a winter odyssey 2026

Saturday 12th December 2026 | 2pm - 6pm | Queen’s Park, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent

Join us as we gather in the dark when the nights are longest, as people have always done, to share a story, create hope, and look forward to the return of the light.

This year we share the story of ‘The Odyssey’, following a 25-year journey of Odysseus leaving Troy and the paths on which he took. Join us as we step into another world of Greek performance, storytelling and puppetry in the heart of Longton’s green spaces.

Enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment and festive performances, leading up to a breath-taking parade of giant illuminated puppets. Join Wild Edge Arts for a spectacular adventure. This is a FREE EVENT, family-friendly, and open to everyone!

CALLING ALL TEENAGERS!

Join the Teen Squad for 'A Winter Odyssey', and help create an epic event this winter in Longton Park. Get involved with:

Making Team to create lanterns, costumes, site dressing and props for the event
Performer Team to create characters, perform in a parade group or animate an installation
Event Support Team to help with event management, documentation, lighting or sound tech

Email us at info@wildedgearts.com for session information and to join in. All free!

Join the Parade

As part of A Winter Odyssey we’ll be welcoming the community to follow our journey, the journey through the dusk ‘til dark as the sun begins to set, the lanterns will be lit and ready to make their way around the park.

Parade Performer - if you are eager to join in the parade, send us an email to info@wildedgearts.com.

Volunteer

Be part of something fun and inspiring and help us to make the A Winter Odyssey a great success by volunteering with us. We need enthusiastic stewards, lighting operators and helpers to make the event extra magical!

Come along to volunteer training on Saturday 5th December, 10am - 12midday to find out all the information you need and assign your role. Sign up here - [coming soon!]

programme

Asterion the minotaur & Echo the Eagle

We created beautiful giant lantern puppets this summer, carefully trained and guided by puppet masters Thingamajig Theatre. Get a front row view to watch these magical, mystical creatures in The Winter Gathering parade, a retelling of The Story of Ariadne.

Domesday Morris

Back by popular demand, Domesday Morris will return to this years winter event, A Winter Odyssey with more dancing and fire!

Allsorts Community Choir and Longtonian Singers

Both choirs are made up of a lovely, friendly group of people who enjoy singing, having fun, performing at different events in the community and raising money for charity.

Longtonian Singers are a newer choir which started up 18 months ago and are based in Longton.

Allsorts Community Choir and Longtonian Singers sing together when we have any bookings coming up, therefore one big happy extended family unit!

vendors & stalls

We’re so excited to welcome an array of local traders to A Winter Odyssey. If you’d like to apply for a stall please click here!

Accessibility:
Queen’s Park is step-free and wheelchair accessible. Accessible portaloos are available onsite. The event takes place outdoors, so wrap up warm and be prepared for the weather. The ground and paths around the park may be uneven, with low light so please take care when making your way around the park and we recommend bringing a torch.

Location and Parking Information:
A Winter Odyssey takes place in Queen’s Park Longton, Trentham Road, Dresden, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 4AZ. Parking is on-street, so you’ll need to find a space on the roads surrounding the park.

Artist mentors

This year we are thrilled to be working with theatre maker and performer Paschal Straiton and lighting and tech producer Danni Vickerstaff who are supporting us to develop work and skills towards the production and performances at A Winter Odyssey.

Paschale Straiton

Paschale Straiton is a theatre maker and performer, making fun and playfully provocative performance in outdoor public space. Paschale will be running a number a masterclasses developing outdoor performance work surrounding Greek mythology.

To find out more about Paschale’s work click here.

Danniella Beattie

Danniella Beattie is a tech and lighting producer and director working in a variety of different settings, from theatre to outdoor spaces. Danni has been involved in a number of local artistic productions including The Little Mermaid at The New Vic Theatre and supporting work on the 2025 Winter Gathering. Danni’s skills and knowledge surrounding production will be key in helping to develop work around the Winter Gathering 2026.

To find out more about Daniella’s work click here.