Finding the Pagan Way
Pagan Pride 2016
On Sunday 7th August, over 700 people met at the Old Market Square in Nottingham UK for the annual march to the Arboretum for the opening ceremony for the Pagan Pride UK festival.
Tina and I had set off early with our good friends Helen and David on a beautiful sunny morning. We had our drums, staffs and costumes stowed in the boot of David’s car for the hour and a half drive to Nottingham. Then, fully dressed for the occasion, we took the tram from the park and ride into the city to join the huge crowd which had already gathered.
The event, which was created by Esme Knight (Pictured) seven years ago has grown year by year and is a perfect example of the best that the pagan culture in Britain has to offer. The day was a riot of sound and colour with amazing costumes, music, workshops and stalls.
We met up with old friends and made some new ones. We spent most of the day in just drumming and chilling out under the trees.
Just to walk around and feel the atmosphere was amazing!
There is so much to describe that I will mainly be posting pictures of the event to give an idea of the diversity and energy of the gathering. Some of the costumes were totally stunning and I will add some photographs at the end. There were too many to include them all, but I I have selected those which caught my eye.
There were talks and workshops going on in tents and under trees all around the park, from meditation and medieval history to belly dancing.
The stall were filled with beautiful hand-crafted items and I will try to include a few photos if space permits.
The atmosphere was electric as the parade set off for the march to the Arboretum.
Traffic was stopped for the march, but everyone took it in good humour.
This photo gives an idea of the size of the march.
Finally, we reached the arboretum. The sound was incredible as we marched under the stone bridge.
Myself, Helen and Tina marching into the Arboretum. David is behind the camera.
David, – just about to nip to one side to take the photo!
The path to the bandstand. There were some beautiful stalls .
After the parade had moved to the bandstand for the opening ceremony.
Some of the marchers gathered at the bandstand.
After the ceremony there was music until late into the evening.
Some interesting shots of the stall, workshops and costumes.
Drumming under the trees…
