The Great Heathen Gathering - Helsmoot 2024

The Great Heathen Gathering in honour of Hel. We will be raising our fourth godpost in her honour. There will be more rituals, fantastic traders fabulous heathen bands and the return of the kindred games.

If you enjoyed Thunorsmoot TGHG this is going to be ever bigger and better!

FAQs for Helsmoot 2024  

What is Helsmoot?  

Helsmoot is a Heathen festival celebrating Hel and the consecration of a Godpost commissioned in her honour. The festival is 3-4 days long and will include talks, a trader village, workshops, rituals and entertainment throughout the event in celebration of the goddess Hel.   

What does the ticket include?  

The ticket includes camping and access to all the talks, rituals and *workshops (unless specified) at the event as well as the bands and entertainment in the evenings.  

What do I get for an early access ticket?  

The early access ticket allows for people to attend the site a day early to pitch their tent with no fear of missing any of the talks or workshops on the Friday -and of course to get their bearings around the site- but also catch up with old friends and spend time in the Ve or beer tent and just generally relax around the site.   

Can I get a day ticket?  

Yes day tickets will be available online but sadly not on the door.  

Where is Helsmoot?  

Address:   Scholey Park,  Kirkby Lane,  Lincolnshire, LN4 4PD   

How do I get there?  

By Car, By public transport:   Public Transport trains to either Boston or Lincoln. Buses from either Boston or Lincoln. Do not get off a train at Sleaford as the buses only go as far as Billinghay, which is 5 miles from Scholey Park. Buses cease running after 6pm.  Asatru UK has in the past run a *shuttle service to and from the nearest train station or local town. We do recommend networking in our social media spaces beforehand to either car share with friends or arrange to coordinate public transport arrival times to better utilise a shuttle service or taxi share etc   * Should there be significant demand this year for a shuttle service then our events team will look to create a pick up and drop off run.    

Who is welcome at the event? Is there a Code of Conduct?  

All are welcome at this event as long as they share our inclusive values, a code of conduct is issued with your ticket purchase. This is also a family friendly event with children’s activities provided.

Will I need a Tent? (If you have purchased a weekend ticket)  

Yes  

Can I bring my Caravan/Campervan/Motorhome?  

Yes 

Is the site dog friendly?  

Yes, dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead and cleaned up after   

Are there showers?  

Yes  

What about food and drink, and can I cook for myself ?   

Whilst a food van* will be on site as well as a bar, self catering is encouraged. The site maintains a no ground fire policy, except at designated communal fires where cooking will not be appropriate. All self catering must be done on a camping stove or in a fire pit elevated above the ground, see T&Cs  *The food van will begin advertising in the Great Heathen Gathering Facebook group, for information on allergens please be sure to contact them directly.  

Where are the nearest shops?

Nearest shops: Co-op, Morrisons Local, Boots Chemist in Coningsby 1 mile away. Co-op Tattershall 2 miles away. Tesco and Heron Foods in Horncastle 8 miles away.  

How accessible is the event?   

We are striving to make our events more and more accessible for all. We have accessible facilities, including wheelchair accessible toilets and a shower, and we will have people available throughout the event to help you if needed. If you have any further questions about access please don't hesitate to contact us  

Is there a family area?

Whilst the whole site is a family area there will be a quiet camping area which is family friendly away from the central events and communal fire and a range of children’s activities held throughout the event - Treasure hunts, story telling, children’s blot and Sumbel etc   

What is the drugs policy?  

Prescribed drugs only. In accordance with UK law, drugs are illegal, anyone found using drugs at this event will be asked to leave without refund and in extreme circumstances the police will be notified   

Can I bring my sword/axe/weapon?  

No, some weaponry may be available for purchase from some traders attending however, open carry of weapons is forbidden.  Any weapons purchased must be kept with the trader until the end of the festival, confined to your sleeping quarters or kept secured in a locked car. Anyone walking around with open carry weapons that are not part of either entertainment or pre-agreed upon ceremonial use will be asked by our security teams to put them away in the aforementioned places.  

What is the alcohol situation?  

There is a bar on site which sells mead and beer and we are also allowed to bring our own alcohol. There will also be the good folks over at more mead selling their delicious libations.   

Where can I park my car?  

There will be a designated car parking area, AUK event marshals will direct you to where you can drop off your camping gear and then onto the car parking area. 

Can we have an open fire?   

You cannot have an open fire on the ground, we will be providing a central fire pit for evening entertainment, singing, story telling and general merriment.   

Can we use a log burner or bbq?  

You are permitted to bring a fire pit along providing it is elevated above the ground and does not singe the grass!  

Do I have to supervise my child when they're doing children's activities?  

Yes, you are responsible for your children at all times. We do not offer a childcare service at our gatherings but we do offer children’s activities designed for Heathen parents to guide and develop their children’s spirituality together.  

What time of night do we have to keep the noise down?  

We aim to get the noise down to an acceptable level around the 11pm mark each night, whilst we do intend to have a quiet camping area designated for families and the like we will be toning down the atmosphere around 11pm each night to maintain good frith with the site owners and their neighbours.  

Who do I see if I get injured?  

We will have a designated first aid area on site should anyone hurt themselves or getting injured during the weekends festivities  

How do I find an Asatru UK committee member or officer?  

All volunteers and staff on shift will be visible by their AUK hi vis or branded white T-shirt, committee members additionally will typically be seen in their committee shirts and lanyards throughout the weekend. If you have any problems and are unable to locate an officer or committee member someone will be manning the Asatru UK gazebo, the Heathens of Yorkshire gazebo or on hand at Runecast copper or Phoenix Leather and crafts (or find me at Art by Sif - Sif, Marketing Officer).   

Traders tickets - sold out  Day tickets will be on sale soon.