Wicker man and besoms

Yesterday evening we went to the Beltane festival complete with Wicker Man at Butser Ancient Farm.  It was our first visit to the festival and to the farm even though it’s only about 1/2 hour away.  So here’s the pics:

The farm before all the people arrived.  Well, quite a few were there already I just got a lucky shot!

The boys were entranced with the huts.  I wasn’t sure they’d like the festival but they had a great time.  Mainly hiding in huts.

This man makes besoms (or brooms) and other wood things.  It’s not a very good photo but I wanted to show you anyway.  He was making them at the festival and selling them.  I bought one!!

There was a bird of prey display and the kids could get closer to see the birds.  Really beautiful creatures but I’m not sure how much, if at all, they enjoyed the children.

Some of the festival folk wandering around.

Morris dancing.  No participation required.

And there they are again.  

And again.

Meet the Wicker Man.  He stood 35ft this year.

And he brought his sheep!

This was just before the fire was lit.  Tabitha at the back, #2son on the left, #1son in the middle and Paul on the right. My new broom propped up on the buggy.

There were drummers on the hill and the Morris dancers came by before the lighting.  Check out all those orbs.

A bit blurry but there’s the Wicker Man going up in flames.

Nothing left of man and sheep.

Ta Da!  All gone for another year.