MERCIAN GATHERING - pagan festival with Ritual, Talks and Entertainment

- To honour the Old Gods
- To facilitate a sacred space for people of all paths to come together in a spirit of fellowship, learning and fun
- To raise money for our chosen charities

The Mercian Gathering is a non-commercial venture created and organised by a working Hearth [the Hearth of Arianrhod] and staffed entirely by volunteers. No one, except our charities, makes a penny from the event. Everything is free on site, including healing sessions and archery [except the cafe, which charges the minimum prices possible].

Any profit we make at the Gathering is donated to charity. In 2008 we donated £2000 to the Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary and £2000 to The Beacon. Please note that the organisers and volunteers do not make a penny from the event, but give their time and skills freely and work really hard [sometimes around the clock] to make sure that you have a good time.

Despite the severe weather warnings around the country, the Mercian Gathering went ahead as normal. Nearly everyone braved their way through the floods and around 730 Pagans celebrated the harvest together. It rained... oh boy, did it rain! Even our normally free draining fields started to get water filtering up from the water table as well as down from the skies. If you saw me on Friday before the opening ritual, it was pushing cars, spreading straw and shovelling woodchip in an attempt to keep the roadways flowing. The gateways to the fields and the spot down by the cafe became a quagmire (though the rest of the site was okay). But we still had fun, and it's been much worse at Glastonbury!

Even if they couldn't give us a dry weekend, the Gods made sure we could celebrate all our rituals in dry weather - it cleared up half an hour before the opening ritual, and started raining again half an hour afterwards. It rained throughout Saturday, but stopped just before the fire labyrinth and wicker man ritual, drizzled a bit after it was finished, then stopped, and we had a fine day on Sunday. All the rituals, entertainment and workshops went on, and only the archery was affected, with one session out of four going ahead. We had a fantastic night with Gary Brienholt and Damh the Bard on Friday (who came despite his injured back). Keith stepped in to fill the vacant spot in the cafe, and did a superb job. Saturday we had two absolutely brilliant bands, Laienda and Endless Knot, who both raised the roof and got everyone dancing. Thanks to all the speakers who made a bigger effort than usual to join us.

We must give a more especial thanks to Sue the farm owner, who had to put up with us making a mess of her fields. She jumped into her tractor on Sunday to drag out people stuck in the mud, smiling broadly all the time. Please write to thank her [if you had a ticket you have the address] and let her know how much we all appreciate her kindness and hospitality.

I want to thank everyone who came in such good spirits and with a sense of adventure - they proved they were real Pagans at one with Nature and the elements, not the armchair variety afraid of getting their feet wet. Thanks also for all your kind comments, cheerful dispositions and praise for our efforts. It is that that makes all the hard work [and it was harder than usual this year] worth while.

Thanks for having us at the Gathering, it was the highlight of our year despite the weather. We are still feeling the repercussions of the damp in our equipment, but that is to be expected. Can you pass on my gratitude to the people who came to see us, their enthusiasm was a great inspiration to us all and made the evening all the more enjoyable.

Baz, Endless Knot

...many many thanks to you and yours for the fantastic, beautiful, wonderful, magical Mercian Gathering this year! I had the best weekend I've had in many many years... My boots are still muddy, but my joyous memories still exalting when I think back. :D
Kim Huggens

Wet, but wonderful!

Tina, Tamworth

Wet, mucky and AWESOME!

Beck, Tamworth

Wonderful event. Weather reminds us of home!!

Carol, Ireland

A great time, a new Glastonbury experience- rain to renew.

Nick Packham

Vikings were wonderful. Rain to wash us, wind to dry us. Good times with the best company. Mud to rival Glastonbury. Love xxx

Lesley Vann

Fantastic weekend. Best camp all year.

Julie and Nik, Bournemouth

Wettest, muddiest camp we have ever been to. A super time was had by all!

Eddie and Lynn, Lancs

Just wanted to say thank you for all your effort and trouble in making the Gathering such a success when all could have been washed away. It really is appreciated that people like you give so much and share with so many.

Dave the Flute

I just wanted to say a big thank you to you and the other Hearth members for the Mercian Gathering last weekend, and to say congratulations for holding it all together so well despite the weather...I was particularly impressed and grateful to all the guys who kept the car routes going...Many thanks for a tremendous weekend. I hope you are able to rest now!
Sara

A big big thank you to Anna & the gang, this was my 3rd gathering, me & my friends had a wonderful time, the weather didn't put off us in the slightest, we have experienced much worse, everything about the event was well organised, I knew the weather would hold off for the rituals. Thank you once again for a memorable weekend Blessings xxxxx

Amagemini

GATHERING
Circled in the spray and dim torrent,
Dozens of strangers, with their lovers, with their children,
Stand on the green land
To lend their spirit to the flame of devotion,
To fan and breathe on the flame of the gods.
To the World Above!
Airy reaches of the endless sky!
To the World Below!
A skull on the grass and the Underworld under my feet!
A shout, bold, into the wind:
Air, Fire, Water, Earth.
We are Pagan people and we live and love and feel in awe.
We are a sensual people,
Our men like rutting stags,
Our women shaking the foundations,
Finding the Goddess or the God in a lover's arms.
We are a spiritual people,
Winding magic from the fire,
Looking to the moon
And the cornfield
And the whirling sky.
A cloud of steam rolls over the field
As they light it, wet embers cracking,
And Troll stalks around -
A dance of danger and respect,
Kindling the flames
Until fragments of fire break away
And tumble out over the electric blue twilight.
Now comes Herne, the Horned God,
Stag God of the Land,
Round and about the fire,
Calling his Pagan children,
And then we retire to the sweet place
And hear Damh singing 'Merlin am I'
To the strains of a guitar.
The honey of the gods is on our lips.
It is a good life, our life.
Thanks for everything and Blessed Be,
Chrissy Derbyshire -x-

Anna and all helpers, you tried really hard to make this Gathering work, despite all the mud. I was on the lower field and appreciate what you have done to look after us all. Just know that we will be back next year to support you!! Blessings to you all!

… my first pagan festival and despite all the bad weather well done to the organisers and all the volunteers and everyone who kept everything going fab weekend see you all next year

The mud was truly muddy but the event was lovely, the labyrinth special and the speakers I saw were enjoyable and well informed.

THANK YOU! To the Organisers and to the Dagda for a fun fab safe weekend. My friends and I were especially grateful that we could camp in the top field, Thanks for finding us a space Oz! And I say a special thank you to the lady Dagda that helped carry some of my stuff across the field to the car and the Dagda man that drove my car off where I was told to put it and even turned it round so I was facing the right way to leave. Love the talks I went to, wish I could have stayed for more of Nick's runes on Saturday but I really wanted to go to the ritual, which was WoW ... the fire labyrinth and the burning, when he finally gave in lol. The opening ritual was a Wow too. The whole weekend felt really good even though my wellies rubbed my ankles raw and my back is killing me. All in all I had a totally fab weekend, it was my first visit to the Mercian Gathering but most definitely NOT my last.

My heart felt thanks to Anna, the Dagda, and all the volunteers who stood out in all that rain to help everyone. The amount of hard work that went into this event is evident. You’re a smashing bunch of people. Anna, this was my 1st Mercian and I will be a regular from now on, me and hubby loved every minute of it despite all the mud and watery stuff. I had a truly brilliant weekend and it blows my mind away on what it will be like when its sunny. So here’s to a sunny 2009. I look forward to meeting you all again. For those I won't see until 2009 - have a blessed and wondrous year.

A huge thanks to everyone who organised and volunteered to make our lives so much easier than we ever expected. You all worked so hard in such adverse conditions and were always willing to help out, especially when we needed to get our car off the lower field. It was our first time at anything like this and we will be back for 2009. We loved it all - there was so much to see and do despite the rain and mud and we were made so welcome. Once again THANK YOU!!!!!!!! See you in 2009 xxx

We appreciated all your hard work that goes into organising an event such as this. Roll on next year!!

… a huge thanks to all involved. Aus mate you were a star, even though the farmers were using their tractors for much of the towing, you were coordinating the Exodus!! Special thanks to Troll too, who I know was unwell, so healing energy getting sent that way! And to Anna, and all of the people of Hearth of Arianrhod, THANK YOU so much. The time and effort you put in to organise something like that doesn't bear thinking about. And what a great choice of entertainment!! I came home with 4 new CDs. And Salane dear, thanks for keeping me in the party spirit even though I was in agony. Blessings to you all

Adding my thank you too for the event, to the volunteers and the thought taken despite the rain to keep all the programme running. The gods were kind and the rains stayed away for the labyrinth and wicker man which was the most important. Yes healing to troll, hubby spent a enjoyable time chatting round the hearth with him. We brought my teenage kids for first time and even they said they enjoyed all despite the rain I was hoping one of them would have fallen face first in the mud for a 'special photo' moment but it wasn’t to be .! c u next time. Bright blessings

Well done everyone for another successful camp. I know it was wet and soggy but fun for all that. Thank you for all your hard work to make it all run smoothly despite the weather... Another one for stories round the camp fire. In 4 years I have been sunburned, blown away by high winds whilst playing catch the marquee, treated to a mix of weather last year and now waded through mud slurries... I can't wait to see what the Old Ones decide to throw at us next year... perhaps they will be kind and give us perfect balmy camping weather (as opposed to BARMY!!) Again well done all. Love and blessings

I wasn't sure what to expect but I went with my sister and our daughters and despite the weather we had a wonderful time. We were so impressed by the organisation, facilities and the people we met. Spending the night dancing in wellies was also a first but with Endless Knot, how could you resist? This is a link to some of my photos. http://www.flickr.com/photos/19372640@N07/sets/72157607180721908/

Wow what a weekend. This was my very first pagan camp and what wonderful people I've met. I braved the weather until Sunday afternoon, but wished I’d stayed till the end, so next year I will! The rituals were amazing, the atmosphere was electric. A big thank you to all who have organised such a truly amazing event and a massive thank you to the guys who spent most of the weekend keeping the vehicle paths accessible. What more can I say, other than I know I'm on my right path!!! Love and light

A massive thank you to everyone who worked so so hard to make the weekend go smoothly despite the dreadful dreadful weather - It was my first Mercian Gathering and I thoroughly enjoyed it The rituals were fantastic and very moving, talks brilliant and the music amazing. Thank you once again and we look forward to next year (hopefully with better weather!)

My first year and I'd just like to say thank you to everyone who made me feel welcome and especially to the lovely people in the Cafe who kept a frozen Viking filled with tea. Would be more than happy to attend next year if we are invited back, failing that I'll have to buy a ticket! (Hopefully I'd be able to make it to some of the demonstrations and discussion groups then.)

I'm a very happy newbie! You were the first festival, pagan or otherwise and I loved every damp minute of it! I have no idea why I didn't attend pagan festivals years ago???! It was a wild time and my only complaint is that I couldn't attend more than one talk at the same time!!!! I'll be back! and with far less stuff with me - who needs food with such a great cafe! Well done everyone!

Muddy Fun! Thank you Anna for facilitating such an exhilarating weekend. Quite a few members of our grove in Kenilworth came over and we all agreed that it really was wonderful despite all the mud. I personally did not hear one cross word all weekend. The Dagda were wonderful and so helpful, I for one was really glad they were there and they worked so very hard too. Thank you every one. I will be there next year Great spirit willing. Blessings and light to your paths.
Lynne Tynan-Cashmore aka Tynan Elder Oak

Mudfest! Myself and the gorgeous Sam have just arrived home safe and sound. We were both impressed that despite the wet weather everybody seemed to be happy and having a good time. As always it was great to catch-up with old friends and make new ones. I was really pleased that so many people made it to my talk and got such great feed back. Can't wait for next year. Blessings,

Like so many others, I want to say a HUGE thank you to the many people involved in organising and running this event! I had a brilliant time and will DEFINITELY be coming again! It was wet, cold, muddy and AWESOME! The whole event had amazing vibe and I felt so comfortable there. Blessings!
Sarah

Pale Empress (belly dancing workshop plus workshop on natural products for the home and body]

Plus dozens more to come! We have more speakers and more events than any other camp.

Camper/Caravan pass £5 [we have space for 15 caravans/campers, so book early- 14 left]

Or send a cheque payable to 'The Mercian Gathering', to The Mercian Gathering, PO Box 12, Earl Shilton, Leics, LE9 7ZZ, UK

CHARITY - Any profit we make at the Gathering is donated to charity. In 2008 we donated £2000 to the Warwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary and £2000 to The Beacon. Please note that the organisers and volunteers do not make a penny from the event, but give their time and skills freely to make sure that you have a good time.

VENUE- The venue is kept secret except from ticket holders. It is located near Nuneaton, Warks, UK. You will be sent the address and a map with the information pack that accompanies your ticket.

WHAT TO BRING- You will need a decent tent in case it rains [those cheap play ones let the rain in], sleeping bag, torch [there is no lighting, this a farm], cooking equipment, food [the café only serves snacks and light meals] and fresh clothes, plus ritual garments if you wish. It is a good idea to bring a notebook plus some money to purchase goodies from the stalls and cafe. Don’t forget to bring any medication you are taking, along with personal toiletries.

CARAVANS AND CAMPER VANS- We have limited space for these, so you must buy a caravan/camper pass. No hard-standing or electrical hook-up.

OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES- The Gathering opens at 10.30 am on Friday [no entrance beforehand] and closes at 8 pm on Sunday, and we appreciated you leaving as soon as you can afterwards so we can start clearing up. There is no extra camping Thursday or Sunday night: our insurance doesn’t cover it and there will be no toilets.

Workshops start at 2 pm Friday and run through till 7 pm Sunday. We do not publish an advance programme as it is always subject to last minute changes [weather, no-shows etc]. The day’s events are displayed on a board in the information tent and in the marquee. On Saturday and Sunday there are morning meetings at 10 am in the marquee where you can find out more about the talks. Oliver the announcer goes around with a megaphone ten minutes before each talk starts to remind people, but don't rely on this to learn what's on - you might not hear it.

STALLS- Ticket holders can set up stalls in the events field. You will need a stall pass [you do not also need to purchase a camper/caravan pass should you have one of these too]. Each member of staff will need a personal ticket. Please show the marshals your stall pass on arrival.

NO DOGS- This is a working farm with roaming animals. People smuggling dogs or other animals on site will be asked to leave immediately.

RUBBISH- Please take all your rubbish away for recycling. We have no facilities for dealing with it. The information tent will provide you with a black bin bag and directions to the nearest recycling plant.

NOISE- Because the festival is held on a farm which has close neighbours, we have to be considerate and operate an 11 pm curfew for drumming, and ask you to keep the noise down after midnight.

FIRES -There will be a main fire in the central circle. Sorry, no personal fires; do not dig pits, as these are dangerous for the animals normally kept in the fields. Barbecues and fireboxes are okay.

TOILETS- We cannot dig earth pits for toilets in the field, as animals are normally kept there. We are cannot dispose of toilet waste in the farm's cess pit as it is not capable of taking the extra waste, and we cannot bury it on the farm as this will pollute the water course and is actually illegal. We have no alternative but to hire toilets for the site. Do not put sanitary towels and hand towels in the toilets as this blocks them. Use the bins provided. If there is no toilet paper, report it to the site crew [in yellow jackets]. There will be a disabled portaloo on site- if you are disabled you can camp near it.

CAFÉ - Help us reduce the need for paper cups and plates by taking your own cups to the café to drinks and plates to the barbecue [don't be greedy - we will charge you slightly more for a pint of coffee than a half pint!]. The café provides light meals, a barbecue in the evenings, snacks and drinks. It is not open all day and all night, and you will need to provide some of your own meals, especially if you need to eat outside opening times [if you are diabetic for example]. It will be closed during the rituals. The café is not a commercial venture and is not run for profit; we operate it simply to provide a service for campers. Any profit it does make is donated to charity. It is staffed entirely by unpaid volunteers who do their best - sometimes in difficult circumstances - so please treat them with consideration.

GENERATOR – We will be using a generator to provide power for the café and toilets. The fuel this uses is equal to one car journey to the camp from Scotland. As a generator is much more fuel-efficient than a car engine, it generates less pollution than a car. As it will be providing hygiene and food for over seven hundred people during the weekend - who will not be using power at home - we feel this is an acceptable consumption ratio.

CAR JOURNEYS- The majority of pollution generated by the camp will be in the car journeys that people take to and from the site. To reduce your carbon footprint consider car sharing or using public transport. There will be a pick up service from Nuneaton train station on the hour from 12 noon till 7.00pm on the Friday. A return service from the camp to the station will operate Sunday- book your return lifts at the information tent.

ON SITE ENQUIRIES AND FIRST AID- please enquire at the information tent, which will be manned during the day or otherwise at the Dagda tent on the gate.

CHILDREN-We will be running four fun sessions especially for children and parents.

SECURITY- The excellent Dagda will be providing security. Please conform to their requests- this is for safety and the smooth running of the camp, not to spoil your fun.

LOST TICKETS- All tickets will have been sent out two weeks before the Gathering. If your tickets have not arrived, please phone us to let us know. If you have not let us know seven days before the Gathering we cannot replace the tickets or refund the money. If you have lost your tickets after they have arrived, we charge a £5 replacement fee per ticket. Phone 07855 378515.

REFUNDS- SORRY- NO REFUNDS IF YOU CANCEL FOR WHATEVER REASON. By the time of the camp the money will have been spent on the facilities or donated to the Sanctuary.

RITUALS -The rituals of the camp honour the Old Gods, the season and the spirits of the land. A ritual is designed to transform the individual that takes part in it. Remember that you only get out of a ritual what you put in; don’t just be a spectator, but concentrate and join in. The opening ritual is provided by the Hearth of Arianrhod. We activate the labyrinth and invite the Gods and spirits of place to join us in our celebration of the harvest, and ask them to help us in our learning experience during the weekend. You will be invited to decorate the wicker man with your offerings and prayers during the course of Saturday. On Saturday we flame the labyrinth and travel through it as an act of purification. This is followed by a procession to the wicker man when we burn him and send him to the Gods with our prayers and offerings for the coming year. The closing ritual is thrown open to our visitors to formulate and perform, so please get involved in that