Święto celtyckie Beltane

Pictured: Druids perform the traditional burning of the famous Wickerman, which has been broadcast virtually for the first time as muted celebrations attended by 40 people took place as part of the Beltain Festival at Buster Ancient Farm near Chalton, Hants. The annual event, celebrated on May 1st, is associated with the fertility of the land and the arrival of Summer, which sees the traditional lighting of huge fires to welcome the heat of the sun and bring about a good harvest. Traditionally thousands of people descend upon Butser Ancient Farm in the heart of Hampshire to witness the burning of the 30ft Wickerman, but due to coronavirus restrictions only 40 people attended this years event, which was broadcast digitally for the very first time on Butser Plus. The Beltain festival connects ancient Celtic beliefs as one of the four major fire festivals at the turning points of the Celtic year. Butser Plus was designed throughout lockdown after the Ancient Farm was impacted heavily by the coronavirus pandemic and needed ?L800 a day to maintain the historic buildings and care for the animals. Members will pay a monthly fee to access the exclusive content. ?? Jordan Pettitt/Solent News & Photo Agency UK +44 (0) 2380 458800