The Fairy Census: 2014 – 2017 is out

British and Irish fairies have been around since 500 AD. Ever since the Cottingley Fairy Hoax (1917-21) they have been in decline, however. In the footsteps of The Lord of the Rings and The Game of Thrones, British fairies are regaining their old lustre.  Did you know that many British fairies don’t have wings and can be the size of a leaf or up to 15 foot tall?

The Fairy Census is an attempt to gather, scientifically, the details of as many fairy sightings from the last century as possible and to measure, in an associated survey, contemporary attitudes to fairies. The census was inspired by an earlier fairy census carried out by Marjorie Johnson and Alasdair Alpin MacGregor in 1955/1956, a census that was published in 2014.

Simon Young has offered a copy of this incredible survey for FREE!

Do download your copy now.

If you wish to submit your own sighting for the next census there are two (anonymous) census forms: one for witness accounts and one for second-hand accounts (experiences of grandma, uncle, friend etc). Confidentiality is assured and, in the case of publication, personal details will be changed to assure anonymity. Note, however, that by filling out these forms you approve their use in an academic survey.

1) If you witnessed the event first-hand click here

2) If you are describing an event experienced by someone else click here

There is also a general survey on individual beliefs about fairies, using an innovative visualisation technique. Here no experience or witness account is necessary: anyone can fill out the survey who understands the word ‘fairy’. Adults are welcome to lead children through the questions, even children as young as three or four.

3) If you want to do the survey on fairy belief more generally click here.

Grab a jug of holy water and 2 paracetamol - Doomsday VIII approaches!

Every year they gather at Sneaton Castle, high upon the cliffs of Whitby overlooking the icy North Sea. From the vampire infested fishing town below and across the barren moors they come to share dark secrets and partake in forbidden rituals. The stars have aligned and the Old Ones prepare to wake from their slumber; tell the nuns to roll out the barrel for Doomsday approaches!

It only seems like yesterday that I attended the very first Doomsday event in Whitby. Now in its 8th year, the annual gathering of magical high strangeness has grown to record numbers as more international attendees fly over to see what we get up to when the sun goes down.

The High Priest and founder of Doomsday, Roni Shachnaey kindly passed me the baton and for three years I have been the event organiser. While I'm not a natural at orchestrating public events, Doomsday has the eerie ability to take care of itself. The attendees migrate to Whitby every year without any persuasion and we all pick up where we left off the previous year. I hate to use the term 'magic convention' as Doomsday is definitely not one of these and anyone who has attended will agree. It's more of a bizarre family gathering and the older adepts welcome any new initiates with open arms.

Every year we have an eclectic mix of lectures and performance and this year is no exception.

▪ We welcome back Alain the Storyteller for the opening ceremony and his Grimoire Show

▪ Dr Todd Landman also joins us after a few years absence with 'The Box'

▪ Author F.R. Maher takes us on a journey into the occult and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and the Cottingley Fairies on the 100 year anniversary of the event

▪ Prof BC, this man needs no introduction! The greatest thinker and producer in storytelling magic makes an honorary appearance once again

▪ Vlad returns to his ancestral home for a show of undead entertainment, virgins required!

▪ Alex Roemer one of Germany's top storytelling Magic performers will reveal some amazing Tarot based effects

▪ Wino Caestecker, last years Hex Factor winner returns will a full performance slot!

▪ Vince Wilson joins us from Delaware US for his Magic and Murder Mystery Show

Finally we continue with the new Saturday night tradition of The Hex Factor where 8 performer will have a 10 minute slot in which to display their magic routines, disturbing talents or anything they feel suitable for the Doomsday audience. A panel of judges will give feedback but ultimately the audience will decide the best act of the evening and the winner will be awarded the 2017 Hex Factor trophy.

If you feel brave enough to join us, Doomsday VIII takes place on 19th-20th May at Sneaton Castle in Whitby. Tickets are available here, I look forward to seeing you there.