Gatherings (Folklore Documentary Series) Directed and Produced by Dave Brewis

Gatherings is a six-part TV documentary series exploring some of Britain’s most enduring folk traditions—ancient games, customs and rituals that continue to bring communities together in remarkable ways. The films are told entirely via the voices of those who participate, without the use of presenter or narrator.

“This subject matter demands an authentic approach so the stories are told only by those who participate. The films resist ‘interpretation from above’ but instead invite the viewer into a direct encounter.”

Dave Brewis, Director and Producer

Dave Brewis is a filmmaker with 25 years of experience making documentary. Since 2006, he has filmed over 100 folk rituals and customs, building an extensive video archive of folklore subject matter primarily from the UK and France.

Gatherings consists of six 30-min episodes:

• Episode 1: The Burry Man (South Queensferry, Scotland)
• Episode 2: Rushbearing (Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire)
• Episode 3: Horn Dance (Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire)
• Episode 4: Jethart Hand Ba’ (Jedburgh, Scotland)
• Episode 5: Bonfire (Rye, East Sussex)
• Episode 6: Haxey Hood (Haxey, Lincolnshire)

The documentary series will be available to buy/watch in the United States on Apple TV, Amazon Prime TV, and YouTube TV & Movies from October 6, 2025.

“For years I covered offbeat subject matter for TV… Folk customs would always be lumped in with ‘daft competitions’ and framed as weird, offbeat or eccentric. … I’ve always felt that these events contain real depth and demand way more investigation. … To the documentary maker they are strikingly rich in theme: They speak to our sense of belonging, communal identity, creativity and passion. Participation is often multi-generational, and they are a vehicle for artistic expression.”

Dave Brewis