People from across County Durham are being invited to come together for an afternoon of music, food, creativity and outdoor activities as Connected in Nature CIC hosts a free Summer Solstice Celebration in Durham.
Taking place at Broomside Park on Saturday 20 June 2026, the event will also mark the organisation’s first anniversary and the launch of a new two-year programme designed to bring communities together through seasonal celebrations.
The free event will run from 1pm to 6pm and will feature seasonal food, wild teas, nature crafts, traditional skills, folklore, foraging activities, storytelling, music and song. Visitors will also have access to quiet spaces, including breakout areas and a summer house known as The Nest.
Open to people of all ages, the celebration aims to encourage community connection, wellbeing and a greater appreciation of the natural world.
The event is being supported by £19,998 of funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, which will help Connected in Nature CIC deliver its new programme, Seasonal Celebrations – For All Ages.
Over the next two years, the programme will deliver eight seasonal gatherings each year across County Durham. Activities will focus on nature, creativity, folklore, traditional skills, music, food and storytelling, while helping participants connect with both their local environment and one another.
Future sessions will include nature crafts, bushcraft, archery, games, storytelling, music and shared meals using locally grown produce where possible.
The programme will take place within a natural setting featuring woodland, meadow, river habitats and a permaculture garden, providing opportunities for people to explore sustainable living, outdoor learning and healthy eating.
Victoria Clark, Director of Connected in Nature CIC, said:
“We are so excited to welcome people to our Summer Solstice Celebration and first birthday gathering. This event is about bringing the community together in a beautiful outdoor space to celebrate the season, share food, enjoy music, learn new skills and feel connected.
“We are absolutely delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has recognised and supported our work in this way.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, we can begin a new two-year journey of seasonal gatherings rooted in nature, creativity, folklore, community and connection.
“We know that cost can be a barrier for many families and individuals, so this funding means we can offer free and affordable places, develop volunteering opportunities and create a programme that we hope will continue to grow beyond the initial two years.”
The project has been shaped by feedback from local families, community members and professionals. Previous participants have described the gatherings as a unique combination of history, folklore, outdoor learning and nature-based activities, while children have reported feeling happier and calmer after taking part.
Connected in Nature CIC hopes the programme will help reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, encourage environmental awareness and provide practical skills that participants can continue using in everyday life.
The organisation also hopes the project will create a sustainable, community-supported model for seasonal outdoor events that can continue long into the future.
The Summer Solstice Celebration is free to attend, with children under 16 required to be accompanied by a responsible adult.
