Imbolc 2026

Sat 31 January, 2-6pm

Lichens, mosses, and other ways of being together 

Come and celebrate the Celtic festival of Imbolc, a moment to mark the passing of winter, the return of the light and all that we can find flourishing at this quieter time of year.

As well as music by playful ensemble Megalichen, Imbolc will feature subversive storytelling with an ecological slant, delicious food cooked on the fire by Eastfield, a guided walk through forests and deep time, costume making and offerings to the Ghille Dhu – the moss-covered fairy who protects the woodland, and a chance to create your own mini peat bog. 

Our event is a nod to the ancient festival of Imbolc, one of four events we host annually to create connections to the cycles of nature and to celebrate the turning of the Celtic wheel. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, and is when we start to look for the first signs of spring. 

Activities

• Live music with Megalichen, a playful and symbiotic blend of humming woodwind arrangements, vocal harmonies and intricate rhythms
• Guided walks by daylight and torchlight, exploring the lichens, mosses and fungi in our garden
• Costume making using natural materials with artist Frieda Ford
• A community meal with a seasonal menu created by Eastfield
• Grow your own peat bog – or mini moss garden – with Helena Simmons

Practical Information

There will be indoor and outdoor activities, so wrap up warm and wear footwear fit for the garden and woodland.  Feel free to bring a blanket for our outdoor walks and music performance. The event includes vegan and vegetarian food and refreshments – please let us know of any food allergies. The event runs 2-6pm, with different activities scheduled throughout. You are welcome to join in and drop out at any time. Children of all ages are welcomed at every activity.

Access

The rooms, grounds and most parts of the garden in use during the event are wheelchair accessible. You can tell us about your access requirements when booking your ticket. We will ensure there is seating available throughout the venue and grounds. Our foyer will be set up as a comfy, quieter area during the event.

Tickets

Our tickets are priced on a sliding scale: please choose the ticket price you can afford to pay.

About the contributors

Mossy and whimsical by name and nature, Megalichen is a Glasgow-based alternative folk ensemble. Led by multi-instrumentalist frontwoman Gem, their music draws inspiration from relationships to the land, the natural world and emotional connection. Megalichen’s vision is to create curious, compelling music that reaches and includes people, building a sense of togetherness in these troubling and divisive times.

Frieda Ford is a socially engaged artist with a particular interest in textiles, costume and performance. She considers the artist-as-host and her work centres around collaboratively built experiences focussing on folklore and storytelling. She has facilitated workshops with Hospitalfield, Fruitmarket, Artlink, Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop, Jupiter Artland, Collective Gallery and County Cork National Space Centre.

Helena Simmons is Producer: Environmental Futures at Forgan Arts Centre, working with volunteers, staff and the wider community to ensure our gardens are a site for climate action and activism, educating people in environmental sustainability and biodiversity.