We Are Stardust
A Winter Gathering in Longton
We Are Stardust was a festive, participatory event created by Urban Wilderness CIC for the Longton Christmas Lights Switch-On, bringing moments of magic, reflection and togetherness into the heart of a busy shopping centre.
At the centre of the event were The Hinkypunks — new roaming characters introduced by Urban Wilderness CIC. Drawing on folk traditions, pagan ceremony and playful mischief, The Hinkypunks moved through the space singing traditional songs in chorus. Their presence brought an element of the wild and unexpected into a commercial retail environment, softening the space and inviting curiosity, joy and connection.
Wish on a Star
Alongside the performances, Urban Wilderness CIC hosted a Wish on a Star creative workshop, inviting people to pause and share their hopes and dreams. Visitors were encouraged to write wishes inspired by the idea that we are all made of stardust — connected to each other and to something bigger.
The wishes gathered were deeply human and wide-ranging:
from hopes for better access and support, to learning to read and write more confidently, to dreams of love, connection and getting engaged. Together, they formed a collective portrait of Longton — honest, hopeful and full of care.
A Canopy of Stars
Above the gathering, a canopy installation of twenty pointed stars created a glowing focal point. Each star was handmade by community volunteers during Urban Wilderness CIC’s weekly creative sessions, transforming shared making into a moment of shared celebration.
Suspended above the crowd, the canopy brought people together beneath a starlit sky — right in the middle of the city — offering a brief pause from the rush of Christmas shopping and reminding everyone of their place within a wider community.
A Shared Moment of Wonder
We Are Stardust reimagined a familiar civic moment as something gentler and more reflective. By blending song, ritual, making and listening, the event created space for wonder, mischief and collective dreaming — demonstrating how creativity can transform everyday places into moments of connection and meaning.
