Wessex Gathering, June

I came across this one by chance at the last minute, and will definately be going again! On a camp site near Corfe Castle, its a site used for a number of group events, and theres a 'straight' campsite adjacent. No problems there, but the Dagda security people were therer in case of problems. A big camp, maybe 200 on site.
There were quite a few stalls; books, clothes, carved stuff.. all sorts, mostly people coming to the camp rather than to make a lot of money.

Plenty of workshops too. One of the nicest was a fire making one, with an attentive audience of kids. Ray Mears stuff; chemicals, stick rubbing, batteries and wire wool. Great fun as the kids watched sugar and permanganate catch fire.

A number of people I've met at different camps, and Dabdh the Bard from Anderida doing a great gig in the marquee

The quality of the workshops was excellent. Standing out for me was one on Roman religion, about the Penates and Lares, the gods of the household. There are more Roman reconstructionists around than I knew about. Turns out hes a postman.

There were workshops from 9.00AM through to the evening: Tarot, Stav, Herbs, and a terrific talk on Voodoo religion, by the guy in the hat.

Music from the Dolmen and some great dancing. A talk by Taliesin, the bard of Bath, percussion workshop, Aboriginal magic.

There was a ritual on Saturday night, but IMO it didnt really work. RUnning a ritual with 150 people is something I havnt seen done at a pagan camp very well; the Lantern procession in Ulverston, Cumbria is one of the few participation rituals that seem to work.. but thats another story.

It needs to be simple.
People need to understand what its for
No big gaps where mean or buns are being passed round