Spell of rain fails to dampen witches gathering

A coven of more than 100 witches celebrated "dark magic and ancient wonder" at a mystical gathering in York on Friday - despite being a bit cursed with the weather.

Staged by the Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel, all kinds of magical thinkers and believers enjoyed sage burning, blessings, fortune telling and a whole cauldron of mystical activities, including live music and "tantalising elixirs" to drink.

One of the hotel owners, Camelia Andrei, called it a "celebration of modern witchcraft".

It is the second annual Witches Coven at the themed hotel and some of the proceeds will go towards helping the homeless in York.

The ancient city of York is known for its links to spiritualism and magic, with many wizardly shops located on The Shambles.

According to research from Huddersfield University, there was a higher propensity of witches in Yorkshire in the 1600s than any other region.

The event include tours of the city's most haunted spots led by Mad Alice from The Bloody Tour of York.

She told the BBC: "We have 2,000 years worth of history on our York streets - we've had many a witch grace our presence."

Knaresborough attraction Mother Shipton's Cave - the legendary birthplace of England's most famous prophetess - provided some water from its famous well.

Though York was hit by a spell of rain, witches were out in force and the best dressed received a prize.

Ms Andrei added: "Last year was the first event, and an overwhelming response spurred us to go all out for The Witches Coven 2024. It’s a celebration of the diversity of our community and the power of coming together to embrace our shared love of all things weird and wonderful."

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