The Organisation and Religion to Re-unite All Religions

 

Festival of Minerva 2008.
Chester , Cheshire . England .

Minerva Shrine, Edgars Fields, Handbridge, Chester , Cheshire .

Photographs Index

During Whitsun Bank Holiday the 2nd Annual Festival of Minerva took place at Edgars Fields, Chester. The event was staged over Sunday 25th and Monday 26th May 2008.

The organisers asked if someone from ORRAR would like to attend and take pictures etc. We duly agreed and as Chester is close to where I live, I decided to go myself.

There was lots taking place on the day we went, which was the Sunday. We noticed some of the Deva Victrix soldiers around Chester giving talks and information to the tourists. These soldiers dressed in their fine realistic roman garments certainly have good knowledge of Chester and its Roman past. On Edgars Fields itself they had set up camp, and also had a pottery maker, dancers and a couple of birds of prey and their handlers for everyone to look at.

Before the dedication took place the very colourful Ya Raq Dancers took to the stage and performed a range of wonderful North African and Egyptian style dances. They truly brought delight to the onlookers.

Around 1.30pm the dedication to the Minerva Shrine began. Unfortunately the damp weather was not helping with regards to tourists, which was a shame. Even though many people did turn out and watched the dedication which took around 20 - 30 minutes. Having been one of these spectators I can honestly say that it was well worth the trip.

Those responsible for the dedication really took pride in their festival, and gave everyone watching a true glimpse into our Roman past. They gave the onlookers a real sense of Goddess Worship and Dedication.

Anyone who wanted to give their own dedication afterwards were allowed, so those wishing to partake of the festivities themselves could.

I would like to congratulate them on an excellent event. WELL DONE, and thank them for inviting us along to the festival.

I also recommend that next year our members should try to go to this event, as they will not be disappointed, they may even learn more understanding of Roman Festivals and Values.

I would also like to thank Paul Harston (Deva Victrix) and Dahab (Ya Raq Dancer) for taking the time to chat with me about the event and their respective groups.

Please take a look at the full photographic account.

 

Sources & Credits:
Roman Tours Ltd
The Deva Victrix Leg XX v.v
Paul Harston (Centurion)
Ya Raqs Dancers
The Roman Chester Event
Pictures: Robert Worrall (ORRAR 2008)