Since we are fast approaching another ticket release in a few hours time, I thought it would be a good idea to share a little more detail on the exciting performers we have in place to entertain you on the day.
Let’s start with the very first person who will engage with you – our MC.
Steve Podger has stepped back from this role, although he will still be part of proceedings and be performing on the day. It’s fitting therefore at this time to warmly thank Steve for his dedication and support for the Dark Gathering over the years, and especially as MC. Steve is one of our ‘originals’ – a unique band of people who were present at the inception of the Dark Gathering all those years ago.
So, it’s time to introduce Brian Botham, our MC for this year, and hopefully for many years to come.
Brian lives in Canvey Island, works in London and is a well known face on the London Pagan scene. He has extensive experience having compered many important festivals, including the annual Halloween Festival and the Beltane Bash. In his spare time he sings and plays drums for a local band.
During the afternoon we will have Morris dancing with Blackpowder Morris and Cutlers Gate, plus traditional Cornish music provided by Keskorra.
Blackpowder Morris hail from Lewes, East Sussex. Here’s a description from their website:
In March 2014 Commercial Square Bonfire Society exported their very own brand of madness to Waldshut in Germany. The group were under strict orders to perform something unique that summarised English eccentricity. After many long hours and much deep thought a cunning plan was devised: To combine Morris dancing and Bonfire. And so, from the crucible of Lewes Bonfire, Morris dancing, and German hospitality, Blackpowder Morris was born.
When ‘The Black Powder’ returned to England they found they had become Morris Dancers (as opposed to ‘morris dancers’) and were asked to perform at local events and venues. Black Powder Morris continue to practise, play, and enjoy their own version of morris dancing. They write dances, drink ale, laugh, and work at the merry business of The Morris.
Next we have Keskorra based in West Cornwall. A very talented trio of accomplished musicians who describe their performance name as follows:
Keskorra – verb in Cornish: To assemble; collate; put together. A collaboration of creativity.
They are very popular in our local area for holding Nos Lowens (Happy Nights). They play music for folk to dance to.
Cutlers Gate are a relatively new side from Sheffield, Yorkshire. Here’s their description of themselves:
Cutlers Gate is a mixed-gender, non-traditional Border Morris Team based in Sheffield. We take the Border tradition and meld it with dark, minor tunes, add a dash of original choreography and finish off with a vibrant kit, while keeping firmly in touch with our Sheffield roots.
I personally love their kit – it is cunningly contrived, as is their choreography and music.
I have heard a series of rumours that there may be Vikings abroad in the land, so we have increased our security – just in case…
If we are invaded, let’s hope it’s Morvleydh. This is a Cornish Early Medieval Warband who have been spotted locally just recently. I hear that they actually received the Gorsedh Kernow Certificate of Recognition for contributions to Cornish Culture and Heritage. Fancy, it just shows you never can tell with the Vikings. Apparently just before they raid, they blow on their Odd Horn, in memory of Odd the Bloody. So, don’t say you haven’t been warned…
Last year we invited the Raffidy Dumitz Band to our event, and we’re very pleased to have them back again for this year. They too are a band local to West Cornwall who describe themselves in the following manner:
We are a jolly and friendly group of musicians and noise makers who support local events with our live music and processions.
Our music is traditional Celtic, mainly Cornish in origin and we were established in 2015 to support Montol and other local cultural events.
It’s always worth mentioning Cwmni Gwerin Pont-y-Pŵl. This troupe of merry folk have been visiting the Dark Gathering since 2018.
Cwmni Gwerin Pont-y-Pŵl is a friendly fun Welsh folk dance team aiming to keep alive the culture and tradition of Welsh music and dance.
Over the years we have become firm friends with them and we always look forward to their coming as we have such a laugh when they’re around.
In the evening we will still have the Ancestral Remembrances that we know and love, plus a few surprises… more on this later.
The Dark Gathering 