Event Feedback

Enjoy some of the heart-warming feedback we have had from the fabulous people who have attended this event over the years and from our wonderful talented performers who work hard in making this event so spectacular.

“”Even from afar I feel the dance you weave as an all-compelling, strange attractor, drawing elements, ancestors and spirits to the circuits of force generated within the Dark Gathering. Blessings to you all for this work.” P.A.

“Thank you again for a fabulous day of celebrations; it really was so magical ” T.B.

“A wonderful description of a truly magical night..” L.T.

“Such a magical day yesterday Can’t wait to see you all back in Tintagel in 2024 ” T.B.

“Laetitia and Cassandra and your wonderful team have done it again. The new venue worked really well. Accommodation already booked for next year.” S.B.

“We had a great time. The performances, music and costumes were amazing! Thank you for organising. ” A.G.

“Beyond fabulous….brilliantly organised and great venue, we had such an enjoyable experience once again. Loved all the performances ….a massive thank you  to all involved, including the full moon ” G.F.

“Thank you Chelly for all your hard work in bringing together our village and the fabulous folk from The Dark Gathering Such a magical day  Can’t wait for us all to get together again and celebrate in 2024  xx” T.B.

“Well the Dark Gathering was incredible! We loved every minute, meeting new friends, seeing old friends & smiles all round. Thankyou to the organisers, the volunteers & everyone who made the day a great success! See you next year! ” A.S.

“Yesterday was amazing – never been before, and I still haven’t dropped back into ‘normality’. Loved it ” C.D.

“We had an absolute ball and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and talking to everyone xx roll on next years event ” T.B.

“I only caught the parade after work , but I thought the atmosphere all the wonderful costumes and people was great really great evening ” M.W.

“10 years coming up, where has the time gone. To say I’m proud of Cassandra and Laetitia is an understatement. The words ‘you can’t’ doesn’t enter their vocabulary and thank goodness it doesn’t. We already booked our accommodation for next year before the event this year!!!! The attendees at The Dark Gathering are always strangers just waiting to become friends. I connect with friends made too many years back to mention . Boekka and Beltane Border Morris have to be congratulated for helping to grow the event and in the assistance they give to the girls. Thank you.” S.B.

” The Dark Gathering – what a day!! Some pics and videos of the event. So atmospheric once it went dark, a truly fabulous event – can’t wait for next year .” B.M.

“It was the very best, and most magical day of the year so far for me…” E.T.

“The Dark Gathering was such a brilliant day! It was pure joy to see so many unique, creative and colourful individuals in the village and the Tintagel Curiosity Shop (so many mad hatters) Huge well done to everyone involved!

We had soo much fun in the shop (sasuage rolls a go go ) thank you all for the compliments, the Welsh singing was just amazing and thank you all for taking time to say goodbye before you left for home. You were all awesome looking forward to seeing you all again xxx”

Two years of cancelled events and now we are back!!!

I don’t often post in the group but as someone who used to be involved in organising the Morris side of the DG when it first started I feel I have to! The amount of time and energy Cassandra and Laetitia put into making this event possible is mind-blowing and it’s all for the love of bringing you who attend something different and magical. They have been in a constant battle with red tape and authorities and yet have persevered when most people would have given up. They do it for all those attending not for their own profit! I was there at the seeding of the DG and although not able to attend in recent years am so proud of how it has grown and in awe of Cassandra and Laetitia for still dedicating their free time to organising it. A.L.

The Dark Gathering 2022 – It seemed to matter not one flicker of a bat’s eye that everything happened on a gravelly car park. The darkening spirits were gathered there with us, and the place overflowed with the special myth-speak and cackle-magic of this new season tumbling in. Praise & huge thanks to Boekka, Beltane, Mythago and Boggart’s Breakfast, Penkevyll and the disarming Mari Lwyds! S.T.

You did a great job under difficult circumstances, well done!!! Bring on2023 xxx J.F.

It was a fantastic event; you did fab job. S.B.

You did a fantastic job! I thoroughly enjoyed it, as did my daughter and grandson… It was just lovely to see you all again! L.W.

We had a wonderful time as we always do, you both work so hard to bring together everyone for this awesome celebration. We just love the Dark Gathering so much, here’s to many more of them! Thank you my lovelies xxx  M.E.

I can’t thank Cassandra and Laetitia enough for the massive amount of work, stress and utter commitment that made the event able to happen this year. R.H.

Hi. Just to say too thanks so much for all your work organising the Gathering and for all the challenges you overcame to make it happen. We still really enjoyed the experience though and thank you for an amazing day. X x  S.T.

Everyone did a superb job. You all work so hard and it shows. Looking forward to many more Dark Gatherings, certainly worth travelling three hundred and odd miles from not so sunny Bolton for. Thank you for all that you do. xxx D.F.

Hi Laetitia and Cassandra, thanks for organising a great event, I appreciate how much hard work goes into it. P.E.

The highlight of our year ..its an amazing event  long may it continue  I.R.

Glad you had a great time. I need to go!!!!!! Looks amazing E.U.

It was wonderful – thank you, everyone, so much. J.M.

An incredibly special day shared with equally special people  N.J.

Absolutely amazing! S.D.

Really want to say a huge thank you everyone involved. This was absolutely amazing. Totally loved it. The emotions at the end said everything. Massive pat on your backs! Thank you very much for all that you do. xxx D.F.

Thank you to everyone who posted videos and pictures for those of us who couldn’t attend in person. Absolutely Fabulous D.B.

 

Heartfelt thanks for a fantastical celebration yesterday at the Dark Gathering with so many kindred spirits

Samhain Blessings to you all. H.F.

Loving the fact that my memories timeline is once again today full of the gathering Having initially stumbled upon this amazing event thanks to a Facebook event notification a friend had liked, the only one we have missed was 2018 because my hubby died a few days before. However, on that day Cassandra did a special tribute to my husband and I managed to watch it live. So, I like to think we’ve been at them all in spirit if not body. See you all tomorrow lovely people S.G.

Yes, this year’s event was an undoubted success and we sat/stood and shouted/sang all the way through it! Brilliantly managed Cassandra and Laetitia you were amazing! XxX A.G.

This is the absolute pinnacle of our year. If we were both fitter and less decrepit we would volunteer in a heart beat. If there is ever anything at all that a Witch on Wheels and a Druid with a limp can ever do to help please give us a shout. Our support for you and this event is unwavering. Congratulations to everyone involved and all the hard work you all put into making this such a wonderful event THANK YOU xxxx S.B.

I love to read the write up of the event as a whole afterwards. It somehow sets the seal on it properly. I do love your writing, Cassandra and live in hope of a sequel to ‘Village Witch’! I’ve never before seen such enthusiasm for an event. So often the first thing out of people’s mouths is that they can’t wait until next year’s Gathering and i know how they feel. It seems so brief but Samhain just wouldn’t feel right without it I get giddy waiting for the video feed to come online! 😀 One of the blessings about getting older though is that, as the years pass ever more quickly, we don’t have quite so long to wait. So, enjoy your well earned rest. It will be on us again before you know it! No, seriously though, you work so hard to make this happen and we do all appreciate it so much and it can’t be said too much. You, the amazing volunteers (we do notice you!) and all the sides and performers are just extraordinary in what you bring. I know I speak for so many when I say thank you again. Do rest up though, you’re very special to us. Lots of love. To you, Boekka, Lady Penkevyll and young Miss Morvargh! xxxxx C.W.

We said the name of our loved one to the person next to us and they responded with a phrase ‘Ancestor we honour you’. It was beautiful.  Is it wrong to find occasions like Saturday night deeply emotional ? Whether celebrating Beltane on Glastonbury Tor, or Samhain at the Dark Gathering in Boscastle, honouring the old ways truly does touch the soul. Maybe Im just odd !!! A.S.

We have cherished our memories of that day so very much, Thank you. xx I.L.

Thank you for putting on such a wonderful celebration! Cheers! K.L.

Laetitia and Cassandra thank you for everything you do. These events take so much energy, they can be frustrating and there must be so many times you wonder what on earth you’ve started. Once again Thank You EVERYONE. Lots of Love The Witch on Wheels xxx

Thanks to Laetitia and Cassandra for everything you do. Everyone had an amazing time. I know we did!! Xxx K.C.

Thank you Laetitia and Cassandra for putting on an amazing event, with thanks to the Morris sides, museum staff and attendees. I can’t believe how much work you put in and handling all those last minute changes and the weather. I met some truly wonderful people. Fantastic!
Blessings, P.E.

Much love to Cassandra, Laetitia and Beltane Border Morris for bringing such sincere authenticity and much needed tradition for the soul. There is a reason the Gathering is becoming so popular; people are needing more realness like this in their lives these days. I think it moves everyone, not only `certain` people. I feel so lucky to have witnessed an Ooza (so so lucky!!), and seen all the beautiful Maris. Bring back more old true traditions I say! J.T

Thank you so much for yet another wonderful year. Counter already ticking down for next year. D.D.

Truly was another wonderful night. Thank You EVERYONE involved xxx S.B.

First time for me and husband as marshals/stewards or whatever you call us, lovely atmosphere with lovely people, great day! L.S.

I met up with 5 witchy friends yesterday in Boscastle and we went to the gathering, it was awesome 😃thank you for letting us be part of it x we have decided to make it our yearly meet up xx D.S.

What a cracking day thanks to all the performers ….and the gods for stopping the rain… see you all next year. J.B.

What an amazing experience. Thank
you to all who gave so much. K.H.

Brilliant…so enjoyed this event thanks for sharing. J.A.

Fantastic evening – thank you one and all! A.W.

Thank you to all who organised and participated. It was a wonderful day xxx J.H.

What a fantastic afternoon and evening. Looking forward to next year already. J.W.

Thank you to the organizers and dancers for another fantastic Dark Gathering see you all again next year…can’t wait. J.A.

Had a great day & night in Boscastle , and the rain stopped,bonus. Thanks to all that organised the event it was fantastic especially the evening , can’t wait till next year. D.P.

It was really lovely to see you at Boscastle. Well done for an amazing event!  Best wishes to you both!! You were both great!! Take care and speak soon. xxx K.C.

Wow, what a weekend 👤⛓👹. A huge thank you to Claire for accepting to be the Ooser’s keeper and guide me around safely, you did a brilliant job. A massive thank you to Stone Soup for adding such atmospheric music to my very brief appearance and to Beltane Border Morris for adding drums also, it definitely added something special to the ‘performance’. I would of loved to have put more of a show on but unfortunately due to the masks weight (being caved from wood) I’m very limited with the movement and the visibility is really restricted. A big thank you to Stephen for introducing the Ooser and give some background behind what it was/is. Thank you to anyone who took photos and videos and the kind words of those who came to speak to me afterwards, it’s really appreciated. And lastly thank you so much to Cassandra & Laetitia for allowing me to be part of the celebrations, I’ve enjoyed the Dark Gathering for years watching as a spectator so to give something back and be part of it this year has been amazing, so thank you again. Darkest Ooser.

The Stone Soup boys have now returned from an absolutely splendid gathering, and want to say a big thank you to all the wonderful people who made the weekend so memorable – Beltane Border Morris (particularly Laura and Sanna for your help sorting out PA for our performance), Wreckers Morris, Cwmni Gwerin Pontypwl, Darkest Ooser, Huginn & Muninn, Cassandra & Laetitia, the staff at the Wellington Hotel, and everyone else who brought smiles to our faces, and Light to our Spirits.

Brava!! Brava!! On such an amazing, complex, huge, meaningful event, accomplished with grace, and great depth. It was just absolutely wonderful. I hope you will be basking for days and weeks.
I cannot imagine how many details went into the production. It all came off perfectly.
We are so, so glad we were there and will be at each and every one from now on. If you can give us jobs, all the better. K&P

Really good event. Realised a dream meeting Penkevyll and Morvargh and the marks. Well done with all the hard work and see you all next year. Xx S.F.

Despite it being the first year without my gorgeous husband I think it was my favourite year so far (and we’ve been to most 😊) thanks for all your hard work and to everyone involved. Truly magical. Bring on 2020. S.G.

Thanks to Cassandra and Laetitia and all! My! But that was a great weekend. J.B.

First time there – me and my friend loved it. Will definitely be going every year from now on 🙂 S.P.

There is always Magick to be found in this place and if our Lord and Lady see fit we will visit in a few weeks. We are are not members of a coven or group though what we felt last Samhain at the Gathering as we sang to the ancestors by torchlight was one of the most powerful and emotional things I have ever been a part of. I look forward to the next time, but hopefully soon will stand in that place and feel and remember. Till the next time. A.S.

Poster – Chris White

2019

“Cant wait so excited. Been a rough year and a rough few weeks.. damn I need this holiday.” D.D.

“Can’t wait…love this so much, met so many lovely people last year and going to catch up again this year.” J.A.

“Me and the kids Can’t wait been coming to this since 2014 it’s the highlight of the year it’s just fantastic. thanks for putting it on.” G.R.

“When creativity comes from something real and authentic true magic happens. And everyone feels it is the Dark Gathering.” J.T

“The Dark Gathering puts a black velvet cloak around your bodies and souls. ..protecting and nurturing.
Thank you Laetitia & Cassandra for all you both do.” J.E

“A huge thank you for this event, we love it and love coming down for the week. We always do at least one week a year in Cornwall and this has now become our annual get away and recharge with lovely people.” K.R

I (Laetitia) began a ‘countdown’ to the new year from the 1st December to 1st January on our All Hallows Dark Gathering Facebook group. Each day I posted a photograph of a performer with a little information about them showing our appreciation for their contribution to the event. Today (2nd January) I was delighted to discover that Cassandra had written the following post :  “Before we get any further into the year I want to put a shout out about Laetitia Latham Jones. In case there is anyone who doesn’t realise this, she was the one who had the original idea of the Welsh Mari Lwyds meeting the Cornish Oss, Penkevyll at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. We now have this amazing annual Dark Gathering following that initial inspired idea. Tia has not only supported me in my role as Event Organiser over the years but has continued to create brilliant ideas which we have incorporated. We have her to thank for researching and discovering the wonderful Ancestor Chant, and now just recently she has applied her time and energies into the personal bios/reviews of a few recognisable characters from the Dark Gathering. Also let us not forget her wonderful performances as Penkevyll’s Teazer – the Art of which she is now teaching to her two apprentices. I would like to publicly thank her for her dedication and hard work behind the scenes to help maintain the Dark Gathering. May it go from strength to strength! 👏👏👏😃” 

2018

” Merry Christmas to you. Bright blessings. Thank you for the wonderful pictures that bring back so many memories of a fabulous day. So looking forward to next year. In my humble opinion Dark Hallows rivals Christmas! As a festival. Xxx” J.A

“That was sooooo great, we so enjoyed the dark gathering and watching the videos back just brings joy to our hearts. All booked for next year…waiting very impatiently” J.

“Brilliant I had the time of my life, we live in Swanage Dorset so all being well we’ll see you next year.” M

“I have been there is spirit since 2016 , hopefully will be able to come again in 2019. I am so much better healthwise. The break from Morris was the right thing to do even if I did miss it . I think all those who were involved in that first weekend and had the vision for what is now an annual Cornish Tradition (according to the Daily Mail ) should be really proud of what seeds grew from such a wet and windy night Long may it continue x x” Angie Latham 

“Hi there – the badges arrived on Tuesday, so thank you very much! We’ve booked our lodgings for next year – we stay at the Old Coach House up the hill, they advised us to book as they were filling their rooms already. The Gathering has become a fabulous part of our year, so thank you all for organizing it and for making it a brilliant event. This year felt even more special, yet I couldn’t explain why…I really felt a true connection and it did feel like the ending of one year and the start of a new one (if that makes any sense at all)” D.

“This years All Hallows Gathering in Boscastle, Cornwall was amazing. Each year it attracts more and more people with many already booked for next years visit.” H.

“First Gathering for my family. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you.” L

“Brilliant gathering, thank you Cassandra and Laetitia and others, for all the hard work that makes this amazing event happen xx” J.

“I have had the chant going on in my head since Saturday. I love it so much and it really helps me to connect with our ancestors. Thank you so much for the magic moment at the end of the gathering.” S.

“Our first time. Great day and such a great atmosphere. ” S.

“Awesome photos, awesome folk, awesome event.” D

“Well done Cassandra and Laetitia and all the rest of you marvelous people that made this event possible. I was thrilled and awed by the all the performers via the pictures and videos. So happy I got to see Boscastle this year. Sadly I had to watch it from across the ‘pond’ but because of my visit I almost felt like I was there at times.” R

“Magical weekend, well done to everyone involved you are fantastic!” C.

“Was a fantastic event thank you!” G.

“It was an amazing day, thank you x” P.

“Thank you also for a wonderful weekend. We had a fab time. You were all so welcoming.” M. (performer)

“Thank you for a wonderful day on behalf of WHV morris.” M (performer)

“Thank you for a very special weekend xx” E (performer)

“Thank you thank you, thank you once again for a superb Dark Gathering, loved every minute of it and cannot wait until next year’s one. It was fanbroomintastic and I am still tingling from all the magick xxx” M

“A magical day. Thanks to Laetitia Latham Jones and Cassandra Latham Jones.” D.

“Thank you all for another fantastic day!” E.

“We couldn’t have received a better welcome here in Boscastle.” A. (performer)

“We’ve had a lovely time. Been coming for years.” C.

“I just love what Laetitia and Cassandra are doing every year with this.” J

“This event is definitely on my list of MUST DO’S! It will happen but its a long way to come from NZ so will have to plan a winterish sojourn to UK and Europe!” P

“Me and my partner came for the first time on a whim this year. Now I’m hooked. Planning next year’s costume, reading up on old customs, Mari Lwyds.” C

“How the time’s flown! The event has grown so fast it’s as if it it’s been eagerly waiting to happen! In addition to all the hard work and organization that goes into it, it seems to have an organic energy of its own, as if it has a personality of sorts the way a rare few do. You’ve made something wonderful and I feel privileged just to have seen its beginnings and even more so to be involved. Thank you so much. Lots of love. Xxxxx” C

“The energy and heart you have put into this is awesome xxx” M

“Just wanted to say The Gathering was superb yet again,love this celebration and thanks to all that work so hard to make it a day we can all enjoy and celebrate our ancestors x” D

Poster- Chris White

2017

“It’s amazing how the event’s grown and the level of professionalism has grown with it. The volunteers were marvelous. Present, but never obtrusive, their confidence and competence really showed. I could see how the marchers were comfortable taking quiet cues from the marshals (the walkies were a great idea!) and the torch bearers were really sharp. Those things must be pretty hefty but the bearers didn’t fidget or shuffle about when they had to stand in place and knew their spots as if they’d been drilled to it. The quality of the torch heads was noticeable in the stills. I did wonder who made them and it was nice the way they appeared lit and vanished just as smoothly. I’m sure the photographers loved the beautiful flames too! Mr. Fox incorporated their torch lighting and dousing into their set really well so they could do it in plain sight as part of the performance. Thanks for including their prose too! Some lovely lines there reminiscent for me of Phil Lister’s work (he of Breignton Morris and the ultimate oft-imitated dancer Green Man). Thank you so much for including Paul Sumner’s lyrics too! I caught bits in the video and meant to ask you if you had the rest 　 I didn’t want to pester you though until I was sure you were over the event proper 　 It’s beautifully written and hits all the right marks! Chills and thrills and a gorgeous title, even!” C.

“Thank you. The entire event was a triumph; from the FB groups admin, the fabulous publicity poster, the seamless way everything was organised right through to the next morning and each and everyone who was involved in performing or helping.” S.

“Wow! Just Wow!! Xxx” J.

“Thank you all for a great day and night, missing it already” J.

“Booked our accommodation way back in the year…been a long time coming…will be coming from Cheshire so quite a drive…but well worth it.” D.

“We are coming down from Exeter and South Devon. Favourite time of the year and such a great atmosphere. Will be our third year. We will probably be doing fancy dress again. Would be lovely see a few more people dressed up too.” S.

“Loved the Fire dance and horses. But staying at the Wellington loved the banter afterwards esp ‘Ugly Dave’ song as my other half is called Dave and we always say it’s his song. Hard to pick out one thing though as it’s the whole experience. Thank you so much Laetitia as know I how much you and everyone put into making it such a special weekend xx” S.

“This will be our third event  – both looking forward to it. We got married a few weeks ago so it’ll be nice to wear my dress again.” D.

“We loved the fabulous relaxed atmosphere, the fact that everyone is included if they so desire. The dark elements of the gathering but at the same time, a family space. Last year I had tears pricking when the former persecuted sisters were honoured, along with Sarah’s beautiful singing. The horses, the spectacle, the fun. All brilliant, and thank you all.” D.

“I came for the first time last year and immediately booked up to return this year with my parents. The whole experience was incredibly moving..a real double edged sword…. a time for remembrance of our dear ancestors and a time for utter joy and celebration. A truly spellbinding occasion which had tears streaming at times. Beltane are completely mesmerizing and I’m blessed to be able to return again this year. Frankly…. i cant wait!” C

“We will be coming all the way from the top of Boscastle came last year we were totally blown away by it, fantastic.” M

“Huge thank yous for yet another magical Dark Gathering on Saturday …… these gathering just get better.” L

“Just been watching a few of your films and reminiscing about last year. Sitting in the Wellington Hotel and listening to Joe sing Wings and of course Ugly Dave. Looking forward to catching up with old and new friends.” S.

“Fantastic event as always, looking forward to next year xx” C.

“Such a great day & night. Thank you so much to all the organizers & performers for such an amazing spectacle and atmosphere!! Looking forward to next year already! ” C.

“An amazing day thank you.” T.

“Myself and my friends came it was our first time and had an amazing time we hope to come back next year thank you for making it lovely and special night to remember.x” J.

Poster -Angie Latham

“I came to the Gathering last Saturday 29th and had a really enjoyable day. Thank you very much to everyone involved in putting on such a great event. I can only see it getting more and more popular!” K.

“I would like to thank everyone for today it was amazing!!! Cassandra Latham Jones it was nice meeting you today and thank you for signing my book. All your hard work and Laetitia’s the event did you both proud. Well done and thank you once again. Xxx” D.

“Just got home – what a great event. Fabulous mix of brilliant dance, beautiful singing by Sarah Emery, the honouring of our ancestors was very moving – and the horses were fabulous. We loved every minute. Big thanks to Angie Latham, Cassandra Latham Jones and everyone for organizing this, for putting on something more than just a show; it was a privilege to be there and to feel a part of something both fun and profound.Thank you all. And see you next year!!!! yay! xxx” D.

“Thank you so much. I can’t wait for the Dark Gathering this year!” Simon Costin.

“This absolutely made our night! Thank you so much for a great weekend. See you next year”.J.

“First time in 2015– spent the whole afternoon/evening and was blown away! Can’t wait for this year! xx” D.

 Poster -Angie Latham -2015

“Thanks for a magical eve xxx” M.

“Thank you for an awesome weekend. I absolutely loved it! Looking forward to next year. X” E.

“Well done! A fantastic gathering. Thank you for all your hard work, which culminated in an amazing celebration of Samhain….best ever.x” J.

“Thank you for a great event. See you next year/ Hwyl tan y flwyddyn nesa'” C

“We came to the Gathering in 2015 – and loved it!” M

“It was brilliant – we’re looking forward to next year!” D

“Love this, we were there in 2015 and looking forward to next year” S.

Read feedback from the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic Diary 

“Thanks everyone, awesomeness all round! Roll on 2016!” R

Image – John Isaac

2014

“And a fantastic event it was ….thanks to all. Awesome!” J

Page created by Laetitia Latham Jones