This year was always going to be special, but come the early months into 2024 we weren’t totally sure how things were going to pan out. There was definitely a ‘topsy-turvy’ element to things to begin with. Some ideas worked, others didn’t. I’ve always said ‘expect the unexpected’ when it comes to trying to organise the Dark Gathering, and that certainly proved to be the case for our special anniversary. However, out of that apparent chaos emerged wonderful things.
A case in point was the creation of the Dark Gathering CIC. This has saved my sanity as the event has grown and reached what would have been unmanageable proportions. We have a simply splendid team of able and skilled people who work incredibly hard over the year to produce the Dark Gathering in its present form. We meet regularly at least once, if not twice a month to thrash out the details of the logistics of the Gathering, and dealing with the countless queries on the way. I personally am so grateful for their commitment and (much needed) humour – bless ’em. Worth their weight in gold.
OK, on to the day itself. We had a great start with our warm up act, the Boscastle Buoys.
They are a local male voice choir who regularly perform to raise money for Cornwall Hospice Care. This is our chosen charity to donate to this year.
This was the cue for Brian Botham our MC to make his presence known and to introduce the various acts over the day and evening. He did a sterling job keeping everyone informed with what was going on at any given time, plus keeping the audience entertained with his easy repartee. Many thanks Brian.
Our afternoon’s entertainment started off with Pendans with their skilful rendition of many folk tunes of modern European origin. I heard many compliment their talents both on the day and on social media since. Well deserved in my opinion.
Pendans performing at the Dark Gathering 2024
Also performing alongside was a relatively new Morris side from Sheffield called Cutlers Gate. Part of my role on the day is assessing audience reaction to the various acts, and what I heard, and indeed agreed with was the following. Cutlers Gate had a great kit. Many noticed the symbols of cutlery they had on their coats and hats – an obvious reference to Sheffield’s previous cutlery industry. The music was compelling as many tunes were played in minor keys, and all the dances were very skilful involving some clever stickwork. It was well executed and everyone loved their Dragon who made random appearances.
The other team to play in the afternoon was Black Powder Morris. Another colourful kit which represents the fire associated with them and offered stunning visuals as they danced. They are members of the famous Bonfire Society in Lewes, East Sussex and their performance was equally dynamic and energetic. I especially like the histories behind some of their dances movingly narrated by their excellent drummer. They also had a Beast which took the form of a Rook, who I believe was called Rookie(!)
These three acts played in sequence throughout the afternoon to entertain the crowd. However, Black Powder Morris threw us a curved ball when they suddenly whipped out hankies and performed a Cotswold style dance – not a sight I was expecting to see at the Dark Gathering!
Whilst all this entertainment was going on, elsewhere in Tintagel visitations were afoot. The Welsh had arrived!
They soon settled in with the locals.
Did a little shopping
Danced a little
And even made themselves useful.
They were treated to a pwnco at the Tintagel Old Curiosity Shop and received a warm welcome, plus food and drink from the proprietors, Chris and Danny – who incidentally were celebrating their Silver Wedding Anniversary. Party on!
Then suddenly Fflosi heard the sound of a Band playing, and she couldn’t resist following it…
Meanwhile back at the venue we had been invaded by Vikings! Or Morvleydh to be precise. I didn’t catch much of this demonstration of medieval fighting as I was busy elsewhere, but I have it on good authority that it was not only entertaining and informative, but hilarious. Hopefully this was an expected by product of their performance.
Following such strenuous exertions, the mood changed dramatically by the arrival of Takam. These rather wonderful folk came all the way from Mexico to perform for us. Firstly they needed to prepare and set up the three altars that were set around the performance space. During the day as people arrived for the Dark Gathering, some who wished to do so left offerings for their loved ones in special receptacles by the gate. These were then allocated spaces on either the Children, Pets or Adult altars. These offerings were reverently handled, kissed, then placed. Whilst this was going on there was a clear and precise narrative broadcast playing describing the spiritual function of the Ofrendas (altars) within the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) tradition. It was incredibly moving to watch, and ended with all of Takam kneeling before each Ofrenda in turn.
By this time the light was beginning to diminish as the sun approached setting. I had begun to tell a story concerning the Raffidy Dumitz Band when it was discovered that their Obby Oss, Penhood was missing. What had happened? The only thing for it was to go on The Hunt for Penhood and off they went playing to the strains of Boscastle Breakdown, and everyone followed on behind.
The procession wound its way through the streets of Tintagel looking for their missing Oss.
There had been sightings during the day…
With rumours of her creeping up on unsuspecting tourists…
She did try to blend in…
Eventually Andy the Piper had a bright idea…
He got the Raffidy Dumitz Band to play the Oss’s very own tune, Penhood.
Well that worked!
Happily reunited with Penhood, the Band made it’s way back up Fore Street to be greeted by Penkevyll the Land’s End Oss.
Penkevyll also had heard the call go out for Penhood and went out to meet her bone sister.
First of all she had to rally her team led by her eldritch Teazer.
It was a joyous reunion!
As the evening encroached, the energy once again shifted.
To be continued…
