We’re holding our ‘midsummer’ barbecue and party early this year, but we’ll be keeping the St Hans traditions alive.
Midsummer is an important time of the year in Scandinavia, when the days are long and the sun shines late into the evening – an important annual respite from the long nights and grey days of the winter! Like their fellow Scandinavians, Norwegians throw a big party on or around the summer solstice, typically 21st June, referred to as the Festival of St Hans (who is known in English as John the Baptist).
It typically features bonfires (often on the beach), eating, drinking, and music-making. We will have a fire pit, barbecues, gentle games and other activities for all ages, and perhaps a bit of music too.
Our venue
Our venue is a private garden in south-west Gower, kindly made available for our use by a member. The address and directions will be shared with members after booking. Please park carefully to allow others freedom to leave at any point.
What to bring
Please bring your food and all crockery and cutlery for your personal use, including cups or mugs for drinks. You might like to bring a cushion and/or blanket, and perhaps games.
We welcome you to bring music instruments if you play any.
We will arrange for barbecues, provide wood for the bonfire and charcoal for the barbecues, and tea, coffee, squash and cake.
If you have a vegetarian diet and wish to avoid cross-contamination by meat, please bring a (disposable) barbecue for your personal use.
Travel
The venue is not easily reached by public transport, but we do not want to let that stand in the way of any member wishing to join us. Please contact us at contact@welshnorwegian.org or via Facebook and we will try to hook you up with someone travelling from Cardiff or Swansea.
Accommodation
There is space on the grounds for three tents or small campervans to pitch. Please reserve a space when booking. There is an outside toilet, but no shower facilities. There are of course many other accommodation options on the Gower, including at the nearby Skysea Caravan and Campsite https://www.porteynon.com/.
Weather
We all hope for and expect good weather in June – but this is Wales! Two years ago we had to postpone because of heavy rain; last year we couldn’t light a fire because of an extended hot and dry spell. If bad weather is forecast and we are forced to cancel, we will let you know as soon as we can, and refund your tickets.
Booking
Tickets cost £8 per adult and £4 per child, which goes to cover the cost of wood and charcoal, refreshments, and liability insurance cover for the private home.
There is no additional charge to camp, but please reserve a space when you book.
This is a members-only event, so please ensure at least one of your party is a paid-up member of WNS. You can take out or renew membership (£10/year) on the booking form. Ticket sales will remain open until the event, but it really helps your volunteer committee to know expected numbers so we get in sufficient supplies.
Please book now!!!!!
Visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-barbecue-and-party-tickets-906275182467 .
Welsh Norwegian Society 