Meet the Festival Council

Julie Aspinall - Festival Founder

Julie was the driving force behind the first Festival of Pagans and Witches in Coventry, inspired by a vision to bring together people from across the pagan community and create a true sense of family and belonging. What began as a local gathering has grown into a thriving community initiative, welcoming people from many different traditions and paths. As founder of the Festival Council, Julie continues to provide the vision, leadership and business direction behind the festival, helping it evolve each year while staying true to its original purpose of education, unity and celebration.

Lynda Smith - Festival Founder

Alongside my husband, Pete, I own and run Fantasy and Reality in Coventry—a business that has grown alongside my spiritual journey. I spent many years as a solitary witch, learning through experience, intuition and personal study, before becoming part of an eclectic coven. That journey taught me that there is no single path to spirituality—only the one that feels authentic to each individual. I hope the festival offers the belonging and inspiration I searched for, and that everyone leaves with a little more magic, connection and confidence in their own path.

Kimmy - Festival Council

I’ve been a member of the Coven of Gaia for over four years and love the ethos of a community that celebrates everybody’s strengths. The festival is a safe space where people can be their true selves, and I’m excited to help make it even more magical. My strengths lie in wellbeing and personal power. I’m a strong empath and always strive to empower people to acknowledge their own worth and embrace themselves exactly as they are.As founder of the Festival Council, Julie continues to provide the vision, leadership and business direction behind the festival, helping it evolve each year while staying true to its original purpose of education, unity and celebration.

Cathryn - Festival Council

I’m a practising witch and the founder of Present Path Tarot, where I offer tarot readings and guidance with a down-to-earth, supportive approach. I love meeting people from across the community and helping to create a festival that feels welcoming, inclusive and full of opportunities to learn, connect and have fun. I’m proud to help the festival grow while retaining the friendly, inclusive atmosphere that makes it so special. If you see me around the festival, please come and say hello.

Tara - Festival Council

I’ve been a member of the Coven of Gaia for the past five years, joining just weeks after the first festival when I knew I had found my tribe. The Coven gave me the confidence to embrace my true self without fear or judgement. Along the way, I developed a love of crystals and kitchen witchery. I’m delighted to be part of the Festival Council and to help create a magical, welcoming event where everyone feels a sense of belonging and community.

Alexia Costadina - Council Member

I have been practising the Craft for about 20 years. Like many of us, I practised in secret at first, but now I am loud and proud. I own Solstice Divine, a holistic, spiritual and Hellenic-influenced shop and podcast. I am also High Priestess of the TĪD MŌNA coven, a closed Birmingham coven following a traditional British path focused on balance.I’m proud to help the festival grow while retaining the friendly, inclusive atmosphere that makes it so special. If you see me around the festival, please come and say hello.

Amanda McWhirter - Council Member

I’m a world weaver which means I have a foot in many worlds and communicate with the beings that reside there. I run the meditation tent at the festival where I help you cross into the otherworld with me. High Priestess of the Magdalene Order. Owner of The Elemental Apothecary where I source and code crystal skulls and dragons; along with making poppets (which I've made for royalty). I’ve been practising magic and dancing between worlds since I was a little girl—much to my mother’s horror! The festival is an extension of me and I'm proud to be part of it and add my magic to the recipe.

Anne Edge - Festival Founder

I found my way to witchcraft after my mother died when I was nine and I felt my beliefs had let me down. I have practised privately and solitarily for around 32 years, and joining a coven in 2020 helped me greatly. My ultimate goal is to share knowledge of the Craft and bring pagan and witch ways out of the dark, so that nobody has to practise in secret.

Janey Manton - Council Member

My name is Janey and I am a Cheap Witch! My path is eclectic: I’m a Wiccan Druid with shamanic leanings, an interest in Heathenry and a love of labyrinths. I enjoy teaching and have led moots and public rituals, conducted handfastings and funerals, and work as a LifeRites minister. I support the aims of the Pagan Seminary—and anything that leads to peace.

Joanne - Festival Founder

Joanne has been involved with the festival for a number of years and is proud to be a member of the Festival Council. She enjoys helping to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where people from all backgrounds and beliefs can come together to learn, connect and celebrate in a supportive community.

Kerri - Council Member

I am a practising witch within the Coven of Gaia, where I have the honour to be one of the Coven Healers and Spiritual Healer. Nurturing and guiding new witches as they find their way along their path is something very close to my heart. I always aim to offer a steady hand, a listening ear, and comforting words whenever they are needed. Watching and helping the festival grow over the years has been a true privilege. Each year, it is wonderful to see both new and familiar faces coming together as one, creating a community filled with energy, wisdom, friendship, and support. For me, the heart of our community is the care we show one another and the connections we make along the way.