Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Festival will be held over two days in mid-July for the last time in 2024. The festival celebrates the pagan tradition of scaring evil spirits from the apple orchard and having a rollicking big party in the heart of winter.

In its eleventh and final year, this Tasmanian celebration of winter magic is gearing up for a spectacular two-day event on Friday, 12th July, and Saturday, 13th July 2024, including the burning of 15-meter-tall effigy Big Willie.

Since its inception, the Mid-Winter Festival at the famous organic cider farm has been a cherished cornerstone of the Tasmanian off season, beckoning locals and visitors alike to embrace the spirit of winter with open arms. The festival, deeply rooted in English traditions and inspired by the cider-producing regions of south-west England, draws on pagan rituals to scare away evil spirits from the apple orchards and usher in a lively celebration amid the cold winter days.

The 2024 edition, themed Reflection, promises to be an unforgettable culmination of more than a decade of memories, experiences, and contributions to the community. Rachel Valentyne, the artistic director of the festival, expressed mixed emotions about the decision to conclude this beloved winter extravaganza but believes it’s the right time to bid farewell with a memorable final event.

Ticket sales for the farewell festival are now open, inviting enthusiasts from interstate and within Tasmania to partake in the revelry. Limited to 2,500 tickets per day, the festival organisers aim to preserve the local vibe and ensure an intimate and welcoming atmosphere.

The program for this grand farewell will be unveiled in the new year, promising a line-up that pays homage to the festival’s roots while offering a fitting tribute to a decade of Mid-Winter magic. Transport and accommodation options will also be announced, allowing attendees to plan their winter pilgrimage to Tasmania.

Friday night kicks off with an Indigenous welcome ceremony, setting the tone for collective energy release and renewal. The highlight of the night is the burning of ‘Big Willie,’ a huge wooden effigy that symbolises the shedding of negative energies.

Saturday brings forth a salute to the traditional ‘twelfth night’ festivals of apple-growing regions in England with the ancient ‘Wassail’ ritual. Led by Morris dancers from around Australia and New Zealand, festivalgoers participate in scaring away evil spirits, banging pots and pans, and blessing apple trees with cider.

The daytime program on Saturday caters to the young and young at heart, featuring kids’ entertainment, storytelling competitions, and more. Visitors are encouraged to don pagan finery for a chance to win Best Dressed prizes. The traditional pagan outfits, which involve ‘tatters’, painted faces and top hats, date back to the 1500s when dancers in the Welsh borders uses to dress up and cover their faces so neighbours wouldn’t recognise them as they begged for money on the streets.

The Huon Valley’s rich produce takes the spotlight, with feasting options highlighting cooking with fire, hearty meals, and the renowned Willie Smith’s apple pie. The libations flow freely with local beer, wine, and the festival’s famous hot spiced cider.

As the curtain falls on Willie Smith’s Mid-Winter Festival after a decade of enchanting festivities, it leaves behind a legacy of winter joy, pagan traditions, and community spirit that will be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to partake in its magical embrace.

For more information on the festival and to purchase tickets, visit https://www.williesmiths.com.au/mid-winter