Lighting Up the Longest Night: Our Moth Lantern and the Winter Solstice

Author: Belinda Young

As the longest night of the year approaches, the hills come alive with flickers of light, creativity, and connection. On Friday, June 21st, the Belgrave Lantern Parade will once again transform our town into a glowing river of warmth and wonder, right in the heart of winter.

This celebration of the Winter Solstice is far more than a beautiful spectacle. Across cultures and centuries, the solstice has always marked a turning point: the moment when darkness begins to give way to light. People would gather around fires, share stories, sing songs, and hold onto hope. They lit candles and lanterns not just to push back the night, but to remind themselves—and each other—that light always returns.

It’s in that same spirit that Mums of the Hills will be bringing something special to this year’s parade: a giant Moth lantern, crafted by the community, for the community.

Why a moth?

Obviously, it’s our acronym and logo, but it’s more than that. Because moths don’t fear the dark, they’re drawn to the light. They flutter quietly, persistently, toward warmth and glow. Just like so many of us. Just like our community.

The lantern was built over several weeks by local mums, children, volunteers, and artists. There were sticky fingers, hot glue mishaps, laughter, and lots of cups of tea. The process was messy, joyful, and collaborative—everything we love about MotHs. Every fold and flutter in the wings carries the energy of people showing up, contributing a piece, and making something bigger together.

And now we’d love you to walk with us.

Whether you’ve never been to the Lantern Parade before, or it’s a yearly tradition, consider this your invitation. Come wrapped in coats and scarves, holding a lantern or simply walking beside us. Bring the kids. Bring a friend. Bring that sense of wonder we so often set aside in the busyness of parenting and everyday life.

Let’s walk together beneath the stars, surrounded by colour, music, and the quiet hum of community.

Because even in the darkest night, we know the light is coming—and we know how to find it, together.

Join the Mums of the Hills crew at the Belgrave Lantern Parade on Friday 21 June. We’ll send out more details closer to the day—but for now, save the date, get out your warmest socks, and get ready to glow.