THE CALL:

YOOOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!
COME AWAY WITH THE FAERIES to magical FEATHERSTONE CASTLE for a faerie merry Yule of fantasy, feasts and fun. We gather to celebrate the winter solstice and create a week long festival of faerie love, light and laughter. Expect a very alternative Yule.  Faerie is a self-chosen identity – this gathering is for all adult faeries (16+), irrespective of gender and sexuality.

WHO ARE THE EUROFAERIES?

Queer folks of all genders. We come from all walks of life in all parts of the world. We are drawn together by a desire for deeper connections to others, to ourselves, to nature and the cosmos. We hope to open ourselves to new experiences, healing, and celebration of the joy and creativity that is our faerie nature.

THE VENUE:

Featherstone Castle lies in the stunning Northumberland countryside, close to Haltwhistle, centre of the sacred Isle of Albion. The castle is near to Hadrian’s Wall.  It is very atmospheric with log fires, mysterious nooks and crannies, a magnificent room for our heart circles, and an excellent kitchen. The old tower is over 700 years old and like any self–respecting castle, this one has a ghost – in fact a whole wedding party of them, hunted down and slaughtered by the bride’s secret lover!

See www.geocities.com/caseallen/travel/region/fstone.html and www.haltwhistle.org for more information about Featherstone Castle and its surroundings. And there is loads more if you search the web.

THE FOCUS:

Solstice is a great time to gather with others to see out the longest night. Enjoy warm fires, feasts and heartfelt companionship which will extend into the queerest Yule family gathering you can imagine. Think presence rather than presents. Think outrageous faerie panto rather than hideous family dramas.

Forget turkey - but as for stuffing......

Heart Circle is the first place in which we build connections of community and compassion. Expect faerie frolics, bodywork, country walks, dancing, drumming, song and plenty of space to play. Participation in all activities is voluntary. Like any gathering, it’s success is dependant on what people put into it  - be that on a cultural, practical or a healing level. All this contributes to the very special energy of the event. Just bring an open heart.

THE PRACTICALITIES:

Corridors and bedrooms can be cold - be prepared. Mattresses at the castle are rather old, and extra mat/airbed to sleep on is worth considering if you are a comfort faerie. We will be asking for volunteers to come forward in advance to plan dinner menus so that good planning can be made (shops will be shut much of the time we are there).

Please let us know with your booking if you would like to cook for the group - you will be given full support from our kitchen goddesses and chopping crews.

Dogs: We have places for a maximum of 3 dogs at the castle. So if you are a dog lover and can’t bear to be parted from your beloved pooch, book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. Owners must provide food for their animals and some areas of the gathering will be designated as dog-free.

GETTING TO FEATHERSTONE CASTLE:

By air: Easy links from all European countries. Take a flight to Newcastle - or Newcastle via London if coming from further a field - then a train to Haltwhistle.

By train: Train to Carlisle or Newcastle. Then change to Haltwhistle.

By car: Featherstone Castle is three miles south-west of Haltwhistle on the A69.

THE COST:

The price is set on a sliding scale and intended only to cover costs.

Gold and Diamond-Winged faeries registering will support Silken-Winged Faeries being able to join the gathering. Any donations added will be treated as sponsorship and much appreciated.

If you want to come and are unable to afford the Silken-Winged rate please don’t feel intimidated.