While Dark Mofo sleeps, no rest for crowd favourites Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim

Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival may be taking a well-earned break this winter, but the ever-popular Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim have not been put on ice.

The Winter Feast at Dark Mofo.

Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival may be taking a well-earned break this winter, but the ever-popular Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim have not been put on ice.

In announcing the dates for this year’s signature events, Dark Mofo Artistic Director Chris Twite also revealed a return for late-night club Night Shift, and the gala opening of new MONA exhibition called Namedropping.

Mr Twite said the Winter Feast would be held over two weeks at Princes Wharf 1, from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 June, and again from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 June.

This year’s event, as well as celebrating the best of Tasmanian food and drink, will include the appearance of a surprise international guest chef.

And the Nude Solstice Swim, which welcomes back the light after the year’s longest night, will take place at Long Beach at sunrise on Friday 21 June with an increased capacity in 2024.

Participants begin the Nude Solstice Swim at Long Beach. Pic: Dark Mofo

“Dark Mofo has established itself as a beacon of artistic exploration and challenging ideas for a decade, immersing audiences in the depths of darkness and the heart of winter,” Mr Twite said.

“This year, by taking a fallow year, we are taking a crucial step in ensuring that Dark Mofo continues to be a catalyst for artistic innovation, cultural dialogue, and shared experiences for many years to come.

“While the festival rests in 2024, the solstice does not, and we are excited to gather once more to present two popular pillars of the Tasmanian midwinter, along with some exceptional extra events.”

The Namedropping exhibit, which will focus on the human need for status, will open at MONA on Friday 14 June, with a limited number of tickets to be made available in March.

And a feature of the Dark Mofo 2021 edition, Night Shift, will party well into the early hours of Friday 21 and Saturday 22 June.

Mr Twite said lineups for the Winter Feast and Night Shift would be announced soon, and promised Dark Mofo would return in 2025.

Originally published as While Dark Mofo sleeps, no rest for crowd favourites Winter Feast and Nude Solstice Swim