A Celebration of Ancient Traditions in a Modern Context

_{I would like to preface this post by stating that I strive to be honest in this website and as such, I feel the need to let you know that I do have a close friendship with the organisers of the event. That being said, I will treat this review like I would treat any other and give my honest thoughts.}

It was the first weekend of June and we were nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of North Wales. The North Wales PaganFest promised a weekend of spiritual connection, artistic expression, and immersive cultural experiences. Held in the shadow of the rolling hills and mystical landscapes of the Clwydian Range, in the breathtaking Halkyn Castle Wood, just off the A55 in the county of Flintshire. The festival has grown from a single day event, held for the first time in 2024, into a vibrant weekend gathering for those who celebrate pagan traditions or are simply curious about their rich history and practices. This year, the theme was dragons, and I must admit the event not only lived up to its lofty desires but surpassed expectations in many ways.

The Venue and Atmosphere of Nort Wales Paganfest

The festival took place in the idyllic surroundings of a historic Welsh estate, complete with old groves, clear streams, and an awe-inspiring backdrop of the North Wales landscape. Halkyn Castle Wood alone is worth the visit, exuding an almost otherworldly charm that perfectly complemented the festival’s theme. The organisers, the brilliant Pagan Tree Moot, paid meticulous attention to detail, adorning the venue with decorative elements like dragon statues, hand carved deities, and hand sewn banners, creating a space that felt both authentic and magical.

The atmosphere was welcoming, safe and inclusive, with people from all walks of life coming together to explore pagan traditions and celebrate the Dreigiau Coch a Gwyn o Cymru. A sense of community permeated the air, as attendees greeted one another as old friends, even if they had met for the first time. The festival’s ethos of respect for nature and diversity was evident everywhere, from the eco-friendly practices to the diverse lineup of events.

Camping was situated over two sites, with tents being located less than 100 yards from the main field. The camper vans were located on the opposite side of the field, in a cul-de-sac surrounded by trees. Campers, and day guests alike, were treated to good amenities, with a toilet and shower block located by the disabled car park. Additionally, there was portable toilets located around the site. Fresh water and refuse facilities were located by the toilet block.

Workshops and Talks at North Wales Paganfest

One of the highlights of the 2025 North Wales PaganFest were the variety of talks, workshops and rituals conducted throughout the weekend. Whether you were a seasoned practitioner or a complete novice, there was something for everyone.

The talks ranged from the practical to the esoteric. With renowned speakers such as Anna Franklin, Mhara Starling and Susan Marie Paramor. Workshops were provided by the likes of Rob Burrows of the Stockport Pagan Moot, Tiffany Lazic and recently published author Brett Holyhead. There was a well-received walk provided by the site owner, Venessa Warrington, about the magic of trees and living in harmony with nature.

Another standout session were the nightly drumming circle, where attendees were guided in creating rhythmic beats that resonated with the heartbeat of the earth. These circles were held around the beautiful Cherry Fire Circle, deep within a section of woodland. These sessions attracted large crowds who all managed to synchronise seamlessly with each other forming a beautiful crescendo that raised so much power and left an impression on many that you could see on their faces.

Rituals at North Wales Paganfest

The ritual side of the event began on the Saturday morning when we attended the Meadow to awaken the dragon spirits. Attendees were invited to bring a stone with them or chose one of the ones provided by the organisers. These stones, including hag stones, had been collected at an earlier date from the North Wales coast showing the care and attention to detail shown by the organisers. The ritual was led by the brilliant Mark Collier and Kate Johnson, with the directions being called in by other members of the Pagan Tree Moot. The elements and spirits of the dragons were called in and welcomed, this included a great section of drumming to raise the power. Attendees were then invited to pass their stones to the younger members of the community who built a cairn in the centre of the Meadow. These stones would later serve a purpose that would become clear in the afternoon ritual.

Later in the day, we were greeted by a spectacle, two giant dragon lanterns emerged from the main tent. One red and one white, representing the dragons of the North and South of Wales respectively. Lead by drumming and followed by a procession of excited revellers waving colourful sticks, Draig Goch and Draig Gwen proceeded to dance their way up to the Meadow where the afternoon ritual would take place. An intense drumming session ensued; where attendees danced and imbued the cairn with the protective energies of the dragons. We were then invited to take a stone from the cain and place it in a site near our home that needs protection.

On the Sunday there was a closing ceremony up in the Meadow, but unfortunately by this point I was exhausted from a weekend of merriment, and too much sparkling mead, to attend. But from what I have heard it was just as good as the previous day’s activities.

Music and Entertainment

The music lineup for North Wales PaganFest 2025 was nothing short of spectacular. Beginning with the multi-instrumentalist Kim Thompsett, followed by Car Dia who had everyone drumming and dancing in the rain. The crescendo of the night came when the drummers were invited on the stage to drum along with the band for several songs. On the Saturday evening, we were treated to the musical talents and quick comedy of Cernunnos Rising, the performances were a treat for the ears and the soul. Car Dia, whose haunting melodies transported the audience to another time, and the energetic Cernunnos Rising infused the festival with a vibrant and fun energy.

Market Stalls and Artisan Crafts

The festival’s market area was a treasure trove for lovers of handmade goods, esoterica, and unique finds. Artisans and vendors from across the UK showcased their wares, offering everything from handcrafted jewellery and ritual tools to ethically sourced crystals and rare books on paganism. Special shout out goes to the amazing sparkling mead provided by Afon Mel.

Challenges and Suggestions

While the festival was a resounding success, it wasn’t without its minor challenges. The first, although not the fault of organisers in any way, was the unpredictability of the North Wales weather. All days were blessed with a mixture of sunshine and rain. Again, this was only a minor challenge and did not stop everyone from enjoying themselves.

The only other area of improvement I could suggest would be a wider range of food options at a more reasonable price point. I understand this is something that the organisers have already taken onboard and will be looking at improving this for next year.

Conclusion

North Wales PaganFest 2025 was a celebration of ancient traditions brought to life in a way that felt relevant and inclusive. From its stunning venue to the rich array of workshops, performances, and crafts, the festival offered a deeply enriching experience for all who attended. Whether you came for spiritual growth, artistic inspiration, or simply to enjoy a weekend in a magical setting, the event delivered on all fronts.

As the festival ended, attendees left with a sense of connection—to nature, to the community, and to traditions that continue to inspire. The feedback that I have seen online and in person, has been nothing short of fantastic, with comparisons to some more well-established festivals and camps. Pagan camps are not just events; they are a journey of discovery and stories created by us, and 2025’s North Wales PaganFest will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best new chapters in the story of UK paganism.

The dates for next year have already been set, with PaganFest returning for 2026 on the 5th to 7th of June. See the links below for more information on the festival and the Pagan Tree Moot, who hold events and meetings on the second Friday of every month.

https://www.facebook.com/NORTHWALESPAGANFEST
https://www.facebook.com/Pagantreemoot
https://www.halkyncastlewood.com
https://www.halkyncastlewoodevents.com