Scary Mari and the ancient art of dowsing

It’s May Day Bank Holiday Weekend in the Garden

Mari Lwyd, music, magic, dowsing and dancing take centre stage at the National Botanic Garden of Wales this May Day Bank Holiday weekend.

On Saturday May 2, the musical entertainment is provided by Côr Merched Tybie and the Tenovus Cancer Care Choir.

We will be celebrating International Dowsing Day on the Sunday (May 3) with the help of the divine intervention of the West Wales Dowsing Society, who will be offering lessons in dowsing and water divining so there’s a real chance we can increase everyone’s well being . . .

Also on Sunday, the magical stylings of Folly Farm’s finest entertainer Luke Jugglestruck will be wowing the crowds in Theatr Botanica while Meirion Owen and his marvellous Quack Pack will be in action on Millennium Lawn. Music fans won’t miss out, though, as the fabulous Swansea Concert Band are back in the Garden – on the stage in the Great Glasshouse – on Sunday as well as popular local folksters Fiddlebox.

Come Monday (May 4), the main focus will be on the ancient Welsh custom of the Mari Llwyd. At this time of year, of course, it is the Mari Mai taking centre stage and, if you want to know more about this strange, ancient (and slightly scary) tradition, make a date with Mari. There is a ‘History of the Mari’ session at 12noon and then there will be ‘Make a mini Mari’ and ‘Learn a Spring Song’ workshops. These are followed by a procession and some spring music, from Peni Ediker and Lynne Denman.

Also on Monday, you can hear more music – from Fiddlebox and Neyland Ladies’ Choir – and there’s another chance to be mesmerised by Jugglestruck.

Meanwhile, Llanarthne Dancers will be strutting their stuff in the Restaurant Courtyard.

There are also plenty of stunning spring flowers on display in Lord Foster’s Great Glasshouse, up and down the Broadwalk, and in the unique and historic Double Walled Garden, as well as on our lakeside walks and in Springwoods. Remember, there’s no better time of year to discover the wonderful woodland and the Forgotten Falls of Pont Felin Gat . . .

The Garden is open from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5pm.

Admission to the Garden is £9.75 (including Gift Aid) for adults and £4.95 for children over 5.  Entry is FREE for Garden members and parking is free for all.

For more information about this or other events, call 01558 667149, email info@gardenofwales.org.uk  or go to www.gardenofwales.org.uk