Pagan Pride

Pagan Pride 2012 - Sunday 5 August on the Arboretum

We’ve been promised some sun in August – stop sniggering at the back – and what better way to spend a sunny day than down the Arboretum. Home to not only a large collection of trees, it also welcomes many a festival and gathering throughout the year.

Pagan Pride, on Sunday 5 August, is one such event and the Arbo is a very apt place for raising awareness and bringing people together in a celebration of all things magik, mystical and mother naturely. Cast aside any preconceived notions that you may have, get yourselves down and find out what they really are all about. Last year’s event saw over a thousand supporters from far and wide visit our fair city to celebrate the diversity of the community and learn more about the Pagan culture, and this year even more look set to descend for an afternoon of fun and frolics.

The day kicks off in style with a parade at 10.30am that starts on the Market Square. Pagans from around the country will be marching through the city; the walk culminating at the Arboretum. The event then officially opens at midday until 6pm. So what else can you expect except floaty fabrics and wind chimes? Loads, that’s what.

Two unplugged music stages will be present this year with headliners for the main stage being Luxury Stranger, a post punk indie collective, and headlining the acoustic stage, Serpentyne, who give a unique blend of medieval and world music, They’ll be joined by, among others, Lee Burns, Fae Brotherhood and Scaramanga 6. If you fancy getting into the musical spirit yourself, you can join the open drumming circle for a bash on a bongo; all welcome, no matter how off your timing may be.

There’ll be talks throughout the day covering paganism, spirituality, history and folklore. From 5pm the speakers’ area will be transformed into a chill-out spot for relaxation and meditation. There will also be a variety of dance classes, ranging from medieval branle to steampunk bellydancing. You could even take a variety of classes and combine your new skills into a cacophony of jumping, kicking and grinding that you can demonstrate in the dance arena, just make sure you have at least a metre space on each side.

For those who want to party hardy and learn hardy, there will be loads of people to chat to as this year sees the start of the Pagan Community Networking area. Located by the Green Man Tree, for those who wish to learn more about the pagan ethos, understand what a moot is, or just fancy a chat. Don’t forget to swing by the stalls on your way around; selling handmade crafts, Pagan Pride t-shits and witchy paraphernalia. There will also be entertainment for children, with face painting, bracelet making and games which will distract them long enough for you to sneak off and down a quick pint of Castle Rock’s finest ale at the on-site beer tent.

After the event, there will be a cheeky après party at The Olde Salutation, so head over for more merriment and another opportunity to let those dance moves shine well into the night.

Pagan Pride, the Arboretum, Sunday 5 August, 12 - 6pm. Free entry.

Pagan Pride website

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