WELLINGTON Folk and Custom Society held their annual 'Blaize 'n' Brigit Night' event at the Cottage Inn, Wellington on Saturday, February 8.

Lord Misrule aka Mr Double Danger the 2nd opened up this year’s proceedings, recalling the history of Wellingtons ‘Blaize festival' which was first recorded in 1889.

Traditionally, the festival would be the time at which the local wool industry workers would choose their own Bishop Blaize and celebrate. This included Wool-combers, spinners, comb-makers, and dyers among others, who would gather in local taverns to celebrate the folk custom and festival.

Mr Double Danger the 2nd went on to explain the strong connections of Saint Brigit from Ireland to Somerset, as well as her ancient connections to the wider country and other parts of Europe.

Both Saint Blaize and Saint Brigit are entwined with pre-Christian foundations. Blaize 'n' Brigit Night in Wellington, is the only event in the UK or Ireland that celebrates a double festival of the two saints, which are otherwise two days apart.

The oath swearer Brian Storey swore in the new Bishop Blaize for 2025, Danny Gilham, and the new Saint Brigit Laura Kayleigh. Also present was Bethany Parker as Mordred the dragon.

Bishop Blaize then ‘blessed the throats’ with his candles and Brigit distributed her healing waters upon volunteers from the audience, which was followed by celebrations of music and dancing in the pub car park with the local Bootstrap Border Morris Team.

The group continued their celebrations into the evening with traditional folk music and songs.

Mr Double Danger the 2nd said: “I would like thank all those involved and those attended, making it a enjoyable and a merry evening and for helping to continue this English and British folk culture event as a living tradition.”