Frontline Folklore Film Screening

Join the artist Ben Edge on a journey through the ritual year, in which he visits, documents and interviews the participants of twenty of the most remarkable seasonal folk customs, rituals and ceremonies that are still taking place in the British Isles today. From the Burryman of South Queensferry to the Obby Oss of Padstow and everywhere else in between. The film was shot throughout the pre-pandemic year of 2019 and therefore it is is the most recent and up to date visual document exploring the rich and thriving folk cultural practices of contemporary Britain.

‘Frontline Folklore’ not only takes you on a journey through the ritual year but also highlights and celebrates the importance of community, creativity and the often overlooked, yet thriving and alive British folk culture.

In June 2021, Ben’s ‘Frontline Folklore’ film and paintings were exhibited alongside Simon Costin’s Museum of British Folklore collection at the Crypt Gallery, London in an exhibition that gained extensive national press, viral social media exposure and over 10,000 visitors.

Screening in Hawkwood’s beautiful hall, through which not only are there distant views of Stroud and the River Severn, as well as the Hawkwood woodlands and an ancient Sycamore tree standing beside Hawkwood’s spring. The perfect place to experience the ritual year of Britain.

After the film there will be a discussion and Q&A with Ben Edge hosted by award winning comedian, writer and Gloucester native, Bridget Christie. Who was inspired to write an article for the Guardian titled ‘Ritual Britain made me proud to be British’ after her experience of visiting the exhibition.

For those wanting to indulge in the experience, a festive supper is on the table! Hawkwood’s exceptional chef Emma will be cooking a folkloric feast.

Prices start at £8, for more information and to book your place click here.