COVENTRY’s festival of witches and pagans is returning for people to reach out to lost loved ones.
The family friendly event – aimed at removing the taboo around witches and pagans – will be taking place on May 11 and 12.
It will include a ‘rite of necromancy’ during a night-time programme of activities.
Organisers of the event said it will be traditional and respectful and aims to offer people a chance to communicate with those who have passed away with honour.
Julie Aspinall, from the Coventry-based Coven of Gaia, who first launched the festival, said: “The two-day festival has always included a mixture of daytime events and workshops and night-time rituals.
“Our forthcoming event will include the addition of a traditional and respectful Rite of Necromancy led by the Coven of the moon and tide.
“This is a carefully-controlled ritual strictly for over-18s, but like so much of what we do is respectful, positive and aimed at helping people.
“Our ongoing hope is that the festival caters to the growing interest in witchcraft and paganism, and normalises some of what we do, countering much of the negativity and incorrect speculation that forced so many of us to stay hidden for so long.”
This years events include rituals and workshops including a Viking Feast, a Witches’ Ball and children’s activities.
A highlight of the programme will be a peace ritual live-streamed so people in war-torn areas including Gaza and Ukraine can see support,
The festival will give donations of over £2,000 to charities chosen by the community who have hone to the event.
Julie added: “Our festival has grown more popular than we could ever have hoped, not just with experienced witches and pagans, but with people keen to learn more about what we do, what we’re interested in, and how we live our lives.
“We understand that people might find the idea of a Rite of Necromancy a bit intimidating or different, but hopefully they will also see that family-friendly workshops, and wellness-focused events also form a huge part of our lifestyle.”
The festival is held at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Fillongley near Coventry.
Visit: covenofgaia.co.uk/ for more information.
