Each year, as the sun reaches its lowest point in the sky and the longest night of the year settles over the Blue Mountains, Katoomba transforms. Streets fill with creative arts and music, cloaked figures move through the mist, and a sense of ancient ritual blends seamlessly with modern creativity. This is the Winter Magic Festival, held on June 20 this year - the winter solstice - and it is one of Australia’s most distinctive cultural events.
What was once the domain of a few hardy souls has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Trail running, and running trail ‘ultras’, has leapt from the fringes of sport to mainstream adventure. Across the globe, 15 million people call themselves trail runners, and more than 25,000 events take place every year. And right here in the Blue Mountains, the sport has found one of its most iconic homes.
When the temperature drops and the air takes on that crisp, woodsmoke scent, something magical stirs in the Blue Mountains. Welcome to Yulefest – our region’s beloved winter celebration that lights up the season with old-world charm and down-to-earth joy.
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