The Court

19:30 (120mins)

Feel the breeze shift, marking the turn of the seasons. The Wheel of the Year spins anew, unveiling a distant, fleeting realm... Welcome to The Court! Join our coterie, led by Queen Mab; local singer, songwriter, and performance artist.

The Court is a celebration of folklore, folk culture, and folk horror. It's a living zine - a vibrant hub where scholars and artists converge, bonded by a deep affection for ancient tales and rustic mystique. Through talks, stories, and music, we weave a rich tapestry of tradition, wonder, and imagination.

Above, in the theatre, we dive into a world of creativity and exploration, with curated performances and an open mic welcoming all who wish to share their folk-inspired art. Below, in the bar, wander through the enchanting night market, where local artisans showcase their crafted treasures. Our night market runs through-out the evening of The Court, welcoming you at The Yellow Book from 18:00 - 22:00.

As Imbolc dawns and the first stirrings of spring awaken, we proudly introduce artists who bring new life and inspiration, ready to share their vibrant energy with everyone…

Heidi McNie

Heidi McNie is a storyteller and Forest School Leader dedicated to re-enchanting the world, one tale at a time. For The Court, she will share two stories of the Lady Brigid: Brigid’s Cloak, about reclaiming her father’s land to build a house of healing, and The Woman with Two Faces, exploring one of Brigid’s lesser-known aspects. A former Anderida Bardic Chair winner, Heidi has performed at the OBOD Summer Gathering in Glastonbury, alongside schools, nurseries, pagan camps, and local storytelling clubs. Her earthy reimaginings of myths and folklore often take macabre twists, with tales ranging from witch hares outsmarting the Lord of the Manor to encounters with Death and doulas.

Rachel Poulton

Rachel is a writer, photographer and educator whose Unseen Photo Zine charts a series of psychogeographical walks around ancient sites in Sussex and beyond. For the February issue of The Court, Rachel will take us on an Imbolc ramble around Chanctonbury Ring, one of Sussex’s most atmospheric landscapes. Haunted and haunting, Chanctonbury Ring has a long, rich history and some very uncanny vibes. It has attracted UFO and ghost hunters; witches covens and poets; walkers and Morris dancers. Rachel will discuss the countless tales of supernatural happenings and hopefully inspire you to take a hauntological wander there yourself.

The Highchurches

The Highchurches are a folk / indie / country band from Brighton, who formed at The Folklore Rooms in 2024. They write songs about heartbreak, the end of the world, and heartbreak at the end of the world. Delicate, fiddle-laden folk and indie tunes full of flooded futures, deathly rituals, and scientists under the harvest moon.