Finding Albion: Myth, Folklore and the Quest for a Hidden Britain with Zakia Sewell

Join us for a fascinating evening with broadcaster and writer Zakia Sewellas she shares the stories, encounters, and revelations behind her remarkable new book,Finding Albion. LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN'S PRIZE FOR NON-FICTION 2026
Refreshments included.
In this captivating work, Zakia travels from Somerset to Scotland in search of a Britain beyond the familiar myths, uncovering an alternative spirit alive in folk traditions, ancient landscapes, seasonal rites, and the voices of communities often left out of the national story. From dawn on Glastonbury Tor to the vibrant rhythms of Notting Hill Carnival, from the ghosts of Empire to the promise of a new folk revival, her journey reveals a Britain both ancient and urgently contemporary. Whether youre drawn to folklore, cultural history, or simply curious about the threads that bind us together, this is an evening that promises depth, warmth, and hope.
'I've been waiting for a book like this.' Florence Welch'
Hopeful and inspiring, Finding Albion is a vital quest for more authentic stories of Britain.' Caroline Lucas'
A profoundly inspiring meditation upon the lost soul of Britain. Haunting and magnificent, I loved every word.' Matthew Green, author of Shadowlands
' Essential reading for everyone with an interest in the rituals, folklore and sacred places that define the continued interest in the folk culture of these isles. Finding Albion is the book we all need in 2026.' Weird Walk
Zakia Sewell is on a quest for another Britain. Traversing the length and breadth of our island from Somerset to Scotland, she's seeking out a different story - one that lies beyond divisive national myths and symbols. In Finding Albion, Zakia uncovers an alternative spirit of Britain that is vividly alive today. It is found in otherworldly folk songs, ancient legends, Celtic seasonal rites and mystic stone circles that punctuate our landscape.
Her journey begins as the sun rises on the spring equinox over Glastonbury Tor, where she meets neopagans reclaiming traditions from our pre-Christian past. At summer's peak at Notting Hill Carnival she hears cultural echoes that passed along the slave trade routes from the Caribbean. On All Hallow's Eve she encounters the ghosts of Empire that are still haunting the nation, and in the depths of a Cornish winter she asks if today's new folk revival could unite our increasingly divided country? Finding Albion brings a hopeful story of Britain out from the shadows, giving us a deeper sense of who we are, and heralding the promise of a brighter future.
Zakia Sewell is a writer, DJ and broadcaster based in London. She hosts Dream Time on BBC Radio 6 Music, and used to host the flagship breakfast show on NTS Radio. For the past eight years she has been producing and presenting radio documentaries and podcasts for platforms such as BBC Radio 3 and 4, Tate and Camden Arts Centre. Her acclaimed four-part Radio 4 series My Albion was an inspiration for her book. Her writing has appeared in publications including Tate Etc., Resident Advisor and Weird Walk as well as in the essay collection This Woman's Work.
Refreshments included.
In this captivating work, Zakia travels from Somerset to Scotland in search of a Britain beyond the familiar myths, uncovering an alternative spirit alive in folk traditions, ancient landscapes, seasonal rites, and the voices of communities often left out of the national story. From dawn on Glastonbury Tor to the vibrant rhythms of Notting Hill Carnival, from the ghosts of Empire to the promise of a new folk revival, her journey reveals a Britain both ancient and urgently contemporary. Whether youre drawn to folklore, cultural history, or simply curious about the threads that bind us together, this is an evening that promises depth, warmth, and hope.
'I've been waiting for a book like this.' Florence Welch'
Hopeful and inspiring, Finding Albion is a vital quest for more authentic stories of Britain.' Caroline Lucas'
A profoundly inspiring meditation upon the lost soul of Britain. Haunting and magnificent, I loved every word.' Matthew Green, author of Shadowlands
' Essential reading for everyone with an interest in the rituals, folklore and sacred places that define the continued interest in the folk culture of these isles. Finding Albion is the book we all need in 2026.' Weird Walk
Zakia Sewell is on a quest for another Britain. Traversing the length and breadth of our island from Somerset to Scotland, she's seeking out a different story - one that lies beyond divisive national myths and symbols. In Finding Albion, Zakia uncovers an alternative spirit of Britain that is vividly alive today. It is found in otherworldly folk songs, ancient legends, Celtic seasonal rites and mystic stone circles that punctuate our landscape.
Her journey begins as the sun rises on the spring equinox over Glastonbury Tor, where she meets neopagans reclaiming traditions from our pre-Christian past. At summer's peak at Notting Hill Carnival she hears cultural echoes that passed along the slave trade routes from the Caribbean. On All Hallow's Eve she encounters the ghosts of Empire that are still haunting the nation, and in the depths of a Cornish winter she asks if today's new folk revival could unite our increasingly divided country? Finding Albion brings a hopeful story of Britain out from the shadows, giving us a deeper sense of who we are, and heralding the promise of a brighter future.
Zakia Sewell is a writer, DJ and broadcaster based in London. She hosts Dream Time on BBC Radio 6 Music, and used to host the flagship breakfast show on NTS Radio. For the past eight years she has been producing and presenting radio documentaries and podcasts for platforms such as BBC Radio 3 and 4, Tate and Camden Arts Centre. Her acclaimed four-part Radio 4 series My Albion was an inspiration for her book. Her writing has appeared in publications including Tate Etc., Resident Advisor and Weird Walk as well as in the essay collection This Woman's Work.
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