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Festival of Beltain Saturday 1st May 2004 starting at 6.30pm |
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Festival of Beltain Saturday 1st May 2004 starting at 6.30pm |
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Beltain is the spring festival of the Celtic religion and, like other major Celtic events, was a fire festival: the 'good fire' was burnt for purification, for healing, for light, for growth. According to Caesar, the Iron Age Britons would construct huge wicker containers in human form which were filled with men and animals, and then set alight as a sacrifice.
What we produce this evening is not a religious ceremony, nor does it have any significance apart from being a piece of theatre. Elements of the evening might bear some resemblance to Beltain as it was celebrated 2,000 years ago.
The evening starts at 6.30pm with an entertainment at 7pm. The Wicker Man will be fired at 8pm-ish. There will be a licensed bar and refreshments will be on sale. Tickets - £5 per adult, £3 per child - available from Butser Ancient Farm, Nexus House, Gravel Hill, Waterlooville, Hants. PO8 0QE. Please make cheques payable to 'Butser Ancient Farm' and include a stamped self-addressed envelope.
Review of last year's Festival
Created 14 February 2003 - Updated 19 February 2004