It’s that time of year again, the sun is approaching its zenith and the sounds of summer are in the air. On Sunday 19th December, Summer Solstice celebration will be held at Djanbung Gardens. The Summer Solstice, or Mid-summer's Eve, is traditionally a time for celebrating the abundance of nature and human creativity.

Astronomically speaking, the solstice is when the earth’s tilt is at its greatest Dec 20-22, resulting in the three longest days and shortest nights of the year for the southern hemisphere. In the northern hemisphere the reverse phenomena occurs with the longest night and shortest day.  Many of the ancient Celtic winter solstice traditions have been adopted into Christmas and lost their true seasonal meaning.

Djanbung Gardens invites you to come and celebrate what the season is really about, here in the southern hemisphere. An inspiring and uplifting community event, the solstice eve at the gardens provides ideal escape from Christmas mania. The gardens and canteen will open at 6.30 serving delicious ethnic food featuring local and organic produce. Guests are welcome to take a twilight stroll through the gardens before the sunset ceremony or relax with a meal and acoustic music in the garden setting.

The sunset ceremony welcomes the solstice event, drawing from Celtic and other traditions to mark the seasonal cycle and its significance. Following the ceremony the party will continue with a  great line-up of a slice of Nimbin’s best. Starting with vibrant live middle-eastern music and belly dance with Sheik Yatouch & the Nomads, Robyn Francis will perform her EarthSong creations, in the top 10  Australia & top 1% globally on Reverb Nation Electronica Charts for the past year. The live bands will end with a performance by the extraordinary multi-media Pagan Love Cult, then Chill dj sounds through the shortest night of the year. Firesticks and toys welcome.

This is the 17th annual summer solstice event at Djanbung Gardens, Permaculture centre, gardens and college in Nimbin. Cover charge $10/$7. Proceeds from the evening will support Permaculture College Australia Inc, non-profit vocational training and community education in sustainable living and design.