Midsummer at The Lost Village of Dode
In a busy, even frantic and chaotic world, we at Dode believe that it is important to retain a visible, viable link to simpler times past.For that reason we have, and will continue to acknowledge and celebrate the four quarter days and four cross quarter days each year.
Our wonderfully joyous and successful celebration at Beltane will be followed this year by a gathering to celebrate Mid Summers Day or Litha with something a little different.
Dodes Keeper, Doug explains:“We will be taking the opportunity, at this, an essentially ‘Pagan Festival’ to right a wrong. Some thirty years ago we received considerable censure from the Church of England for displaying a dragon in the church, which they considered to be a sign of evil and offensive to Christians.Not wishing to give offence to any religion, we removed and destroyed it.Last year, Mary and I made one of our frequent visits to Rochester Cathedral and noticed a huge dragon suspended from the ceiling.
A little correspondence along the lines of ‘double standards’ ensued from which it would appear that we were given ‘duff’ information all those years ago and, as we suspected Dragons are really cool!
🌿 From 5.30pm, guests are welcome to arrive early for a picnic on the lawn, either bring your own or if you would like a wonderful pre-prepared option you can purchase via our wonderful caterer Mary's Kitchen (
a2l0Y2hlbm9mbSB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t) — a rare opportunity to bask in the beauty of Dode’s landscape in golden evening light
🔥 From 6.30pm, the true revelry begins.
Our Midsummer Celebration is not merely a gathering, but a weaving of past and present — of ancient tradition and modern spirit. This year, we mark the occasion with a powerful act of restoration, joy, and symbolic renewal:
The Return of the Dragon.
Three decades ago, Dode’s proud dragon — a symbol misunderstood — was removed after reproach from the Church. But time, as ever, reveals new truths. When our Keeper, Doug, visited Rochester Cathedral to find a mighty dragon hanging in full honour, the time felt right to right an old wrong.
With the beating thunder of Kensei Taiko’s Japanese drums echoing through the valley, we will welcome the rebirth of the Dragon and herald the coming of the Holly King, guardian of the waning year.
Now also joining us for the celebrations we have Wolfhead & Vixen morris group.
🎟 Booking essential.
Spaces are limited and our last seasonal celebration at Beltane was full to the brim with wonder-seekers.
🌾 Dress in honour of the season — robes, flower crowns, or dragon-themed delight all welcome!
Let us gather. Let us remember. Let us celebrate the light while it lasts.
Booking fee proceeds all go towards our chosen charity of the year which is our fellow sister church at St Benedicts.
You may also like the following events from The Lost Village of Dode (Official):
Also check out other
Nonprofit events in Gravesend,
Festivals in Gravesend,
Trips & Adventurous Activities in Gravesend.
