Gathering the Herbs for the Beltane Brew

The CERNE GIANT FESTIVAL was born out of our vibrant May Day tradition, when the Morris Dancers and villagers gather at dawn on the Trendle, the original  site of the village Maypole at the top of the Cerne Giant. Here we salute the sunrise and celebrate the start of summer with a barrel of Beltane Beer.  Begun in 2017,  the Festival has now extended to about 3 weeks. With a theme of ‘Celebrating Humanity in the Landscape’, there will be a huge variety of events including workshops, talks, and walks so that there is something for everyone to explore their own connection with landscape of Dorset and what it means to them. Any profits from the Festival will go towards maintaining the fabric and work of the churches in the participating villages.

Cerne Giant Festival

Join medical herbalist Eleanor Gallia as she harvests the spring tonic plants for Cerne Abbas Brewery's Beltane Brew

Lower Barton Farm

2026

Celebrate Spring 2026 by joining us for talks, walks, and workshops learning more about the natural and cultural history, landscape, and history of the Cerne Valley and Dorset.

The Beltane Brew is a vibrantly energising blend of traditional spring tonic herbs gathered from around the long barrow of Smacam Down, which has in its sights Cerne Abbas, the Giant, the Trendle and the church. Come join medical herbalist Eleanor Gallia in this neolithic landscape, home and sacred site to Britain’s earliest farming people, as we forage for and learn about the herbs that will sustain and nourish the Mayday revellers. Having wild harvested the herbs, we will share a simple lunch of nettle soup in the barn at Lower Barton Farm before heading with our herbs to the brewery to make the Beltane Beer.Please dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear and bring gloves and a basket for the foraging.There is livestock and wildlife on the hill so please do not bring dogs. Thank youMorning incl homemade nettle soup and roll £15. All day (with brewing) £20NB DO NOT FOLLOW SATNAV SatNav will take you into Pound Farm. Do NOT follow signs to Nether Cerne.If you are travelling on the A352 going north from Dorchester it is the next farm on the LEFT AFTER the turning to Nether Cerne.If you are travelling south along the A352 it is on the RIGHT aboutn 1/2 mile AFTER 'Barton Farm (which is a large modern farmyard). From either direction travel carefully after you pass the final landmark as the farm is easily missed. It is opposite a layby containing a large blue container.

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Gathering the Herbs for the Beltane Brew

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