Thousands of people are flocking to the quiet village near Coventry for the witch festival this weekend

Thousands of people are set to flock to a Witches and Pagans Festival on the outskirts of Coventry this weekend. Organizers say the family-friendly event aimed to break the taboo around witches and pagans.

It takes place today (May 11) and tomorrow (May 12) at the Heart of England Conference Center in Fillongley, near Coventry. Julie Aspinall, from Coventry-based Coven of Gaia, who first launched the festival, said: “The two-day festival has always included a mix of daytime events and workshops and nighttime rituals.

“Our next event will include the addition of a traditional and respectful necromancy ritual led by the Moon and Tide Coven. This is a carefully controlled ritual strictly for people over 18, but like so much of what we do, it is respectful, positive and aimed at helping people.

“Our ongoing hope is that the festival will respond to the growing interest in witchcraft and paganism and normalize some of what we do, countering much of the negativity and incorrect speculation that has forced many of us to remain hidden for so long. “

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This year’s event features a range of rituals and workshops, as well as events including a Viking feast, a witches’ ball and children’s activities. A live-streamed peace ritual so people in war-torn areas including Gaza and Ukraine can see support for themselves from afar, as well as a ritual for Mother Earth to save and protect the planet from harm.

Donations worth £2,000 will also be handed over to charities chosen by the community gathered at the event, with a vote on where to distribute the money during the festival itself.

Organizers also plan to take the festival from a biannual event to a single three-day event starting in May 2025.

Our festival has become more popular than we could have ever hoped for, not just with seasoned 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,” Julie Aspinall . added.

“We understand that people might find the idea of ​​a Necromancy Rite a little intimidating or different, but we hope they’ll also see that family workshops and wellness-focused events are also an important part of our lifestyle.

“This year’s peace ritual also demonstrates that our community is no different from many others around the world, sharing concerns for those affected by war and wanting to show our support.”

Although not a registered charity, the Festival of Pagans and Witches is a not-for-profit organisation, with money raised going back into the running of the next festival and towards plans to create a safe space for members of the Pagan community.

For more information on the Festival of Pagans and Witches visit https://www.covenofgaia.co.uk/

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