A unique festival for witches and pagans attracted record numbers over the coronation weekend, bringing people from across the country together for the unique event.

The Festival of Witches and Pagans attracted over 2,000 people from across the UK for a packed programme of talks, rituals, workshops, events and performances, despite heavy rain.

The event, which took place on May 6 and 7, even featured a special tribute to King Charles III to mark his coronation.

The festival, which first launched in 2021 to raise awareness and remove some of the taboo surrounding witchcraft and paganism, has become one of the biggest of its kind in the UK, attracting thousands of experienced witches, beginners and other festival-goers.

The May event included a busier-than-ever programme of workshops and rituals, including incense-making, spellcraft and wand decorating as well as woodland walks, Viking re-enactments, yoga, plus food and drink and fun activities for the whole family.

There was also a Witches' Ball, feast nights and a Viking battle, as well as family-focused entertainment and workshops including falconry, and a shopping village packed with everything from furniture to cloaks, mead and more.

Over 2,000 people attended the festival (image via Tony Gaskin)

Organisers marked the coronation, which was shown on a screen at the venue, with a Circle of Friendship and Family ritual.

Organiser Julie Aspinall, from the Coventry-based Coven of Gaia, came up with the idea for the festival in 2021 and now teams up with other covens from around the country to stage the festival twice a year.

She said: "The festival has been growing in popularity since we first started it with people coming from across the country to get involved in an event that welcomes everyone.

"Despite our best efforts, we couldn't stop the rain coming, but that didn't put people off - even though it was a predominantly outdoor event, over 2,000 people came over the weekend to join in with our rituals, workshops, talks, entertainment and more.

"We welcomed witches and pagans, families, beginners and people who just wanted a great weekend away, and everyone had an amazing time.

"We're already planning our next festival which takes place on September 16 and 17, and tickets will go on sale shortly."

For more information on the Festival For Pagans and Witches, visit the website.