The River Clyde Solstice Walk
December 21, 6-8 PM, Gardens of Hope, New Glasgow
The River Clyde Solstice Walk celebrates the return of light on the darkest day of the year. On December 21 from 6-8pm, bring a flame, light, or lantern and walk with us to welcome the sun back. In the midst of the climate crisis, the Walk shines a light on our capacity for change through presence with our community and the natural world.
From last year’s walk
Call for Community Projects
Get involved in the 2026 River Clyde Solstice Walk on December 21 in New Glasgow. Propose a puppet, lantern, costume, performance, or your own idea inspired by light and seasonal change. Projects can stay at one site or travel with the procession.
Open to individuals, families, students, friends, community groups, and emerging and established artists.
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Sunday, November 22nd, 11:59pm
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Thursday, November 12th, 6:30-7:00pm
Examples of past projects
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Ahmon Katz—The Elixir
A PEI-based builder/sculptor working in wood, metal and found objects. Ahmon focuses on public art commissions and events installations. The Elixir is a bubbling cauldron built from salvaged iron and birthday supplies.
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Boof—Illuminated flower costume
Known for her electric green aesthetic and dynamic camp performances, Boof, co-creator of Bolo Drag Show with partner Lottie Max, brings magic to our Solstice Walk with her creation—a massive, hand-lit flower petal costume that’s as vibrant and dynamic as she is. This blooming masterpiece radiates light and life, embodying a unique blend of artistry, camp and magic.
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Erika Pérez — The Rebirth of Ra
Dance is Erika's way of exploring the world: its rhythms, energy, and sensitivity. Community, creativity, and connection are at the heart of every step. Her choreography explores the darkness we face on the path of self-reflection and the inner light we discover there. Ra symbolizes the sun's return, renewal, and clarity.
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Christina Patterson — Old Mother Frost
A multidisciplinary artist, Christina creates immersive, story-driven experiences for audiences of all ages. For the Solstice Walk, Christina is creating a large-scale, illuminated puppet of "Old Mother Frost" from Norse folklore- an ancient goddess who sleeps throughout the year, waking only during the longest nights to ensure that children are joyful, nourished, and cared for during the 12 days of Yuletide.
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Margaret Grant - Will-o-the-Wisp
An artist & photographer based in Charlottetown, Margaret will bring a Will-o-the-Wisp to life - those ghosts of light and fire from European folklore that appear in darkened woods, leading travellers into mystery and mischief on the longest night of the year.
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Becca Griffin—Moonrise over the River
Becca (she/they) has been involved in River Clyde Arts since 2020 and loves making new things from found and repurposed materials. Moonrise over the River is a large lantern puppet made from recycled holiday ribbon and mesh. As a major moon lover, Becca has predictably created yet another rendition of our glowing, orbicular friend in the sky… And this time, she is smiling down on the River Clyde.
Join the Zoom info session on Thursday, November 12, from 6:30 to 7:00pm.
Questions?
The 2025 River Clyde Solstice Walk
Trailer by Jacob Puiras
Photos by Anna Wansbrough
The 2024 River Clyde Solstice Walk
Trailer by Jacob Puiras
Photos by Robert van Waarden
2023 Solstice Walk Gallery
Photos by Emily Benoit
2022 Solstice Walk Gallery
Photos by Robert Van Waarden
2021 Solstice Walk Gallery
Photos by Jon Pearcey
Shadow Lanterns with Found Objects
Artist, ecologist and Pageant collaborator Kristian Brevik created a tutorial video demonstrating how to make a lantern using recycling and found materials from around your home:
Dogwood Sculptural Lanterns
Pageant co-producer, scenographer and designer Ian McFarlane has created a series of video tutorials on lantern building for anyone who wants to build their own lantern using red osier dogwood, willow, wire and old bedsheets. We invite you to construct a lantern using this technique or any other technique and bring your light out into the world.
Lantern Creation Part 1
Gather some dogwood or willow, wire, an old bedsheet, and glue and you can create your own unique lantern!
Lantern Creation Part 2
Grab a stick, a jar and a candle to add some illumination to your lantern
Lantern Creation Part 3
Skin your lantern with an old bedsheet or piece of cotton to complete it!