By Kate Hodges
01st February 2023
DO AND MAKE THE LIGHT IS COMING
In pre-Christian times, Imbolc or Candlemas – celebrated tonight – was known as the ‘feast of lights’ and marked the half-way point between the shortest day and the spring equinox (we have some ideas for celebrating here). Candles would be lit in order to give reassurance to others that they were not alone, and that the sun would return. It’s still a chance to celebrate the life-giving power of the sun, as its rays start to gain in strength. Crepes were traditionally eaten on this day – there’s a recipe for them here, alongside other Candlemas treats, including Honey Cakes and Gingerly Baked Custard. Or why not do some Candlemas-themed crafts? Try this hand-cranked storyteller, bend reeds to make a Brigid Cross, pour candles or carve them.
This January has been long and hard for many of us, so why not take a trip out to commune and celebrate Imbolc with others? If you’re in Ireland, there’s cutting-edge folk at the Imbolc festival in Derry or fire, Brigit’s cross making and rituals at Brigit’s Garden in Galway. In England, join a celebration with drumming, ritual and fire at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire.
EVENT AND DO REACH FOR THE STARS
In addition to being a near-magical activity, free and fun, the community of astronomers connects people worldwide. Find out more about stargazing with your family here and our favourite stargazing spots in the UK here.
The clear skies and relatively early sunsets of winter are a perfect time to start your exploration of the skies, and the Dark Skies festivals make a good jumping-off point. Learn how to navigate using the stars, listen to Greek myths under the stars, be transported to a nocturnal world of mountains with photographs and poems, take in children’s planetarium shows, learn about cutting-edge astrophotography and – of course – join stargazing events at venues from churches to clifftops and even atop Brighton’s i360. The South Downs festival starts this weekend followed by North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales from February 10, Northumberland Dark Skies from February 12 and Welsh Dark Skies week from February 17.
EVENT SHINE ON
In contrast to those dark skies, this weekend, Nottingham shines during Light Night (actually two days – Friday and Saturday). Follow a trail around the city following pieces that this year are themed around Life on Earth (download a free map here). Don’t miss the parades, the sculptures, and breathtaking live performances. This year, a free app on your phone will bring the pieces to life – download it before you head out.
EVENT AND MAKE SPRING WHISPERS
Our snowdrops are out, and they’re beautiful. Why not go for a walk amongst drifts of these first signs of Spring? The famous Galanthus Festival at The Garden House in Devon is in full swing, or you can find a garden full of them near you here or here. If you’re further north, discover more about them at Scotland’s snowdrop festival, held at venues across the country. Or create your own permanent displays indoors – will you go for tissue paper or origami versions?
DO FIRE UP PEACE
Light a fire for peace. People have gathered around fireplaces and campfires since the beginning of time and still do for many occasions around the world. Fires relieve stress, generate positive energy and bring people together; the practice of gathering round an open fire unites us. The global Peace Fires movement unites people of all faiths and cultures, inviting them to gather in the real world an and online, lighting fires and candles at full moon, summer solstice and new year’s eve. There’s an event this Sunday evening. Why not join the earth-wide healing event? Find out more here.
BARN STORMERS
Live in West Yorkshire? WOW - Women of the World and Leeds 2023 are recruiting 300 women, girls and non-binary people with an interest in architecture, engineering, set design and build, DIY and more or who just want to meet new people, to join bootcamps to learn construction skills. In May, everyone will come together on The Cinder Moor in Woodhouse, Leeds to build a barn like no other in just 24 hours!
The freshly raised barn will become home to the first ever Women of the World Festival Leeds. A fortnight of events raising awareness of the need for gender equality and rejecting the preconceptions facing women and non-binary people.Find out more here
WHAT WE’RE EATING Simple, Tasty Pop-in-the-Oven Biryani: This lightly spiced biryani from Katy Beskow’s kitchen is a family favourite, and it is so simple to make in a deep roasting pan. Happy Veganuary! Find the recipe here
WHAT WE’RE READING Aviatrix Bessie Coleman is Barbie’s new commemorative doll: “In 1922, aviation trailblazer Bessie Coleman became the first woman, African American and known Indigenous American to become a pilot and perform a public flight. Before the age of 34, she obtained her international pilot’s license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, gave flight lessons to Black Americans and executed fascinating tricks in the air that were never seen before. As a part of Barbie’s Inspiring Women Series, Mattel has released a new doll in Coleman’s honour.” Read more here
