Loemis Festival 2019

Overview

The evenings are long and we cannot deny that winter has arrived. But it doesn't have to be all grim, gloom and hibernating under the covers with the latest Netflix Original. Rug up and hit the city because the Lōemis Festival has returned for its fourth year with a dynamic lineup of events celebrating the winter solstice from 14–22 June. The winter solstice is marked by the shortest day and longest night of the year and has often been associated with regeneration, rebirth and self-reflection.

The festival is curated by a talented bunch of local Wellington artists and communities, and takes place in various locations across the city. Each year the festival aims to deliver an innovative program with a strong focus on the ritualistic, mystical and fantastical elements of the solstice.

This year the program has a range of workshops, foodie and arty events for you to get amongst and not all the locations are public knowledge. Theatre-maker Miranda Manasiadis has developed one such work, The Devil Made Me Do It, a dance theatre work which explores spiritual intoxication, and delves into landscapes of mania, pathos and conviction. The show takes place 14–15 June, however its location isn't disclosed until you buy your ticket. It's a gamble but surely worth it.

Other highlights include Field & Green's Feast of Seven Fishes (18–20 June) a seven-course degustation based around a modern day celebration that emerged out of pagan winter solstice traditions in Roman times. Manners Street gem Crumpet are hosting a spooky storytelling cocktail tasting evening (19 June) with New Zealand authors Chris Tse, Pip Adam and Dominic Hoey. There's also the great Staccus, an interactive art installation in which you can feed the imposing effigy messages of the things you wish to expel from this world. On the night of the solstice (22 June), Staccus will be set ablaze and returned to his rightful place in the ocean, taking your wishes with him.

The Lōemis Festival is getting bigger and better with each year and is becoming an eagerly anticipated event on the Wellington events calendar. To find out more about the festival and to book tickets you can visit loemis.nz. You don't have to spend the entire winter holed up in a fort of blankets.

Image: Simeon W.