IT MAY not seem like it at the moment, in the dark depths of winter, but spring is just around the corner.

And this is being celebrated at the Imbolc festival at Butser Ancient Farm on Saturday, January 30, from 1-4pm.

There will be an afternoon of stories, music and fire-lighting in the atmospheric surroundings of the farm, to warm the mind, body and soul. Jonathan Huet of Walk with Trees is leading the event which costs £12 and includes a light vegetarian meal.

Imbolc is an ancient Celtic festival - one of four. The others are Beltane, Lughnasadh and Samhain. It falls between the winter solstice and the spring equinox and was originally a pagan festival associated with the goddess Bridid.