| Where: | Glastonbury, Somerset at the Cross and the Tor Leisure Field off Benedict Street |
| When: | Saturday in late October |
| Time: | Dancing 3pm, Procession 4pm followed by ceremonies, event ends around 6.45 |
Late in October, the Glastonbury Dragons team and associates organise an event to mark the turning of the year at Samhain, the Celtic festival signalling the beginning of winter. The festivities begin with morris dancing at the Cross by local Glastonbury Border Morris and guests, followed by a procession down the High Street of the Red and White Dragons representing the seasons, accompanied by drummers, musicians, Green Men and the enigmatic figure of Gwyn ap Nudd, the legendary leader of the Wild Hunt, who leaves his lair under the Tor to preside over the ceremonies and is drawn along in a chariot. Once the Dragons reach the road near the Cross, they battle for supremacy and of course the White Dragon prevails to be crowned with a wreath for the coming winter season. The party then make their way along Benedict Street to the leisure fields where more dancing, drumming, fire displays and rituals are performed including the chance to make offerings on a ceremonial fire for the ancestors.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 it was on Saturday 26th October- 2025 date is yet to be confirmed but likely to be Saturday 25th. It’s usually held on a Saturday in the school half-term holiday and a detailed schedule breakdown will appear on the Facebook link below near the time. It’s a free community event and all are welcome.
The group also organise a Beltane event (see separate article) to mark the transition to the summer season(spoiler alert: the Red Dragon gets the best of it in the spring!).
Click here for the Dragons’ website : https://glastonburydragons.wordpress.com
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/GlastonburyDragons
and here for the Morris Dancers: https://www.facebook.com/glastonburymorris/?locale=en_GB
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