Willie Smith announces Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival 2022

A key fiery feature on southern Tasmania’s social calendar will return this year with “crowds not seen since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic”. FIND YOUR INNER PAGAN >>

A key fiery feature on southern Tasmania’s social calendar will return this year with the 2022 Willie Smith’s Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival organisers promising “crowds not seen since prior to the COVID-19 pandemic”.

The iconic winter event for the Huon Valley, now revered for its celebrations of pagan traditions, will be held between July 15 and 17, with tickets on sale today.

Organisers are set to welcome larger 1700 people per day with additional experiences available for purchase, almost tripling last year’s capacity under Covid-19 measures.

“We are so excited to be able to share this event with more people this year, and are looking forward to welcoming a great crowd each day” Festival Manager Rachel Valentyne said.

Mid Winter Festival brings the crowds back to the Huon Valley in 2022. Picture Supplied: Willie Smiths

Core festival highlights include the legendary Wassail ceremony, the burning of ‘Big Willie’, food and mulled cider, and the costume competition for young and old which has become a major drawcard in recent years.

In a new addition for 2022, the festival will also offer revellers the opportunity to take a warm dip in outdoor wood-fired hot tubs.

“Change rooms are provided and bring your swimwear, as much as we love to nude up, we’re going to have to keep it PG – Wear your bathers,” Ms Valentyne said.

Other bookable experiences include two exclusive intimate fire and cider inspired Long Table Feasts, hosted by Willie Smith’s head cider maker Malcolm Freedman and Jimi Anderson of Season and Fire.

Mid Winter Festival brings the crowds back to the Huon Valley in 2022. Picture Supplied: Willie Smiths

The Long Table menu includes a Spanish-inspired barrel aged cider and curated produce sourced from the Huon Valley and Surrounds.

Despite the additions, Revellers can also expect all the old favourites from previous years with local food and beverages aplenty.

Musical Highlights for the weekend include Melbourne-based, punk-folk-rock bank Ramshackle Army, local singer-songwriter the Claire Anne Taylor Band and firm crowd favourite The Dead Maggies.

Mid Winter Festival brings the crowds back to the Huon Valley in 2022. Picture Supplied: Willie Smiths

What you need to know:

Willie Smith’s Huon Valley Mid-Winter Festival: 15 – 17 July 2022

Willie Smith’s Apple Shed Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, 2064 Huon Highway, Grove, Tasmania

Tickets on sale now via hvwmf.com.au/tickets

Highlights:

Friday – The burning effigy of Big Willie which symbolises letting go of negative energy

Saturday – the wassail ceremony again led by Morris Dancers, people can join with the wassail song and banging pots and pans to scare away evil spirits and awakening the apples trees.

Saturday – The festival will also host Tasmania’s premiere Storytelling Event on Saturday evening with current cup holder and skilled traditional Hungarian storyteller Tamas returning to defend his title.

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