How one author is using British folk culture to challenge the far right

"Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for a Hidden Britain builds on Sewell's hit audio series for BBC Radio 4, which saw her seek out a different, more inclusive idea of Britishness beyond the usual national myths and symbols. The book has been longlisted for this year's Women's Prize for non-fiction."

"Britain is in a folk frenzy, according to Sewell, gesturing to a post-pandemic resurgence in folk culture evidenced by a new slate of pagan festivals as well as the growing popularity of folk music, dancing, films and magazines like Weird Walk, which takes its name from a movement that invites people to explore sites rich in myth and ritual through walking."

Broadcaster and BBC Radio 6 DJ Zakia Sewell explores whether folk traditions can counter far-right nationalism in her debut book, Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for a Hidden Britain. The work expands on her BBC Radio 4 audio series examining Britain's folk resurgence and seeking a more inclusive vision of Britishness beyond conventional national symbols. Britain is experiencing a significant post-pandemic folk culture revival, evidenced by new pagan festivals, growing folk music and dancing popularity, and publications like Weird Walk magazine. This movement encourages people to explore mythologically and ritually significant sites through walking and cultural engagement. Sewell's book has been longlisted for the Women's Prize for non-fiction, reflecting the contemporary relevance of reimagining national identity through folk traditions.

Read at www.independent.co.uk