A PAGAN group is holding a spiritual gathering for hundreds of people in fields near Weymouth over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

The highlight of the event, organised by the Weymouth-based Dolmen Grove, will be a fire ceremony when a wicker man will be burned.

Grove chairman Steve Moverley said: “This is a gathering for anyone following a spiritual path – not just pagans.

“There will be a range of talks and workshops offering something for everyone.”

The Tribal Dreams Gathering will be held at fields near the Great Dorset Maize Maze at Rodden from August 28-30.

Music includes a gig by medieval folk rock band The Dolmen on the Saturday night. Other musical acts include ‘raw folk’ outfit Devil’s Rejects.

The gathering will be raising funds for Poor – a charity that helps alleviate poverty and provides education in deprived parts of India.

Speakers will cover many beliefs – from pagan to Christian. They include Gary Biltcliffe, an author and artist researching Earth mysteries and ancient civilizations, Merlin of Great Britain, and Taloch of the Dolmen Grove.

Workshops include drumming, laughter, yoga, meditation and tai chi.

Healers, therapists, pyschics and tarot readers will also be on site, while The Dreamcatcher Chai Cafe promises ‘the best vegetarian chocolate cake ever’.

Steve said: “We are planning a great family event at a price that you would be happy to pay for the camping alone. Everyone is welcome. We have a Christian speaker, druids, Buddhists – and a lovely spot for the gathering in the Dorset countryside.”

A new event taking place on the Sunday is the Lammas Games featuring various traditional country contests testing speed, skill and strength. These include games with names such as a skull shie, wooky hole, halo hoopla, love bomb, a team relay and a tug-of-war.

Steve said: “This is harvest time and we are taking a new look at some traditional games.”

Weekend tickets are £25 for adults, children free, and day tickets are available.

For full details, call 07971 973735, send an email to tickets@dolmengrove.co.uk or visit dolmengrove.co.uk