Between the Trees Held by the Trees

There was something deeply magical about being a Welsh Druid at this year’s Between the Trees Festival, held in the ancient woodland of Candleston Woods at Merthyr Mawr.

Before Kinfolk Day on Thursday, Y Noddfa – The Sanctuary was set up in glorious sunshine. The pagoda became our little sacred space, dressed with Welsh bunting, roses and wisteria climbing the poles, flowers, feathers and tiny witches dancing in the breeze.

The altar held the cauldron, wand, water bowl, incense and besom, while a battery, operated ancestral candle and candles tucked into the rafters kept us safe during the drought. A special Hive Mead was ready for sharing the chalice.

Three couples came to Y Noddfa to celebrate their stories through nature-based ceremony: a handfasting, a renewal of vows and a releasing of commitment. Each was completely different, each deeply personal, and each reminded us of the power of ceremony to mark the turning points of our lives.

There was plenty happening beyond the sanctuary too. A fun, slightly chaotic children’s workshop explored “What is a Welsh Druid?”, following the festival theme of The Elements. I also had the joy of sharing a thought-provoking book talk on Hiraeth, Wales and Coming Back to My Trees.

The weather certainly kept us on our toes, with sunshine, rain and storms rolling through the woodland. Yet somehow, surrounded by wonderful folk, fabulous workshops, inspiring talks and the backdrop of folk and indie music, it all added to the atmosphere.

The opening ceremony was both joyful and poignant. Fire was at its heart reminding us that this powerful element is something to be respected and handled with care – while we also remembered the festival’s third organiser, Phil Wyman, absent but never forgotten.

For me, Between the Trees was more than a festival. In this beautiful and historic woodland, we were reminded that sometimes the trees do not simply surround us – they hold us.

Magical, mystical and wonderful, Between the Trees has found a place in my heart. I’ll definitely be returning in 2027.