We asked Ivor Tymchak to report back on his dripping night out at a festival that looks rather pagan!
With the forecast for torrential rain, it seemed that the event was destined to be more of a Fire & Water Festival but this did not seem to dampen the spirits of the hundreds of people who had turned up to watch. Such were the numbers, in fact, that the police had closed the road for the procession.
From the pavement, we all stood and watched the menacing fire carriers, dressed in robes and fox masks, threateningly, play-charge the crowd, before a group of marching drummers followed them. The
bagpipe players took up the rear and we fell in behind them and filed up the hill to the field where the human sacrifice would be made (possibly).
Here, Jack Frost, (wearing an elaborate costume of blue and white lights) and The Green Man, (wearing a costume of green lights and flowing fronds) squared up to each other – but which is better? There
was only one way to find out… FIIIIGHT!
Due to the complexity of lights, pyrotechnics and stilts, the encounter actually resembled more of a passionate embrace, which is probably, a more poetic and realistic interpretation of the intimacy of nature.
I was informed by a local that most of the finances for the organization of the event and all the fireworks, came from the proceeds of the two charity shops located in Marsden; there was no sponsorship or grant money.
As my friends discussed the need for more audience participation we overheard the murmurings of some people behind us who were complaining about the selfishness of the people at the front who were blocking their view with large umbrellas. This seemed like an opportunity too good to miss and we started a rhythmic chant of, “Umbrella down! Umbrella down!” to encourage the audience participation we longed for. Alas, it was not taken up in sufficient numbers had minimal impact – it only embarrassed the umbrella culprits to raise their contraptions slightly higher, rather than take them down. From a philosophical standpoint, I felt that umbrellas should be banned from future events, after all, the whole occasion is about being in touch with nature, not sheltering from it.
Along the top of the ridge stood various wire structures, shaped into animal and flower designs. These were set alight during the proceedings and an impressive fireworks finale completed the performance.
Once the festivities were over, my friends and I decided to forego any more drinks in the pub, as it would have felt like sitting in a sauna fully clothed.
It was a tragedy about the persistent rain, many local traders were clearly set up for some serious business that evening and they must have lost a lot of potential custom – like ourselves – who simply went home after the main event because they were too wet. For such a small village, it is an impressive achievement to create a hugely popular spectacle with no other resources than themselves (and they didn’t
even have to resort to human sacrifice). There is a valuable lesson here for all communities.
A great event, a great crowd – highly recommended.
Sir Ivor Tymchak is one of the organisers of Betta Kultcha. He is a professional speaker, artist, free thinker and part of the nascent film making community in Leeds