an event that people are willing to travel for, but just as importantly, it’s an opportunity for our community to come together for a big celebration.
“Our Solstice event shows that winter in Warrnambool can be every bit as vibrant as the warmer months.
“Moving the event to Lake Pertobe last year was a big success. The site was more accessible, there was more space for food vans, there was more parking nearby and everything ran smoothly.
“Solstice Search Party is part of a packed winter events calendar in Warrnambool, so make sure you visit whatson.warrnambool.vic.gov.au to stay in the loop with everything that’s happening.”
Solstice Search Party is free to attend, with everyone encouraged to register for a free ticket to stay up-to-date with the latest event information.
Solstice Search Party is an all ages, drug and alcohol free event, brought to you by Warrnambool City Council.
Image credit: James Kol