We live in interesting times and the Dark Gathering has not been immune to these fluctuating events. Sadly I have to announce that our Guest Side, Wild Hunt Bedlam Morris have reluctantly had to cancel their appearance this year due to unforeseen circumstances. We were very disappointed by this and we hope that Wild Hunt will be able to appear at a Gathering at some point in the future.
Needless to say this caused some avid searching around for a replacement side and we found and decided upon an intriguing act – Huginn and Muninn.
They have been described as ‘Ragnarock ‘n Roll’ and are advertised as ‘a contemporary surrealist two person Border Morris side. They dance tales of Huginn and Muninn’s adventures from the pantheon of Norse myths, ably kept in check by the music of Odin himself.’ We are hoping that everyone will be well entertained by such an unusual Bedlam Border Morris side!
Only 13 weeks to go until the next Dark Gathering!
The sixth annual Dark Gathering has yet again an exciting line-up with something, hopefully, for everyone. So it’s time to give a bit more detail and introduce the performers to you.
The day will kick off with spooky tales from Lisa Schneidau who is an experienced storyteller and environmentalist from Dartmoor. She will bring together her love of nature and the Land with a magical flair that I’m sure will enchant all who attend the session.
Wise Women and Witches Stories from the Isles of Britain
The venue will be the library at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Given the rarity of some of the books, there is an absolute ban on any food and drink being brought into the library with no browsing of books permitted on this occasion.
There will be two shows, starting at 12 noon (running time 45 minutes). Suitable for ages 7+. All children should be accompanied and supervised by an adult. Places are limited, booking is advised – contact Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Adults £5.00, Children £3.00
50% of the proceeds are being donated to the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, and the Dark Gathering.
Incidentally, later in the day you will also see Lisa again in a slightly different guise – as a Beltane Morris dancer!
Everyone will be delighted to hear that Beltane Border Morris will once again be headlining our afternoon’s entertainment. They are such a vital and powerful component to our Dark Gathering, and we are always eager to see them again. There’s always more than a whiff of wild Dartmoor and the eldritch about the Beltane tribe…
This year we have the welcome return of Wrecker’s Border Morris. They are our fun-loving local Cornish side who inject a little bit of benign crazy (or mazey if you’re Cornish) energy into the proceedings.
Finally our Guest Side this year is the dark and mysterious Wild Hunt Bedlam Morris that haunt the wilds of Surrey. This is an experienced masked Border side that have been performing for 28 years. I am confident that Wild Hunt will bring their very own brand of the Otherworld with them to the Dark Gathering.
During the afternoon break in dancing this year there is to be, Devonbird. This Devon based folk band are very much connected to the Land, together with it’s folklore and magic – this is reflected in their music.
Finally there will be an unforgettable experience when we have the performance of Plymouth’s one and only Stone Soup. This is a duo of theatrical storyteller poets but this is not your average brace of bards as you will see! 😉
Here’s a Stop Press statement from Stone Soup just received:
The Dashing Dynamic Duo that is Nik (Londoner) & David (Dubliner), combined collectively in the guise of their Stone Soup alter-ego, shall be bringing their Magniloquent Mayhemic Mix of Storytelling & Music to this fantastic event. Expect the Unexpected!!!
As well as our new performers all the usual suspects will be gathering to keep alive this community event at Hallowtide. Also the all-singing, all-dancing Cwmni Gwerin Pontypool are returning again this year. Who would have thought that such a quaint looking dance troupe could end up being so naughty! They have promised to keep their Mari Fflosi in check this time and not let her gallop off and cause mayhem! 🙂
So, we will once again have an action packed and exciting line-up this year, with some new faces which I’m sure will receive the customary warm Cornish welcome. I will announce any updates as and when they occur on this website. Remember to book accommodation early to avoid disappointment.
Have a great summer and I’ll see you all at Summer’s End when we celebrate the All Hallows Gathering in Boscastle. 🙂
Reminder: Each year we have a Guest Side visiting the All Hallows Gathering. We choose from a list of Morris teams who have applied to come. If your side is interested in performing at Boscastle to help us celebrate this special festival at the Darkening of the year, then contact the event organiser via this website.
I have to inform you that I have just received an announcement to the effect that, a denizen from the Otherworld will be making a visitation to the Dark Gathering. So keep your eyes and ears open for a surprise visit. All will be revealed at the appropriate time and place…
