Cosy up around one of the fabulous fire pits and listen to local musicians with a mulled wine

Here at the Fleurieu Arthouse we’ve just enjoyed the first of 4 planned Fire Festivals in conjunction with Hardys Wines.

The next dates are the 21st and 22nd of July so there’s plenty of time to get your tickets.

If you’re wondering what goes on at a fire festival it can be summed up in a few words - fire, wine, music, food and fun!

Hardy’s have set up an amazing Bedouin tent outside on the lawn, festooned with lights and the glow of the fire pits, it’s a really atmospheric and fun venue.

With live music and a special dance class, tons of art, churros and even a paella bar there’s a lot to brighten up these dark winter nights!

The history of fire and midwinter

The first fire festival this year at Hardys was planned for the solstice - which is the period of time when the Earth’s poles are at their furthest tilt away from the sun- which means it’s the coldest and darkest it’s going to get!

This is the day of the year when there is the shortest period of daylight and the longest night. On these days. the sun sits very low in the sky and it feels about as wintery as it’s going to get.

Naturally, this also make it’s the perfect time of year for a fire festival.

The tradition of fire and the solstice has its roots in prehistory. It was always a significant time of year in many cultures and has always been marked by festivals and by ritual.

The ancient stones at Stonehenge, Newgrange and Cahokia Woodhenge were built to align perfectly with the sunrise or sunset on winter solstice.

What actually happened at these sites in terms of ritual and celebration has been lost to time but we can certainly imagine that there was wine involved.

The solstice this year has passed but there are still two more opportunities to come along and experience the joys of fire, wine, music and food in the beautiful grounds of The Arthouse and Tintara.

Book your tickets here.