Celebrating Lammas at Glastonbury

My friend from work, Mel, asked if I wanted to visit Glastonbury with her during the school holidays, the only day I had free was the 1st of August which turned out is Lammas Day.

Lammas Day also known as Loaf Mass Day is a Christian Holiday. It is a festival to mark the blessing of the first fruits of harvest. Lammastide falls at the halfway point between the summer solstice and autumn equinox.

Neopagans have adopted the name and date for one of their harvest festivals in their Wheel of the Year, which appeared to be what was being celebrated in Glastonbury when we visited.

Parking in town was a bit tricky with the Camper Van, but we found someone and caught the park and ride up to the Tor where we were dropped off to walk the last part up to the top.

We walked towards the town and visited the White Spring, which Mel had told me to pack my swimming costume to go for a dip. It didn't open till later that afternoon, so we gave it a miss.

We then visited Chalice Well gardens where the Lammas Day Celebrations were taking place and we were able to dip our feet in the water. It was freezing so I'm really glad the dip in the White Spring didn't take place. Mel is an open water swimmer and is dipping in pools in the middle of winter, but it's not for me.

We then headed back to the van through the town, for a brew and a picnic before heading home.

It was lovely to get some time away with a friend, no agenda, just out in the fresh air and the weather was perfect to explore somewhere new. Although I've been into the town before, I've never been up the Tor or explored the tourist areas.