Welcome to Ellen Vannin, the shrouded and mysterious Isle of Man.

On todays adventure we travel further than ever before, across the Irish Sea in search of Fynoderees, Bugganes and of course the Good Folk, we hear tales of famous witches whose echoes would reach around the world, fairy hills that can swallow you whole, ancient wells and saintly thieves and of course a little bit about the Bee Gees.

Expect phantoms, motorbikes and the rise of a sea god.

Enjoy

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On todays show we go looking for the Straw Bear of Whittlesea, an annual winter custom set deep in the Cambridgeshire Fenlands.

No one quite knows where the bear comes from or how it even began but we do know that it was banned in the 19th century as it was seen as a form of begging. A person or driver is wrapped completely in Straw, head to toe, and danced around the town to celebrate Plough Monday. After the revival it's now seen as something of enormous pride for the local population, bringing in people and Morris sides from all over the country.

Expect sub zero temperatures, Woodwo's and plenty of Osses!

Enjoy

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On todays Druid filled episode we find ourselves amongst the sacred hawthorns of Primrose Hill celebrationg Lughnasadh wit the Primrose Hill Loose Association of Druids. An order that can trace its roots back to Lolo Morganwg and the birth of modern Druidism

Song, wine, poetry, home made quiche, we've got it all, so join us as we turn the wheel of the year once again.

We hear stories from modern practitioners of Wicca, Druidry, Heathenism, Sharmism and many other pagan faiths and beliefs that enrich and colour our lives on our ancient island.

Please like and subscribe wherever you get you podcasts and do follow us on our Instagram page @folk_lands for all our updates and adventures, you can also find us on Etsy at FolkLandsUK.

Enjoy

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Greetings seekers of the strange and unusual. A veritable literary feast awaits you weary traveller amongst the forgotten henges of northern England.

Today, we find ourselves in the most estimable company of author and connoisseur of all things that go bump in the night Mark Valentine, and Ray Russell, Tartarus press co owner, writer and musician. Together we explore the fields of furrows, the henges and barrows and, of course, writers. We delve into the magical and mysterious works of Arthur Machen, Mary Butts, D.K Broster and many, many more.

Expect lay lines, ghosts, musical interludes and strange encounters with a camper van.

And the wondrous actor Jemima Roper reads from Mark Valentine's short story Seven.

Please like and subscribe wherever you get you podcasts and do follow us on our Instagram page @folk_lands for all our updates and adventures, you can also find us on Etsy at FolkLandsUK.

Enjoy.

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In todays winter celebration of an episode we explore the glorious Welsh tradition of the Mari Lwyd.

She is a skull covered in the ribbons of a bride, The Grey Mare, or Holy Mary. She is many things, she is neither dead nor alive, if you're cold then she's cold.

Down the cold dark back streets of London's Kings Cross a warm welcome awaits. Every year to celebrate the end of winter the Mari Lwyd makes her rounds of the local pubs ready to sing and have a rap battle as only a horses skull in a shroud can do.

Expect bad Welsh pronunciation, ale, singing, and hopefully the beginning of spring!

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In todays monster episode we explore the world of cryptids and mythical beings.

In the very capable hands of Richard Freeman and Jackie we discuss the exorcism of Loch Ness, the British Bigfoot, the Cornish Owlman and a whole host of other strange and extraordinary creatures that lurk within the British countryside and that sometimes make their way into our towns.

Talking dogs, horned cats, goblins and dragons you'll also never look at a crab the same way again.

The incredible Actor and Poet Caitlin O Ryan reads from Algernon Blackwoods The Wendigo.

Enjoy!

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On todays final show of 2024 we take a long walk on the moor with writer and gentleman Jeremy Dyson.

We first head to Ripon to witness the supposed longest surviving continuous folklore practice in the world, The Ripon Hornblower, and find out more about this extraordinary custom.

We grab our walking boots and head up Ilkely Moor, with dark tales of alien encounters and cannibals that lurk amongst the boulders. We discuss ghostly encounters on the dark moor as well as Jeremy being not only one forth of the legendary creative team that gave us the League of Gentleman, but also the co creator of the hit play Ghost Stories.

Expect ghosts, ghouls and goblins as we wander the overgrown paths of Ilkley Moor bah t'at!

Enjoy!

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Today we unearth a hidden corner of London as we creep around the frozen docks and inky darkness of Limehouse.

In the 16th to the 18th century the area of Limehouse became synonymous as a melting pot of folklore and people as the docks brought stories, superstitions and strange new cultures. It had its own Golem wandering the abandoned warehouses and dockyards, it had the sensational tales of Thomas Burke who wrote of opium dens and backstreet murders even Blur's Damon Albarn invoked the spirit of Dr John Dee in its ancient streets.

We explore it all with the help of the incredible musician, composer and writer Sarah Angliss.

Expect haunted puppets, winter spirits and bell foundries.

And the brilliant Maggie Service reads from The Dark Courtyard by Thomas Burke

Enjoy!

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