Craft & Coven Session 4

Join us across the Autumn and Girl Gang's "Season of The Witch" to explore our theme and co-create decor for our immersive screening of The Craft!

We'll be using India Rakusen's excellent podcast series WITCH to undertake a wholistic exploration of witches and witch craft; their history, legacy and current iterations, looking at 3 episodes per gathering and focusing on a different bit of practical making for our Halloween event at the end of October. 

Craft & Coven Session 4: We will discuss WITCH episodes 10-13; Palmes of Silver, Through the Veil, Witch Circle and Legacy.

We will make props and accompaniments for WE Have Been Their Kind- details to follow

WITCH PODCAST SERIES OVERVIEW: The witch has held a place firmly in our imagination for centuries – from whispered warnings in folklore to pop-culture driven heights. But what does it mean to be a witch now? Presenter India Rakusen, creator of the podcast 28ish Days Later, is on a journey to find out.

These are casual, discussion based community sessions with some light crafting and wholesome feminist cosy creative community vibes. We reccomend listening to the episodes before hand, but this is not essential, just come with curiosity and an eagerness to connect, contribute, listen and learn. Each session stands alone, so you're welcome to come for as many or as few as you fancy! 

We're thrilled to be partnering with Cloudwater Brewery Taproom to host these sessions, so grab yourself a pint or drink of your choice before coming downstairs to join the coven.

SEASON OF THE WITCH: Witches, Women, Magic, Misogyny

Journey through Autumn with Girl Gang across hillsides, cityscapes, storytelling and screenings, to explore how most of modern misogyny can be traced back to the figure of the witch. In their first ever thematic season the collective continues to celebrate a decade of feminist creativity, collaboration and community with crafts, pop culture, rituals and rebellion. Inspired by the horrific histories and curious present manifestations of witchcraft which are both political and ethereal, the work explores resistance, autonomy, collectivity and care, Season of the Witch showcases drag, discussion, dancing and nature, proudly presented with Girl Gang's signature blend of theatricality, softness, resilience building and reflection.

Check out more events as part of our Season of the Witch here! Including more “Craft & Coven” thematic exploration and co-creation sessions, historical hikes, immersive film screenings, drag workshops, rituals and more!

EPISODE THEMES OVERVIEW

Episode 10: PALMES OF SILVER India explores the business end of witchcraft, and the murky ways in which people and companies might profit from the idea. From crystals and witch kits, to tarot readings and a high-flying 'industrial intuitive', what are the ethics behind making money from magic?

Episode 11: THROUGH THE VEIL Witches seem to have a rare familiarity and ease with the idea of death But what does that look like in practice? India spends time at an ancestor workshop, talks to Tatum about Silent Suppers and goes to Cornwall to experience a séance.

Episode 12: WITCH CIRCLE The act of witches gathering together to practise their craft seems to have its own special power. India spends time with a group of witches in Scotland and a coven in Cornwall, and explores the power of group rituals.

Episode 13: LEGACY It's clear that the witch hunts still cast a shadow over our lives. India hears from some of the guests in the series on the legacies of the witch hunts, and how witches today might be a powerful way of resisting and addressing the damage of the past.

THE VENUE & ACCESSIBILITY

- The venue has both an elevator and an accessible toilet, our sessions will be on the ground floor, the main bar is upstairs. 

- Cloudwater Brewery Taproom is located at Piccadilly Trading Estate in Manchester, right next to the main Cloudwater Brew Co brewery.

- Cloudwater Brewery Taproom is based behind Piccadilly Train Station, just an 8 minute walk from the station. The nearest tram is New Islington (8 minute walk away) and the buses 192, 216, 250, 42B, 76 all pass near the venue.

- We happily offer free tickets for personal assistants, please email us at girlgangmanchester@gmail.com to arrange this. Registered assistance dogs are also welcome!

- The room will feature dim lighting and we will play background music during the party part of the night.

- We won't be using strobe lighting at this event.

- As we all know, Covid still exists (especially in winter!) and we ask that people act responsibily in the care of our community - please DO NOT come to the event if you are feeling unwell, or have knowingly had contact with a positive case.

- A Girl Gang Manchester team member will greet you as you enter the event space and will be your point of contact through the night if you require anything.

If you have any other access requests or worries, please contact us at hello@girlgangmcr.com

 We are super proud that our events and club nights are welcoming and that there are always people who feel comfortable to attend on their own.

GIRL GANG MANCHESTER is a collective of artists, activists, academics and party instigators who put on events and create projects building connection, community, collaboration, confidence and creativity. Find out more about our previous projects on our website or social media here! 

If you would like to be kept up to date with all Girl Gang Manchester's projects and events be sure to sign up to our mailing list here!

This year we are celebrating 10 years of Girl Gang Manchester and have updated our Manifesto please take a look to learn more about us and what we stand for here!

Refund policy: Paying for a ticket funds freelance artists, creatives and facilitators and helps support Girl Gang Manchester in continuing to run events. All tickets are non refundable and non transferable.