On Sunday 30th April, 2023, we had a brilliant gathering at Phoenix Barn to celebrate Beltane/Mayday eve: ‘for summer is a-comin’ today’….
….there was an early start, before 4 pm, when Emily and Jenny arrived among the swirling mists, but most came a couple of hours later when the mist had cleared: mainly the old stalwarts, but joined this year by an extended Ukrainian family (thanks to Putin’s war) which meant that all 12 ribbons of the maypole crown were fully used for the first time at Phoenix Barn, and everyone present (I think) jumped the Beltane fire (although I didn’t see Lena or Rosemary doing so…).
A wonderful mix with a common purpose: to welcome in the Summer! Thank you to all that came: Emily, Lorraine, Jenny, Shoris, Toby, Lyla, Yuliia, Serj, Nikita, Lena, Aleksandr, Sasha, Valeria, Rosemary and Joza; and we are sorry that we missed those that didn’t make it, especially Penny, Jim and Anny!
Here are some pictures of Emily (any other pictures of the event will be gratefully added!)
And these are some videos – on Vimeo, not public: press ‘back’ to return here (again, any other videos you have, please share them to me to go up here):
Emily and Jenny (in the mists)…
First big dance (oh look: there is a southern side to Cot Valley)…
