Students will be running a special free Winter Solstice-themed event for visitors to the Eden Project next week.
On Tuesday (December 7), second year Sustainable Festival Management students at Falmouth University will be in the driving seat at one of Cornwall’s biggest tourist attractions as they run a specially curated event at the Eden Project, near Par and St Blazey.
The event is to be held in the attraction’s Mediterranean biome from 12.30pm-2.30pm and will be accessible free of charge to anybody visiting the Eden Project on the day. The event will be focused on showcasing the history of winter solstice through a number of artful performances and interactive activities.
The Winter Solstice, falling here on December 21, is the point at which the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south. At the Winter Solstice, the sun travels the shortest path through the sky, resulting in it being the day of the year with the least hours of daylight and therefore the longest night.
Cornish storyteller Alan Woollard will be in attendance at the Eden Project to share stories that will not only educate the audience but inspire them, while the storytelling element will be interspersed with dance and music from musicians who will perform two specially devised Winter Solstice-inspired pieces they have written.
The organisers say: “Along with the main performances, the event will also feature interactive augmented reality opportunities, an interactive wellbeing workshop and exhibits of local artwork and poetry showcases.
“Sustainability is at the heart of this event and the event management students are proud to announce that the event will have zero waste, with efforts also made to minimise the carbon footprint of the event.”
Sustainable Festival Management student Max Wills says he is looking forward to hosting the event, adding: “We’re hoping that our upcoming winter solstice event will be a wonderful addition to Eden Project’s festive offer, helping visitors get in the mood for the festive season. We were inspired by Cornwall’s rich history and traditions and it’s a great chance to bring some of these ideas to life with our music and storytelling.
“Alongside other students on the course, I’d like to thank both Falmouth University and the Eden Project for providing us with the opportunity to host this event.
“Another thank you goes out to the wider student base of Falmouth University as the winter solstice event features many performances from our students.
“The Sustainable Festival Management team have had an overwhelming response from students any time they have issued call-outs for people who wish to help with the event. Last but not least, a huge thank you also goes to Alan Woollard and Cornwall Dance School for their involvement in the project.”