Lanterns handcrafted by local children, the glow of a roaring bonfire and thousands of neighbours gathering under the winter sky have become the hallmarks of one of the Coffs Coast’s most cherished community events.
As the Winter Solstice Family Festival returns to Boambee East on June 20, organisers say the celebration remains true to the simple vision that inspired it more than a decade ago – creating a place where people can come together, connect and feel a sense of belonging close to home.
“For us at Boambee East Community Centre, the Winter Solstice Family Festival is about celebrating community, connection and belonging right here in our own backyard,” Boambee East Community Centre Manager Sue Butler said.
“When the festival first started, one of the things we recognised was that many of the larger community events were happening in Coffs Harbour, and people from the 2452 area often had to travel into town to take part.”
“We wanted to create something special for our own community – an event that was local, accessible and welcoming for the families, children and residents of Boambee East, Toormina, Sawtell, Bonville and the surrounding areas.”
That commitment to accessibility has remained central to the festival’s identity.
“We also knew that many people in our community were doing it tough, so it was important that the event was free or low-cost and accessible to everyone,” Ms Butler said.
“To be honest, we never imagined it would become an annual event. It was simply about bringing people together.”
Today, the festival attracts a couple of thousand people across the afternoon and evening, but Ms Butler believes its greatest achievement isn’t measured in attendance figures.
“More than anything, it’s about creating opportunities for people to connect, have fun and feel part of their community,” she said. “Seeing people of all ages come together each year is what makes the festival so special.”
This year’s program once again promises an afternoon packed with entertainment and activities, including live music from local performers, cultural dance, a smoking ceremony, free children’s attractions, community and market stalls, emergency services displays, food vendors, a silent disco and the much-loved lantern parade and bonfire.
Yet for Ms Butler, the most memorable moments happen well before festival day.
“One of the highlights for me will be seeing the lanterns come to life,” she said. “Local families, volunteers and children have been working on them for weeks through our community workshops, and this year students from Crossmaglen Public School have also been creating lanterns for the parade.”
“What makes the festival special isn’t necessarily one particular attraction – it’s seeing so many different parts of the community come together to create something magical for everyone to enjoy.”
That sense of ownership extends to every corner of the event.
“This is very much a grassroots community event, and creating opportunities for people to connect is a big part of what it’s all about,” Ms Butler said.
“We know that life can be busy and sometimes isolating, especially for young families and seniors, so creating opportunities for people to come together in a safe and welcoming environment is incredibly important.”
“Whether it’s making lanterns, volunteering, performing, or gathering around the bonfire, those shared experiences help create a sense of belonging and community pride, and that’s what the festival is really all about.”
The lantern parade itself has become one of the defining images of the festival, with many of the illuminated creations built by local residents during community workshops led by artist Jeremy Sheehan.
“By the time the lantern parade starts, everyone is pretty excited because so many people have had a hand in creating it,” Ms Butler said.
“One of my favourite parts is seeing the kids from Crossmaglen Public School and our After School Art Program carrying the lanterns they’ve made. They’re always so proud of them, and it’s lovely to see.”
The community bonfire that follows has an equally powerful draw.
“The bonfire is equally special because it really is the big drawcard – everyone loves a fire, and it has the ability to bring everyone together in one place,” she said.
“People bring their chairs and rugs and gather with family, friends and neighbours to enjoy the local entertainment, eat and drink, and simply enjoy the warmth of the fire. Those moments really capture what the festival is all about.”
Behind the scenes, however, staging the event is no small feat. Alongside running a busy community centre and delivering programs for children, young people and seniors, staff coordinate dozens of volunteers, performers, stallholders and partner organisations to make the festival happen.
“Funding is always a challenge,” Ms Butler admitted. “Ten years ago, it was much easier to put on a low-cost community event, but costs continue to rise each year.”
Even so, she said the generosity of the local community continues to shine through, with volunteers, sponsors and entertainers donating countless hours because they believe in the festival’s purpose.
“The rewards, however, are enormous,” she said. “Seeing the community come together, watching children proudly carry lanterns they’ve helped create, and seeing families making memories together makes all the hard work worthwhile. By the end of the night, we’re exhausted, but already thinking about next year.”
Ultimately, Ms Butler hopes visitors leave with more than just photos and happy memories.
“We want families to be able to come along and enjoy themselves without feeling like they have to keep putting their hand in their pockets,” she said.
“If children leave with wonderful memories, families have spent time together, and people go home feeling a little more connected to their community than when they arrived, then I think we’ve achieved what we set out to do.”
And for anyone yet to experience the Winter Solstice Family Festival, her invitation is heartfelt.
“I’d simply say come along and experience it for yourself,” she said. “Bring your family, your friends, your neighbours, a chair, a blanket and some warm clothes, and settle in for an afternoon and evening with your community.
“We’d love to see you there.”
For the full program and further information visit the Winter Solstice Festival website.
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