Festival of witches returns as three-day event

Andy Giddings
BBC News, West Midlands
Stage Dive Two women in black dresses facing each other in a field behind a large burning brazierStage Dive
Thousands of people are expected to attend the event held near Meriden

A festival of witches will return as a three-day event for the first time since its launch in 2021.

The Festival for Witches and Pagans was arranged by a group in Warwickshire called the Coven of Gaia and is being held in woods in the county later.

The organisers said their aim was to "create a family-friendly event aimed at removing the taboo around witches and pagans".

A Viking battle, witches' ball, fire walking experience and other workshops will be held at the Heart of England Conference and Events Centre between 3 and 5 May.

Julie Aspinall, from the Coventry-based Coven of Gaia, said: "We have combined what was previously two festivals each year into one single three-day event so we can channel our effort into laying on more on offer than ever before."

She said the event did "a wonderful job" by bringing together the community of witches and pagans while also showing their way of life to people keen to learn more.

Activities during the weekend also include rituals, workshops including spellcraft and wand making.

EMPR A gathering of people, sat on a grassy field with tents and vans in the backgroundEMPR
The event is aimed at pagans and witches, as well as people who want to learn more about their way of life

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