Hosted by the Kensington Residents’ Association, with support from the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters.
Images kindly shared by the Walking Wings community project, Fleurieu Environment Centre
The Kensington community warmly invites you to a joyful and family-friendly Winter Solstice Gathering, celebrating the changing seasons and our local creatures.
This community project invites children, young people, families and neighbours of all ages to gather in wonder, imagination and connection. We invite you to come dressed as a local creature, wearing masks, costumes or creature-inspired creations. You might arrive as a moth, a bird, a frog, a possum, a plant or another being of nature – or simply come as yourself.
In the weeks leading up to the gathering, two free creative workshops will be held at St Matthew’s Activity Hall, led by cherished South Australian artist Laura Wills.
These workshops will support participants to create masks, costumes and wearable artworks inspired by local creatures and the magic of winter. They are a chance to come together, meet neighbours, spark imagination and prepare for the celebration. You are welcome to attend one workshop, both workshops, or none at all and still join the Winter Solstice Gathering.
Everyone is welcome.
Key dates and bookings links:
Creative Workshop 1 – BOOK HERE
Saturday 23 May 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm | St Matthew’s Activity Hall, corner of Bridge Street and Wellington Street, Kensington 5068
Creative Workshop 2 – BOOK HERE
Saturday 13 June 2026 | 12:00pm – 3:00pm | St Matthew’s Activity Hall, corner of Bridge Street and Wellington Street, Kensington 5068
Winter Solstice Gathering – BOOK HERE
Sunday 21 June 2026 | 4:00pm – 7:00pm | Borthwick Park, Thornton Street, Kensington 5068
On Sunday 21 June, we will gather at Borthwick Park beside the creek, beneath the ancient Story Tree – the magnificent old Red Gum that has watched over many seasons.
As dusk arrives, we will take a playful neighbourhood procession through the suburb, celebrating the turning of the seasons and the beauty of winter, before returning to the park for music, storytelling and seasonal refreshments.
The winter solstice is the longest night and shortest day of the year — a time honoured across cultures as a moment of reflection, togetherness and welcoming the return of light. Our gathering reimagines this tradition through local nature, creativity and community connection. Whether you arrive as a glowing moth, a wise owl, a frog from the creek, a possum of the trees, or simply as yourself wrapped warmly in winter clothes — you are most welcome.
Come rugged up. Come dressed up. Come celebrate the longest night and welcome the returning light.
