York has hosted its first witches coven – but it won’t be the last!
Around 100 witches of all ages and genders gathered in Patrick Pool for what turned out to be a spellbinding event.
They were welcomed by organisers Camelia Andrei and Vincent Roberts, the owners of the Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel.
They wanted to do something special to mark a year since the hotel’s opening – and the York Witches Coven was born.
Camelia told the witches: “For us, this is the event of the year and is the first of its kind in the whole country. And we are proud to initiate this event in the heart of York.”
She added: “Are witches real? Yes, they are, and we’re in the middle of a witchcraft renaissance!
“We are the tarot, coffee and fire readers, we are the energy healers, the human design connoisseurs, the hypnotists and hypnotherapists, the spiritualists and future predictors!”
She then introduced the assembly to Rosita the chicken – a symbolic presence, not a sacrifice!
Vincent told the gathering that he and Camelia came up with the idea for Hocus Pocus two years ago, and despite the intervention of Covid, believed “that together we could design, create and build something as ambitious as Hocus Pocus Tiny Hotel.
“There was some ups, some downs but we got there together and it was absolutely worth it.
“Hocus Pocus is not like any other hotel. Most importantly it was about creating something that appreciates the building and authentically build something that dates back to the 1500s.”
Then, older witches were treated to a shot of absinthe, while younger ones were offered green lollipops.
They toured the hotel, and prizes were given to the ten best-dressed witches.
Later, everyone went on a tour of some of York’s mysterious and magical snickelways and corners with expert guide John Chapman.
Vincent said York’s first Witches Coven was a great success: “It was a lovely evening, and a great turnout – the street was full!”
He said the plan was to make it an annual event – although next year the gathering might take place at Halloween…
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