GLASTONBURY, Somerset, England – The world of U.K. Paganism is now getting back into the swing of its seasonal festivals after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it must be noted these events are taking place despite a rather high, ongoing infection rate throughout the U.K.
Unlike last year, when restrictions were still in place, there are a number of events planned for Beltane and May Day generally in 2022. Below is a round-up of some of these events.
The Chalice Well in Glastonbury will be hosting a Beltane ceremony on May 1st from 6.30 a.m. onwards. The team at the Well says:
“Flowers are blooming, the May trees are glorious, apple blossom cascades like blessings in the breeze and we invite you to our Beltane Fire Ceremony. We will be connecting with the heartbeat of this sacred land; feeling the rising energies of joy, abundance and love and celebrating May Day together. The garden opens at 6.30am on Sunday 1 May 2022 and entry is free until 12.15pm.
Our Fire Ceremony starts at 7.30am, followed by music from Nathan Lewis Williams and Dora Darling, Morris dancing with Glastonbury Morris and maypole dancing. Refreshments are available from 6.30am and we look forward to seeing you on Sunday 1 May.”
Chalice Well – Image credit: Kurt Thomas Hunt from USA – CC BY 2.0
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Elsewhere in Glastonbury, there will be a Beltane Community Celebration happening at The Assembly Rooms Glastonbury Kingdom on Saturday, April 30 at 07:30 pm, featuring CAR DIA, Surprise Guests from the USA!, The Mystics of Avalon, The Fire Choir, Marissa Risoli, Snow White and Rosie, Beltane Opening Circle, Glastonbury Drummers, Bardic Poetry, and more.
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Beltane 2019 Edinburgh Calton Hill – Image credit: Nyri0 – CC BY-SA 4.0
North of the border, Beltane events return to Edinburgh, on Saturday, 30 April 2022, 7:30 pm ‐ 1:00 am at Calton Hill, Waterloo Place in Edinburgh.
Event organisers say:
“Join the May Queen and Green Man to welcome the coming of summer and longer days with fire, drums and wild performances at Edinburgh’s Beltane Fire Festival.
For one night only, Calton Hill comes alive with Europe’s largest ritual celebration of this ancient Celtic tradition. With unique modern twists, dazzling fire displays and elaborate costumes, the interactive theatrical storytelling heralds the awakening of the May Queen who leads a spectacular procession of her followers.
Witness, along with thousands of revellers, the May Queen enticing the Green Man from his wintry guise to rule together over the summer months against the backdrop of the stunning Edinburgh city skyline.
Gates open at 7:30pm (last entry 11pm) with the main procession beginning at dusk.
Tickets are available from Citizen Ticket. Every ticket purchased contributes towards planting trees.
Adult tickets cost £12 + Pay what you feel (plus booking fee) in advance, and go up to £20 (inc. booking fee) on the day of the event.
Child tickets cost £5 (plus booking fee).
There are also a limited amount of low-income tickets for £8 (plus booking fee).
Capacity is limited and previous festivals have sold out, so get your ticket in advance to secure your place. If we sell out before the event, there will not be any tickets available at the gate on the day of the festival.”
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On the evening of April 30th in London, there will be a guided walk exploring myths and legends of the season and of Beltane itself. This starts at 14:30 at Tower Hill, London, and tickets, which can be ordered through Eventbrite, starting at £11.37.
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The Study Society at Colet House, 151 Talgarth Rd, London, W14, 9DA, will be staging a Beltane celebration a week later, on Saturday, May 7th, 15:00–22:00 with Celtic circle dancing, a cacao and mistletoe ceremony, a sacred singing circle, and yoga.
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In Sussex, the first-ever Fire and Feast Festival at Wild Heart Hill Camp (Long Furlong, Findon, Worthing BN14 0RJ) will take place on Saturday the 7th of May.
This family-friendly event includes a community food share, folk band (with a twist), a mobile bar, and an extravagant fire show.
The event kicks things off with a community food share. Offering a chance to connect with fellow Wellderfolk around the campfire and indulge in everyone’s favourite dishes.
As the afternoon rolls into the evening, the Sussex Knucker band will bring their unique blend of English, Irish and Scottish folk music to the campfire circle. And, if you need a little help loosening the limbs, Nick from the Fair Saddler mobile bar will be on hand with a selection of drinks.
Then, when the sun retreats below the horizon, Poi Passion picks up the performance, with their mesmerising fire show.
For those who want to make a weekend of it, limited camping is available on site. You’ll need to bring your own tent/motorhome/yurt and anything else you need for a night under the stars.
Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out fast. Tickets available from Eventbrite.
Itinerary:
1200 Campsite opens.
1800 Community food share and Bar opens.
1900 The Sussex Knucker band.
2100 Fire Show Spectacular.
Timings are approximate and subject to change.
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There will also be an event at Thornborough Henge in North Yorkshire on Sunday the 1st of May, 2022. The ceremony starts at 12 noon with FREE entry for day visitors.
At Thornborough, three giant henges were built 5,000-years-ago to form a single ritual complex, making Thornborough Henge one of Britain’s most important prehistoric sacred sites.
There is no need to book in advance, just turn up on the day. Parking will be provided in a field adjacent to the henge.
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Remember to check Covid vaccination policies for various events before attending – although restrictions have been lifted in England, venues and organizations across the U.K. may have their own policies regarding vaccination certificates. Be aware that events may be subject to change.
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