July 31st-August 3rd 2026
No history can ever be complete – it lies by omission. Simply too much has gone on for us to nail it all down, and every person who has been a part of Gathering past carries their own stories! So, since Time-Life Books has been unable to come up with sufficient cash to buy the publishing rights, what you’ll find assembled here is by no means a comprehensive history. Instead, it’s a collection of subjective reviews and eyewitness accounts gathered from various sources, focusing on Gatherings of the six years past. We hope it will give the curious further insight into what happens each summer in that sunny field, and spark a few memories in the minds of those who were there.
The Gathering first took form in the thoughts of a small group of people who recognized that their family’s homestead (over two hundred years old) could be made into a fine place to bring together people of the Earth’s faiths. Many others heard of his idea for the first time through a call for support on the White Cliffs of Albion, a Pagan BBS active at the time. From there it was but a short step to collaborative meetings at renowned Halifax coffee shop The Daily Grind. Come Spring, the very first crews of doughty volunteers took to the land, clearing the trails and reclaiming the then-wild field, using everything from lawnmowers to a scythe… and the rest is, um, history.
The Avalon East Pagan Gathering, or AEPG, is an annual outdoor event held by and for pagans and other followers of Earth-centred spirituality, and those interested in learning more about them. Something between a camp out, small open-air festival and three-day church picnic for heathens and astrologers, each year the Gathering welcomes people from all over the Maritimes, Central Canada and beyond.
A Bardic Circle is a more-or-less informal gathering of bards (and fans of bardic performance), usually in the evening after the main events of the day. Performers take turns, and are typically asked to keep performances fairly short (5-7 minutes) so that everyone who wants to perform gets a chance.
Bardic circles may have a theme – e.g., “Heroic Tales and Songs,” or not. A circle host (if there is one) may make requests regarding material, e.g., “Please, no filk.” (A filk is a song, generally about life in the SCA, set to a recognizably modern tune.)
Circles can have many formats. Two common formats are “popcorn,” where performers follow each other in no set order, and “pick-pass-play,” where each person in turn may ask someone to perform, pass to the next person, or perform themselves.
Participants are expected to to exercise common etiquette, e.g., not performing “bawdy” or adult-themed material if children are present, being respectful of performers regardless of ability, etc..
Sumbel is a drinking-ritual in which a drinking horn full of mead or ale is passed around and a series of toasts are made, usually to gods, ancestors, and/or heroes of the religion. The toasts vary by group, and some groups make a distinction between a “regular” sumbel and a “high” sumbel, which have different levels of formality, and different rules during toasting. Participants may also make boasts of their own deeds, or oaths or promises of future actions. Words spoken during the sumbel are considered carefully and any oaths made are considered sacrosanct, becoming part of the destiny of those assembled.
The Mead tasting competition is judged by mead certified judges, mead makers and attendees. The submitted Meads will be judged on their aroma, appearance, flavour and overall impression.
HAIL & WELCOME – Vendors bring a unique excitement to a festival, especially a pagan festival with so many amazing people looking to support our community businesses and crafters! Here you are not
‘just another shop’, you are part of the experience, the atmosphere and the family! We are excited to see your offerings! Here is what you can expect: Businesses are welcome to run between 9am-5pm, and you’re free to take breaks as needed. Shops are asked to close operations at 5pm to give time and energy for the sacred services without the power of distraction your inventory holds over us. We welcome you to join in the evening events. You belong there too! We do not ask vendors to pay admission, however if you require a campsite, the “Vendor-Rate” is $25 per campsite – dependant on availability at the time of your request. Please reach out to aepg@paganassemblyns.ca to reserve a spot beforehand. We cannot guarantee availability of campsites or vendor spots without a deposit. All vendors are requested to pay a full non-refundable deposit at the time of registration.
Linen, chairs, food and beverages, and additional tables will not be available, but you re free to bring your own tables, chairs, signs, and other requirements. You are responsible for the safe-keeping of your merchandise at all times. We will not be held responsible for lost or stolen goods.
Please note: The Avalon East Pagan Gathering is volunteer run event, we work very hard to ensure retreat participants have a safe and good time. The gathering will run, rain or shine, we do not have access to an indoor workshop/ritual location other than a community tent
All Vendors will be confirmed a month prior to the retreat, at that time, if there have been changes or you are no longer available, please advise before the schedule is locked in. Invoice will be sent after registration. Vendor application does not include entry.
Weekend guidelines:
We aim to provide and maintain a friendly, inclusive, peaceful and safe environment for all visitors, including adults, children, pets and the Earth. To help nurture this environment, we created a set of rules and guidelines for all to review before booking and sign during check-in. Please initial the space in front of each point to acknowledge and consent to the below conditions:
FESTIVAL & GROUND GUIDELINES
- Weekend guidelines:
Assume positive intent: most people do not show up to a retreat hoping to stir the pot, to that end we ask that everyone do their best to come with an open heart and mind and assuming your fellow campers are doing their best to do the same. - Garbage in, garbage out:there are no garbage disposal facilities on site, please take
whatever garbage you bring in, back home with you. Help keep our earth mother clean and healthy. - Smoking &Alcohol consumption:This is a community event, please consume responsibly. Glass is not permitted on the main field for safety reasons, we ask that
were ever possible you use a refillable receptacle (bottle or travel mug etc.) for your beverages. A designated smoking area will be created away from the main field and other campers. We never know if someone has a sensitivity. - Respect each other’s bodies:Please be respectful of all campers and their space. Everyone deserves to feel safe and we encourage campers to speak openly and respectfully about consent and boundaries.
- *Quiet time symbol*:At the request of some of our participants we are initiating Quiet Time during some of the planned rituals and workshops to enhance the experience for participants. We ask that everyone take a moment to review the schedule and take note of events marked with an asterix (*). This symbol indicates that quiet and serenity is required for the event and it would be appreciated if during those times all campers could please keep their volumes low. We understand individual circumstances may arise but ask everyone do their best. The coordinators will do their best to keep these events away from main field where possible.
- If you come with children, you are responsible for your children at all times. Childcare is not provided.Although we are not a policing body we take our responsibility to provide a healthy and safe environment seriously. We will not hesitate to call applicable authorities should the need arise.For questions please contact: mmcfns@gmail.com
Unwillingness to abide by the rules will result in one verbal warning. Second offenders will be asked to leave. Although we are not a policing body we take our responsibility to provide a healthy and safe environment seriously. We will not hesitate to call applicable authorities should the need arise. Violation of any of the above mentioned guidelines or local law may result in you your party being asked to leave. By signing you understand and agree to adhere to all of the above conditions.
For questions please contact: aepg@paganassemblyns.ca
Directions from Highway 104 Exit 10:
- Trans Canada Highway 104 Take exit 10 toward Great Village, Bass River
- 350 m Turn onto Station Rd toward Great Village, Bass River
- 3.4 km Take a sharp right turn onto Trunk 2 400 m
- Turn right onto Great Village Lornevale Rd 800 m The destination is on your right 138 Great Village Lornevale Rd, Great Village
Directions from Highway 104 Exit 12:
- Masstown is exit 12
- Right at the rotary onto highway 4 or NS trunk 4
- Turn left onto highway 2 or NS trunk 2
- Right onto Great village – Lornevale road immediately after the fire station
- River Grove will be on your right at 138 Great Village – Lornvale Rd.
As we slowly build our amenities up we want to take this opportunity to remind folks that Rivergrove is set up for primitive camping. We have a well, water has yet to be tested but is good for washing hands and dishes and we have many toilets. Please plan for your individual comfort and needs.
*****PLEASE BRING A NOTEBOOK TO BE USED IN THE BOOK OF SHADOWS WORKSHOP IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND*****IF YOU HAVE A BOOK ON THE GO, FEEL FREE TO BRING THAT AND WORK ON IT TOGETHER*****
· Tent
· Sleeping bag
· Sleeping pad
· Pillow
· Flashlight
· Batteries
· Plate/bowl
· Utensils
· Drinking vessel
· Cooler
· Food
· Cleaning wipes
· Toothbrush & paste
· Any necessary medication
· Water (must provide your own water)
· Sunscreen
· Bug spray
· Hat
· Glasses
· Hair brush
· Trash and Recycling Bags
· Swimming gear
· Chair
· Roasting sticks
· Weather appropriate clothing for a variety of temperatures