Thousands celebrate Solstice

WARRNAMBOOL City Council’s Solstice Search Party has lived up to its billing as “the biggest party of winter” with over 6000 people attending on Saturday night.

By Staff Writer

Ellis ready to play the double bass.

Held in the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens, the event featured an array of neon sculptures, light installations and displays, kids’ activities, live music and food vans.

This figure has surpassed the inaugural event last year, where about 5000 people attended.

The party was preceded on Friday night by the Solstice Searching scavenger hunt, which saw neon sculptures hidden throughout Warrnambool.

Warrnambool mayor Cr Debbie Arnott said the feedback received so far was positive.

“Everyone had a great time and they really appreciated having such a high-quality event to be able to be a part of in winter,” she said.

“Over 25 per cent of registrations were from outside the 3280 postcode, so we can see that this is an event that brings people to Warrnambool during our off-peak season, which is very important.

“While we avoided a downpour, it was certainly a cold day, and there were a couple of showers here and there, but everyone came prepared with warm clothing and rain gear and a little bit of rain failed to dampen spirits.

“I’d like to congratulate our events team on putting the Solstice Search Party and the Solstice Searching scavenger hunt together, as well as the talented people from One Day Studios, Karen Thomson, Raglan Presents, The Nature Bus, the food vendors and the 20 businesses involved in the operational delivery of the event.

“There’s a lot that goes into the successful running of an event this size, and everyone has worked together wonderfully to bring about such a marvellous result for Warrnambool.”