Wicker man to burn at festival
DRUIDS and witches in Dorset are to hold a large pagan gathering near Weymouth to
celebrate the festival of Beltane.
The three-day gathering for several hundred people, at a location near Portesham, will take place from May 2 to May 4 - and the highlight will be a fire ritual, including the burning of a wicker man.
Unlike the sacrificial pyre in the cult film The Wicker Man, Dorset's version will contain wishes and spells which visitors to the gathering will be able to attach before the ritual.
The event is being organised by the Weymouth-based Dolmen Grove and will include music, maypole dancing, outdoor activities, meditation and mystic sessions, the famous Pickled Witch market, circus skills, archery, re-enactments and a bardic competition.
Weymouth's pagan folk/rock band the Dolmen will be performing on the Saturday night before the fire ritual.
Early music specialists Rigantona will be organising workshops and demonstrating traditional instruments as well as performing.
Folk duo Heelstone are also among acts lined up for the event.
Chris Walsh, arch-druid Melkin of the Dolmen Grove, said: "Beltane is the traditional spring festival of rebirth which is something most people can relate to.
"Anyone who is interested or sympathetic to pagan beliefs will be very welcome. We are hoping that at least 300 people will attend."
There will be camping on the site with facilities, plus food venders. Mead and cider will also be on sale.
Security will be provided by members of the Dagda, a pagan group with considerable experience at festivals and other events. The event has previously been held at a site near Corfe Castle.
Mr Walsh said: "We decided to bring the gathering closer to home for many of our members - the precise location will be announced closer to the event."
Tickets for the Beltane weekend cost £30 for adults with reductions for children. For more details visit the Dolmen Grove website here or telephone 07918 143682.
9:47am Tuesday 22nd January 2008
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CommentPosted by: Do'set Man, Weymouth on 6:45pm Tue 22 Jan 08
Last year's bash was the best fun I ever had with my clothes on !!
Great people, superb music and a spiritual moment.
Last year's bash was the best fun I ever had with my clothes on !!
Great people, superb music and a spiritual moment.
Posted by: shy naturist! on 8:37pm Tue 22 Jan 08
[quote][bold]Do'set Man[/bold] wrote:
Last year's bash was the best fun I ever had with my clothes on !! Great people, superb music and a spiritual moment.[/quote]
[bold]So[/bold] we can wear our fig leaves then?
[bold]PS[/bold] , all 30 of us,
or do we need a licence ?
Do'set Man wrote:
Last year's bash was the best fun I ever had with my clothes on !! Great people, superb music and a spiritual moment.
So we can wear our fig leaves then?
PS , all 30 of us,
or do we need a licence ?
Posted by: local, Weymouth on 11:15pm Wed 23 Jan 08
Wicker man!! . It looks more like something you see on bonfire night. If you want an alternative religion then try scientology (that is seriously weird)
Wicker man!! . It looks more like something you see on bonfire night. If you want an alternative religion then try scientology (that is seriously weird)
Posted by: Do'set Man, Weymouth on 7:17am Thu 24 Jan 08
Tried it have you ? That probably says more about you than Paganism.
What makes you think Paganism is an alternative religion ?
It's been around twenty times longer than any of the foreign Eastern religions such as Christianity and is the true religion of this country.
Tried it have you ? That probably says more about you than Paganism.
What makes you think Paganism is an alternative religion ?
It's been around twenty times longer than any of the foreign Eastern religions such as Christianity and is the true religion of this country.
Posted by: local, Weymouth on 9:44pm Thu 24 Jan 08
Pleased to learn that Paganism is the true faith of this country. Let's start a campaign to get rid of the established church now.
Pleased to learn that Paganism is the true faith of this country. Let's start a campaign to get rid of the established church now.
Posted by: Do'set Man, Weymouth on 5:44pm Sun 27 Jan 08
I think you'll find that apathy, time and Islam are already on that particular case, local.
I think you'll find that apathy, time and Islam are already on that particular case, local.
Posted by: Lord of Misrule, Bridport on 12:27am Tue 29 Jan 08
I honestly feel that this is all just an excuse for a bunch of overgrown schoolkids to get together and have a bit of fun. Nothing wrong with that (obviously) and good luck to all concerned but please don't pretend it is some kind of serious alternative belief system. You are surely having a bit of a laugh
I honestly feel that this is all just an excuse for a bunch of overgrown schoolkids to get together and have a bit of fun. Nothing wrong with that (obviously) and good luck to all concerned but please don't pretend it is some kind of serious alternative belief system. You are surely having a bit of a laugh
Posted by: Do'set Man, Weymouth on 6:55am Fri 1 Feb 08
You see, that's the difference between someone like you and people like us.
Our belief system as you put it, tells us to accept that your point of view is valid, whereas you and folk like you are stuck in the old mindset of 'attack' that which frightens you.
How can you possibly comment if you don't experience it ?
You see, that's the difference between someone like you and people like us.
Our belief system as you put it, tells us to accept that your point of view is valid, whereas you and folk like you are stuck in the old mindset of 'attack' that which frightens you.
How can you possibly comment if you don't experience it ?
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