Samhain!

For those of you not familiar, Samhain (pronounced “Sow-in” – that’s sow, as in female pig) is a Gaelic festival celebrating the end of harvest and the transition in the year from the lighter to the darker months.  Falling between the autumn equinox and the winter solstice, it was the precursor to Halloween and celebrated predominantly in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man and now in small rural pub just outside Berkeley, Gloucestershire. Early literature suggests during these gatherings, food and drink were offered to the pagan gods and bonfires were lit to protect people and livestock through the cold winter months. For our own Samhain festival, we’ll have the brilliant Styx of Stroud Morris side performing for us, a delicious pork and apple stew, mulled cider, a pumpkin competition (best carving wins), apple bobbing and a firepit for cooking marshmallows on (weather dependent!). That ought to the keep those pesky Gods happy! Stew and mulled cider is available from 5pm. Judging for the best carved pumpkin is at 7pm, apple bobbing from 7.30pm and dancing time to be confirmed. See you there!