Tickets selling fast on events to replace Huon Valley’s popular Mid -Winter Festival

The Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival may be gone but there are big plans to continue the fun. See what’s planned and how to nab tickets >>

Willie Smith's Mid-Winter Series 2025. Picture: Willie Smith's

There may not be any burning of “Big Willie” this year but the celebration of winter continues in the Huon Valley in July with an expanded series of events centred around Willie Smith’s Apple Shed.

Three Saturday nights have been set aside which will replace the annual pagan festival and start on July 12.

Willie Smith's Mid-Winter Series 2025. Picture: Willie Smith's

The series will culminate in a family-focused Pagan Gala Party on July 26 which will include face painting, hair braiding, storytelling as well as the famous apple pie eating competition and a costume competition.

Speaking on behalf of Willie Smith’s, Director Andrew Smith said transport will be offered from both Hobart and Huonville, allowing guests to dance around the fire, celebrate the darkness and everything that makes Tasmania a special place in winter.

“We’re about creating experiences and memories at The Apple Shed, with small intimate weekends finishing with a family fun day we know that this series will attract many of the fond Midwinter fans,” Mr Smith said.

Willie Smith's Midwinter Festival 2024 at Huonville. Picture: Caroline Tan

“With Dark Mofo and Festival of Voices events running both in June and July, we’re opening ticket sales to encourage locals and interstate visitors to jump on the back of these events and join us.”

Mr Smith said winter in the valley and the festivities are all about the pagan traditions of scaring the evil spirits from the apple orchard, and this will be at the heart of each event.

Willie Smith's Mid-Winter Series 2025. Picture: Natalie Mendham

The series will also include The Storytelling & Feasting – Life, Love, Sex and Death which will feature iconic storytellers Young Dawkins, Emma Skalicky and Ryk Goddard – all known to the fans of the Huon Valley Mid-Winter Storytellers Cup.

Tickets are now on sale and Mr Smith said he’d encourage those who want to be a part of the celebrations to get in early.

For more details go to https://www.williesmiths.com.au/mid-winter-series

Originally published as Tickets selling fast on events to replace Huon Valley’s popular Mid -Winter Festival