Solar Eclipse Twilight Walk

Wednesday 12th August 6pm - 7:30pm

As the sun is threatened to be (briefly) gobbled up, join us for a special twilight walk through Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park exploring the myths, stories and mysteries inspired by solar eclipses across the world.

For centuries, people have looked up at the darkening sky and wondered: what happens when the sun disappears? Across continents, eclipses have been imagined as moments of cosmic struggle — a great creature, spirit or force threatening to swallow the source of all life.

Together, we'll journey through eclipse traditions from around the world: the Hindu story of Rahu, whose eternal pursuit of the sun creates eclipses; the Norse tale of the wolf Sköll, who chases the sun across the sky until he catches it at Ragnarök; ancient Chinese legends of a celestial dragon devouring the sun, with communities beating drums and clashing pots to frighten it away.

Across these diverse stories runs a powerful shared theme: when darkness threatens, communities unite. From ancient rituals to modern gatherings, eclipses remind us that survival has always depended on cooperation, care and connection.

Join us for an evening of myths, storytelling and sky-gazing as we gather beneath the fading light to celebrate the sun - and the communities that protect it.

Please read as much as possible before booking. 

Please wear weather appropriate clothes and closed shoes (no sandals/flip flops/crocs). Bring your own snacks and drinks. A maximum of 25 participants will be attending the walk. Spaces book up quickly, but it's worth joining the waiting list as people do cancel.

Meeting point: The Cemetery Park Lodge, the red brick building straight ahead of you as you enter via the main gates on Southern Grove E3 4PX

BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO BOOK

1. If you travel by bike, we can’t offer indoor storage, but you are able to lock your bike up on the bike racks outside the Cemetery Park Lodge.

WHAT TO BRING

1. Wear closed shoes and comfortable clothing. Dress for the weather as we will be outside.
2. Bring your own food and drinks (we recommend definitely bringing water). Make sure it’s enough to last you for the duration - we won’t be providing tea, coffee or snacks.
3. Note book and pen (optional)
4. There will be space to leave belongings in the Soanes Centre.

ON THE DAY

1. Please arrive on time and go to the meeting area: The Soanes Centre, the white building enclosed by a fence, on the right hand side as you enter the main gates on Southern Grove E3 4PX
2. The Friends will collect contact information on attendees, we will treat your data in accordance with our data protection policy.
   

Click here for more information on our data protection policy.

Access statement

• This is an accessible, inclusive walk. The maximum number of participants is 15.

• We will cover a distance of 1km to 2km. The paths are approx. 1-2m wide. The surface is crushed concrete fines, a type of hard-packed fine gravel (which doesn't turn to mud in rain) or earth although we may wander in some areas off the paths where access is more limited. A circular route around the Cemetery Park is approx. 1km with one steeper slope and some shallow slopes, but you can go as far as you like. There are 2 areas with steps, but these are avoidable. If arranged in advance a motorised vehicle could also drive onto the site. There are benches with backs at regular distances around the Cemetery Park. Some of the site is shaded. There is restriction free on-street parking (Southern Grove) at weekends.

• Please contact us with at least 2 weeks’ notice if you’d like BSL or other interpretation/translation and we will do our best to accommodate. Sadly, we have no-one in house who is able to offer this service.

• We aim to make our events as accessible as possible, and we're learning constantly how to do this better. If you would like to let us know about any specific requirements or access needs that you would like us to meet, or offer feedback on our accessibility arrangements, please email contact@fothcp.org. We want you to feel safe in the Cemetery Park.

Refund policy: If you tell us that you want to cancel your ticket, we will only give you a refund if you request one, and if you give a minimum of 48 hours notice before the start of the event. If your reason for cancellation is Covid-related, you must send us a screenshot of the notification (NHS app or test result).