Here you can find a list of events local to the north east of England – for national and international events please see the Events page on the OBOD website.
Monthly Events:
Durham Pagan Moot – open to Druids as well as Wiccans, Heathens and like-minded and / or curious people in the Durham area. On the 1st Tuesday of every month (except January) upstairs at the Head of Steam pub on North Road in Durham starting at 7pm. Whilst the stairs are wide, there is no disability access.
Gateshead Pagan Moot – run by Gateshead Wiccans and Pagans, last Saturday of the month at the Cafe Under The Spire. Next moot is the Lughnasadh Moot on Saturday 27th July 2024 from 12 noon to 3pm.
Newcastle Astrology Group – meet every second Saturday of every month starting at 2pm at the Cafe Under The Spire in Gateshead with Darlington-based Astrologer Ben Potter. Next meeting is Saturday 13th July 2024. Contact Ben to be added to the WhatsApp group, where most information about the group is posted.
Wear Valley Moot – open to all pagans and seekers. Meet on the 3rd Tuesday of every month at the The Stanley Jefferson Wetherspoons pub in Bishop Auckland Market Place starting at 7.30pm. The next Moot is the Gaia Moot on Tuesday 16th July 2024 from 7.30pm to 11pm.
Seasonal Events:
Celebrate Beltane at Thornborough Henge in North Yorkshire – the circular earthworks known as henges were the cathedrals of Stone Age Britain. At Thornborough, three giant henges where built 5,000-years-ago to form a single ritual complex, making Thornborough Henge one of Britain’s most important prehistoric sacred sites. Each year we gather in this special place to celebrate the festival of Beltane that marks the beginning of summer. Beltane at Thornborough is an opportunity for people to join together in celebration, and connect with the rich spiritual and folk traditions of this ancient land. For up to date information about the next gathering check out their Facebook page.
The Summer Solstice: Myths and Mayhem of Midsummer – talk at Newcastle Castle on Saturday 8th June 2024 at 6pm with Icy Sedgwick – The summer solstice falls on 20 June this year, while 24 June marks Midsummer Day. One is astronomical, the other an ancient quarter day. Whether Midsummer is an ancient festival or not, people have been celebrating it in Britain since at least the late 14th century. It’s a time of divination for the remainder of the year, summer parades and bonfires, casting spells, and community celebrations. This talk will explore the history of summer solstice celebrations, the plants associated with Midsummer, the long-running link with fire, and the magic most often discussed at this time of year — including love magic!
The Mind & The Muse Festival at The Great North Museum: Hancock in Newcastle. Engage with history through insightful talks and drama. Listen to talks on ancient music and mental health, catch The Moss Troopers acting out short stories relating to the ancient classics, participate in making an ancient musical instrument, and watch a performance of Aristophanes’ Frogs. Friday 14th & Saturday 15th June 2024.
Solstice at Sentry Circle – SPIRIT AT SENTRY invites you to welcome the dawn of SOLSTICE. Join others at this friendly gathering where we gather at the SENTRY STONES and watch the sunrise of SOLSTICE. Bring your drums, instruments and voices, as all are welcome at the circle and especially around the campfire. 19th June – 23rd June 2024. Day visitors welcome and entry for day visitors is free, camping £10 per adult per night.
Oakleaf Camp – top pagan camp in the north, takes place every summer at Lime Tree Farm near Masham. This year’s dates are July 26th – July 29th 2024. For up to date information check out their Facebook page.
Thornborough Archaeology Group in partnership with English Heritage – On Saturday 27th July 2024 we are hosting a Thornborough Open Day at West Tanfield Memorial Hall, consisting of an introductory lecture by myself, an opportunity to handle prehistoric artefacts, and a tour by English Heritage guides of some of the monuments. We are still finalising the details, but the event will be free, though booking will be necessary (we will provide you all with a link enabling you to do this as soon as possible). When making the booking you will have to decide between attending the morning session (10am-12.30pm) or the afternoon session (1pm-3.30pm). Tickets are free and available via Eventbrite. Travel information if going by bus from Darlington – Arriva Service X26/X27 Darlington to Richmond Bus & Hodgsons Service 159 Richmond to Ripon Bus & Harrogate Bus Company Service 36 from Ripon to Harrogate.
Newcastle Witches Memorial Talk – On the anniversary of the executions, join Dr. Katie Liddane as she explores the Newcastle witch trials of 1649-50 and the trial of Jane Martin who was taken from Northumberland to be held at the castle while she awaited her fate. Ever wondered where the images of the pointed hat, broomstick and being burned at the stake come from? This talk begins by breaking down these stereotypes to get a closer understanding of what it was actually like to be accused of witchcraft in the early modern period and moves on to delve deeper into the circumstances that set the stage for a witch hunt in Newcastle. As well as a look at the notorious Scottish witchfinder invited into the town, and the people who made accusations, Dr. Liddane works with what little evidence is left to recreate the lives of those convicted and to remember them moving forward. Saturday 24th August 18.15 at The Harbottle Suite, The Black Gate, Castle Garth, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 1RQ. (Second date, added after the first talk on Wednesday 21st August sold out).
Mabon at Thornborough Henge – an annual gathering to celebrate the Autumn Equinox at Thornborough Henges, all paths are welcome in friendship and peace. This year’s gathering is from Friday 20th September 2024 at 12 noon to Sunday 22nd September 2024.
Shamanic Art Weekend with Georgien Wybenga at The Barnes Institute in Whitburn near Sunderland, Saturday 9th – Sunday 10th November 2024, booking via Samantha Euphemia Soul Song.
Northumbrian Gorsedd – run by Victor Ball and Marc Johnstone, who also run the Coventina Seed Group, our sister OBOD seed group based in the Corbridge area. The Northumbrian Gorsedd is a Community Interest Company (CIC) which runs seasonal events and ceremonies throughout the wheel of the year at Dilston Physic Garden, such as the yearly Wassailing ceremony in January. Many of their events are now no longer publicly advertised as they are so heavily over-subscribed (the willow circle at Dilston Physic Garden where they are held only holds a maximum of 35 people). Please email them at northumbriangorsedd@btinternet.com for information about upcoming events and how to book.