In Creatures of Castlefest we want to put the wondrous creatures, that are part of the world of Castlefest, in the spotlight. From visitor to entertainer, from exhibitor to volunteer. What moves them and which role does Castlefest play in their lives? This week: Jamie, a Castlefest regular.
I'm quite active on the Castlefest Fanpage. I’d like to be creative. A while ago I painted a wolf and posted it in the Fanpage. I’ve received a lot of positive responses to that. This made me really happy, because I am quite a perfectionist.
That perfectionism is also reflected in my costumes. That’s why I spend a lot of time on them. My longest project to date was a green creature that I was wearing at Castlefest. I spent a year working on it! I design the costumes myself and therefore I want to realize them myself as well. I make everything by hand. The Castlefest Fanpage also helps me. If I'm in doubt whether something can or cannot be matched together, or how something should be made, I will ask for advice there. Reactions that something looks good make me feel good about what I made. I try to create something new for every edition of Castlefest, because I want to grow every year. I mainly do this by enhancing items that I already have, so that my costume becomes more and more complete.
Castlefest is amazing. I almost never hug, but here at the festival I do. This costume I’m wearing also brings a high cuddle factor, because of the furs. It also helps me feel a little more confident. It represents how I feel in daily life: The warrior who keeps fighting and never gives up. In daily life I dress in more alternative clothes, which don't necessarily portray who I am, the warrior. Luckily that is possible here!
Because I have autism, I process things differently and I don't like crowds. I avoid partying in a bar and don't visit most festivals. Castlefest is a great festival for me, because I can always escape if necessary. For example, I can look for a quieter part if it gets too busy or overwhelming. It also helps that I can't sit still that easily though, so I just walk around at the festival. There is just so much to experience.
When I'm at Castlefest, I mostly walk along the stalls, but oncoming editions I want to dance more! What I surely don't want to miss is the Wicker Ritual. The power and solidarity that comes from the audience is very beautiful to witness and experience. This year, I also made a sacrifice of various herbs that I like.
At home I also have a homemade booklet with all kinds of herbs and plants and their meanings. Of course, with the ingredients included, so when I open it, it smells a fair mix of different flowers. I extract information from the book if I want to make a new sacrifice. I am still very new in all of this, but through Castlefest I learn more about it.
Castlefest also gives me an energy boost. It feels like stepping out of reality for a day and to be in your own world. The great vibes and positive energy here help me recharge. It’s like you step into a hot bath, that's how I always explain it. And it's just like coming home: you don't know the people, but it still feels like you do. You’re received very warmly. That is also the great thing about festivals such as Castlefest.
Article and photo by: Dewi van Zeggelaar
