WITH only a few weeks until the ancient festival of Beltain is celebrated at Butser Ancient Farm, making the festival centre piece has begun – it will be set ablaze at the climax of the evening.

Beltain is an ancient Celtic celebration to welcome in the warm summer months, and it’s believed fires were lit and effigies burnt to please the gods, so they would ensure a good harvest.

At the ancient farm between Petersfield and Clanfield professional woodworkers Ken Galton, Darren Hammerton and Michael Bennett have begun making the 30ft high wickerman using hazel hurdles.

A spokesman for the festival said: “They all work in sustainable local woodlands, and they are using coppiced hazel and British timber to make our fantastic wickerman.

“As always, the design will not be revealed until the night of Beltain – when the final sculpture will be burnt to the ground.”

There will also be a real ale bar, live music, hot food, traditional crafts, folk dancing and much more at the festival on Saturday, April 29. Tickets available through the Butser Ancient Farm website, www.butserancientfarm.co.uk or by contacting the visitor centre on 023 9259 8838.