The Bearded Viking and TBV AxeMasters at, A Festival of Witches and Pagans
Our second big event of the year was A Festival of Witches and Pagans, a gathering we eagerly anticipate every year. This marked our third time trading here as The Bearded Viking and our second time with TBV AxeMasters. Held on May 11th and 12th, this event is a favourite of ours, offering a unique blend of magic, history, and camaraderie. Organized by The Coven of Gaia, it takes place at the Heart of England Conference Centre in Coventry, just a few hours’ drive away.
The Heart of England Conference Centre is a captivating venue. The vast field with a serene lake at one end and acres of enchanting woodland filled with quirky objects, like dinosaur statues, trees with faces, and a witch’s lodge, sets the perfect atmosphere for the festival. Inside the conference centre, rooms brimming with intriguing artifacts add to the magical ambiance. One of the perks of this location is the availability of breakfast in the morning, a welcome treat for early risers.
The festival boasts what feels like over 100 stalls, each offering unique and alternative goods. From tarot readings to witch’s brooms, beard oils to handcrafted wardrobes, there’s something for everyone. The food stalls were fantastic, featuring Greek cuisine and delicious pizza. Though we haven’t attended the witch’s ball or Viking feast, they are popular events that sound absolutely fascinating.
Throughout the festival, numerous talks and workshops on witchcraft, healing, and spirituality provide a wealth of knowledge and experience. This relaxed and friendly event welcomes everyone, making it an ideal destination for those curious about alternative lifestyles.
One of the highlights is the Viking village at the centre of the festival. Here, visitors can see how Vikings lived, experience traditional crafts, and watch the preparation of an authentic Viking dinner. Viking battle reenactments occur several times a day, offering thrilling entertainment for all ages. Kids particularly enjoy practicing their sword skills with small wooden swords sold at various stalls.
This time, it was just Ben (Ginge) and me attending the festival. Unlike our adventure at Dorset, we were well-prepared and faced no sleeping dramas. On the first night, we cooked an amazing chili and jacket potatoes on the BBQ and were lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. We joked about starting a campfire cooking show, given our culinary success.
Trading was fantastic throughout the weekend, so much so that we didn’t get to see a lot of the festival. However, we made sure to explore a bit on the second night. A walk in the woods led us to a group participating in a primal screaming workshop, which was quite the surprise. We quickly changed our route and continued our peaceful stroll through the beautiful, albeit dark, woods.
The Festival of Witches and Pagans is a fantastic event that offers something for everyone. It’s perfect for families with its spacious campsite and ample room for kids to play. Solo festival-goers will find a welcoming and friendly community. We are already looking forward to the next one, scheduled for Saturday, May 3rd to Monday, May 5th, 2025.
This festival is truly a magical experience, blending the mystical with the historical, and we feel privileged to be a part of it. Keep an eye out for more of our adventures as we continue to bring The Bearded Viking and TBV AxeMasters to festivals across the country.
Thanks for reading!
Lewis Hickman The Bearded Viking