The old Celtic festival of Beltane celebrates the joys of Spring, light and love, traditionally on May 1st. There are many Beltane festivals, large and small, public and private, throughout the modern Pagan community. But two big festivals are held in North Yorkshire each year on the Bank Holiday weekend closest to Beltane.
The ancient sacred site of Thornborough Henge ("the Stonehenge of the North") and the beautiful Sentry Circle, 19 miles away, welcome campers and day-trippers for weekend festivities which include music, maypoles, merriment, mead, market stalls, and more!
The Kith has contributed to the Beltane atmosphere at these festivals, with The Sacred Brigantia Players providing poetic, colourful and hilarious interpretations of ancient British myths and legends in a special series of Beltane Mystery Plays.
Theatrical, musical and spiritual and social activities can be guaranteed every Beltane, including hand-fastings if requested. People are also welcome to set up stalls to sell their wares.
For latest information about Thornborough's and Sentry's events (Beltane or other festivals), please see their websites and Facebook pages: