Tess and the Manning Valley Creative Collective provided a vibrant afternoon on the town green with a little festival vibe, that led into the night as Winter Solstice Lantern Walkers made their way up from Wingham Brush.

Market stalls showcasing local creatives’ works and handmade crafts, creative workshops, stilt walkers, belly dancers and music were on offer, with Wingham’s Big Log getting dressed for the occasion.

“I thought it was absolutely fabulous,” Tess said. “I was blown away by the local arts community, especially Sam Everett’s multi-coloured stylings on the Big Log, an iconic first.

“Our market co-ordinator, Ruth Brunner – who took on the project as her final assignment for my history and theory of design class at North Coast TAFE – also did wonders, alongside Sue Sutherland and our musicians, who went on into the evening under a swirl of fairy-lights.

“There are some improvements for next year—including coffee and greater collaboration with the shops on Isabella Street—but all in all it was more beautiful than I imagined.

“It’s hard to pick a favourite moment, but if I had to I’d say coming up the hill from the Brush with the lantern walk at dusk, after a pink sunset on the river, with the flying foxes from Circartus dancing on the hilltop. Sensational,” Tess said.