The Dandelion Daily

Elmore Court near Gloucester is opening its doors for an evening gathering focused on movement, relaxation and food. Hosted in the estate's Gillyflower building, Ecstatic Dance & Live Sound Bath · Elmore Court · The Cotswolds brings together an open dance session and guided sound meditation.

The alcohol-free event begins with an opening circle before DJ Osara plays a barefoot dance set over a Funktion-One sound system. Following the dancing, Georgia Kate leads a wind-down session using crystal singing bowls and guided meditation, after which guests can sit down together for an optional pre-ordered organic curry or dhal cooked by the estate kitchen. The evening is open to all ages, from families with young children to experienced dancers or newcomers with no previous dance background. The venue is fully wheelchair accessible, with cacao drinks available to purchase before the circles begin.

A trio of gatherings around the region is offering locals opportunities to dance, talk and reflect. In Stroud, families with children aged eight and above, as well as partygoers in fancy dress, can head to the Baptist Church Hall for the Samhain Fairy Tale Ceilidh. Caller Hannah Moore will lead dancers through Halloween and Samhain tales accompanied by folk musicians Paul Hutchinson and Matt Norman.

Elsewhere in town, Paganhill Community Centre hosts the Lifehouse Stroud people's assembly: being here, together, is how we create change. The event invites residents from across the community to take part in small group discussions about their neighbourhoods, explore local connections, and help agree priorities for future collaboration.

Further south, adults seeking quiet contemplation can visit the geodesic dome at The Manu Centre in Bradford-on-Avon for the Samhain Ceremony - Mugwort Journey with the Ancestors. Led by ceremonialist Dan Knowlson, attendees will share mugwort tea, place mementos on an altar to remember those who have passed, and put prayers into the fire. Note that mugwort is not suitable for women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.