As the fires of Beltaine return, we gather to honour the turning of the wheel — a time when the worlds meet, when life stirs, and magic breathes once more through the land.
 
Here, beneath the open sky, we become part of an ancient story — told in laughter and song, in shared flame and mead, in vows of love and courage renewed. Storytellers weave old myths into living truth, lovers are handfasted beneath the trees, and the brave step barefoot to the firewalk, crossing the threshold from fear to freedom.
 
Through music, craft, and ceremony, we celebrate the bond between earth and spirit, between all who walk this path together. We camp beneath the heavens, held by the land, remembering what it means to belong — to each other, and to the sacred fire of life itself.
 
Beltaine’s Blessings is a rite of becoming — a return to the old ways, reborn in the hearts of those who dare to gather around the flame.

FAQ’S

What is included in the ticket price?

Your ticket will include entry to the festival, parking, all the workshops, music, the hand fasting and bonfire. You can purchase a camping ticket when ordering tickets. 

What is not included in the ticket price?

We will have a selection of stalls including food, drink, crystals, drums etc. We will also be offering  craft activities in which there will be a small charge to cover materials. 

Can I bring my own alcohol? 

We will have a selection of Mead on offer at the festival, there is also a brewery at Dummer Down farm. Due to the nature of the firewalk we will not have any other alcohol available and ask you to drink responsibility if you would like to take part in the firewalking ceremony. If you are camping with us you are allowed to bring your own alcohol to enjoy once the event has finished.  If you are deemed to be drunk during the firewalk you may be asked not to take part for your own safety. 

How do I get there? 

By car: The festival takes place in Basingstoke, Hampshire and parking is free! The address is Dummer Down Farm, Dummer Down Lane, Dummer, Basingstoke RG25 2AR. If you use what 3 words this will direct you to the festival entrance arming.doctors.cheetahs

By Taxi: A taxi takes approximatley 15 minutes from the train station. We suggest you pre-book a taxi as the festival is in a rural location. Local taxi companies include AlphaCars Basingstoke 01256 444 444.

Where can I stay?

Camping: Camp with us for the evening for an extra £15 per person to continue celebrating into the night. We will keep the bonfire going for a more informal celebration to connect with others and enjoy a night under the stars. Camping is wild style with limited lighting and no hookup or showers.

Who can take part in the firewalk?

 If you can walk unaided and have no relevant health concerns you are invited to take part. Children are also able to join as long as they are mature enough to listen to the safety demonstration. If you have any questions please reach out to us! 

Can I dress up?

 We encourage you to dress as you wish but love to see interesting outfits! Please bare in mind you will need to have your feet free for the firewalk. Also bare in mind that we will be outside for the day so please check the weather and bring what you need. It can get chilly in the evening so a jacket is recommended. 

What should I bring?

Practical things: A camping chair or something to sit on during workshops, weather appropriate clothes, a torch, any snacks or soft drinks you may want for the day. If you have a drum, rattle or instrument you would like to bring there will be opportunities to play throughout the day. 

Offerings and blessings: You are invited to bring an item or offering for our elemental altars (stone, feather, words, flowers etc). We are also inviting guests to bring something to offer the lovely couple that are having a handfasting on the day. This could be some written words of encouragement, natural items or whatever calls you. During their ceremony we will have a chance to add our blessings to a basket to bless their union. This is completely optional but a nice way to get involved with the day and come together as a community. 

 

Workshops

Firewalking and Arrow Breaking Ceremony

The ceremony begins as we gather to build and light the fire — together, breath by breath, we bring the flame to life. As it catches and grows, we call in the elements to hold and witness our work, inviting balance and harmony into the space. With the fire blazing, we cast our intentions into the flames — prayers for courage, renewal, and release. This is the heart of the ceremony: to meet what is ready to be transformed, and to offer it to the fire.
 
We then share a talk on fear, exploring how it shapes us and how the fire teaches us to move through it — not by resisting, but by honouring and transforming it. Fire, the great teacher of Beltane, reminds us of our connection to passion, creation, and rebirth. As the Earth ignites with life, we too rekindle our own inner flame. Through guided group activities, reflection, and the powerful arrow breaking ritual, we build trust, focus, and the energy of transformation within the circle.
 
Finally, when the coals are glowing, we step together into the firewalk.
Each step across the embers is a moment of liberation, a crossing from fear into freedom, from intention into embodiment. This is a ceremony of courage, connection, and awakening — a celebration of Beltane’s living fire and the light within us all
 

Sound journey

We have the wonderful Avoca Holistic joining us to create an immersive soundscape journey! All are welcome to be a part of this workshop and entry is included in your ticket price.

Avoca is an innovative vocal soundscape artist whose work is an invitation to reconnect with the present moment and experience the transformative power of sound and nature. Drawing inspiration from the ancient, rugged landscape of Dartmoor, Devon, where she resides, Avoca weaves together vocalisation, sounds from nature, and elements of movement and visualisation to create immersive soundscapes that encourage deep relaxation and a sense of tranquility for the spirit, body and mind.
Her workshops provide a unique opportunity for participants to explore their own responses to nature’s song, free from inhibition and self-doubt, fostering a space where they can embrace the present moment. Through these soundscape sessions, Avoca encourages participants to explore the profound relationship between sound and the body, creating an environment where sound becomes both a medium for expression and a path to peace.

Drum circle

We are delighted to welcome Hedgeways- attending as both a vendor and a vibrant part of the days rhythm. Alongside their stall they will also be offering drumming workshops that invite you to connect through heartbeat, rhythm and sound.

Spaces are limited for those wishing to borrow a drum so be sure to visit their stall early in the day to sign up and secure your space. If you have your own drum you are warmly invited to bring it along and join in!

The workshops are a joyful exploration of rhythm and presence- a chance to ground, release and move with the energy of the day. Whether you are a seasoned drummer or simply curious, all are welcome to join the circle and feel the power of shared sound. 

Breathwork and ritual space

We are honoured to welcome Laura Routh Parsons who will be guiding a breathwork session during our firewalking ceremony. She will also be holding the ritual space throughout the day. She will tend the altars, gently supporting anyone who wishes to place intentions, offerings, or prayers upon them. She will ensure the space feels safe and sacred for all those who step forward. 

Song and Dance around the bonfire 

We are delighted to have a beautiful offering of song and dance around the bonfire, inviting everyone to gather in the warmth of the flames and rhythm of the night. Their voice and movement will help weave the community together, lifting spirits, stirring the heart and calling in the joy and wild freedom that Beltaine celebrates.

Meditation 

Begin the day in the Copse with a gentle meditation that invites everyone into the magic of the season- weaving together the playful presence of fairies, the warth of the rising energy and the grounding strength of the earth beneath us. It will be a quiet moment to open the heart, homour the turning of the wheel and let the elements guide us to renewal. 

Ceremonies and Celebrations

Handfasting

Join us in the woodland copse for a handfasting ceremony beneath the trees, where we will gather to honour love, union and the turning of seasons.

A beautiful couple- due to be legally wed a year to the day of our festival will celebrate their Beltaine handfasting. Marking their commitment at this sacred time of union between the divine masculine and feminine. 

Everyone is warmly invited to witness and bless this union. Bring your open hearts, words of encouragement and the support of the community as we weave our blessings into their vows and the spirit of Beltaine itself. 

Fire Procession & Bonfire
 
As night falls and the veil of Beltaine deepens, the energy of the day gathers on final time in flame and celebration. the air hums with the day’s magic, we gather once more — torches in hand — for the Fire Procession. Together, we carry the light through the land, a living river of flame winding its way toward the great bonfire.
 
This is the culmination of the day’s celebration — a moment to honour Beltane’s sacred fire, the spark of life that burns in all things. The procession weaves our intentions, prayers, and laughter into one shared current, uniting us as we walk between worlds: from day into night, from ceremony into celebration.
 
At the heart of the grounds, the bonfire is lit — a beacon of renewal, community, and wild joy. Around its glow, we sing, dance, and drum; offerings and blessings are given to the flames in gratitude for all that has been and all that is to come.
 
This closing ceremony is both a farewell and a beginning — a time to release, rejoice, and let the spirit of Beltane burn bright within us as we carry its warmth home.
A large bonfire blazing at night with embers and sparks flying into the dark sky.
 

Food and Drink

Saxnōt Meadery

Dating back over 9,000 years, mead stands as one of humanity’s oldest drinks – an enduring legacy from the dawn of civilization. Once poured for gods and warriors, mead flowed through firelit halls where legends were forged and poetry gave voice to the soul of the people. Saxnōt Meadery rekindles the ancient craft of mead making, where time-honoured tradition meets modern mastery, and every sip echoes the flavour of legend.

Odin’s Hunger
 
Odin’s Hunger is all about hearty food made the old way… with care, character, and plenty of butter. Each dish is a tribute to the bold, rustic flavours of Scandinavia, from juniper-spiced venison stew finished with sour cream and Norwegian Brunost, to handmade sausages wrapped in soft lompe with mustard and lingonberry sauce. Prepared with heart, served with pride, and always grounded in good ingredients, good stories, and a deep love of food.

Mallard Meadow

Mallard Meadow is a specialist coffee and tea vendor, serving the finest locally roasted coffee and floral tea with a unique twist- their menu and brand are proudly themed around ducks! From expertly crafted espresso-based drinks to specialty tea lattes, they serve quacking coffee

!