This Sunday, June 19, the fairy houses on the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail will be lit with candles, magical lanterns and fairy lights to celebrate the upcoming winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, which falls on June 21.
There will also be tiny fairy boats floating on the river near the Footbridge and magical lights in the mangroves.
‘The Brunzfairy Trail aims to connect children with the world of imaginative play, the wonder of playing in nature, and the cycles of the seasons. It is lovingly designed to bring out the imaginative child in us all and to foster a sense of joy, fun and play. It is completely free, and designed that way to give families a chance to have no cost fun together,’ says ‘fairy grandmother’ Ollie Heathwood.
As part of her one-woman project she has been steadily making and adding new fairy houses and now there are 14 hidden around the village.
‘This is my little grass roots spread the love project which is completely free, sells nothing, asks nothing, just designed to bring a little love and magic to hearten folks,’ she says
‘Hundreds of families have enjoyed the fairy trail, and many come regularly to visit their favourites amongst the fourteen hidden fairy houses, and leave little notes and flowers. Many post photos on the Brunzfairies Facebook page, and the joy and wonder on the little one’s faces is clear to see.
‘Come along and walk the trail, and if you like carry a lantern if you have one.’
You could also be part of the creative team that makes our village into a fairy wonderland for this night. Call Ollie on 0428 284 030 if you would like to be part of making magic.
Where will the magic be?
On Sunday June 19th between 5:30 and 7:30 pm, the Fairy Solstice Lights walk will start at the beach near the surf club where the fairy lighthouse will be lit, and from there follow the magic across the footbridge, along Fingal Street and finish at Clem’s Cargo on Tweed Street.
Alternatively, you can start at Clementina’s fairy house outside Clem’s cargo if you wish and then go along Fingal Street to the beach.
There will be a fairy ring to dance in by Gum Blossom Fairy’s house, in the park beside the Brunswick Heads Library.
I find the Brunswick Heads Fairy Trail quite remarkable. It is a wonderful addition to community life. This unique project is a labour of love that delights all who come across the fairy houses.
Wonderful work, Ollie! We do a fairy garden workshop at The Cubby House Byron Bay – come play some time!