MAIN TALKS PROGRAMME: ALTAR ROOM
We are delighted to announce a range of six inspiring tarot-themed talks from a host of wonderful speakers in the beautiful Altar Room on 18th July.
Entry to the main fayre is £3, but altar room talks programme is bookable via a Full Day Ticket (£45 Early Bird / £49 concessions / £55 Regular). Limited to approx. 100 attendees.
Day ticket holders receive a mini tarot / oracle card welcome envelope, containing three cards designed by our artists, with meaning on the back, for self reflection purposes.
Day ticket holders also receive exclusive offers on readings or purchases from some of our independent stallholders and readers. Details TBA soon.
The main Fayre and Altar Room talks are accessible for disabled access.
A secondary programme of informal deck creator mini talks will be also held in the upstairs yoga studio (no lift, seated on floor).
Day Ticket holders receive priority access. Joe Stretch is also offering a cafe collage workshop in the main hall (free to talks ticket holders/£5 everyone else).
See below for details.
main programme speakers
Marielle HolmanFayre ceremonial blessing
10.10am - 10.25am
Before the main programme commences, Marielle will offer a 15-minute event ceremonial blessing, invoking wisdom, inspiration and protection for everyone taking part. The blessing celebrates the timeless magic of the Tarot and honours the coming together of readers, seekers, creators and the wider spiritual community, creating a sacred space for connection, insight and shared purpose throughout the day.
Marielle is a Wiccan High Priestess and intuitive tarot reader with many years of experience. Passionate about sharing the wisdom of the Western Mystery Tradition, she has led many public rituals, mentored and initiated students, and loves helping people discover the inspiration that Tarot can offer.
Paul Hughes-BarlowConfessions of a Brighton Tarot Reader
10.40am - 11.25am
Author and reader Paul will draw on his decades of experience reading Tarot from his spot under the pier in Brighton, sharing candid stories from the reading table and the realities of life as a professional psychic and tarot reader. This thought-provoking talk will offer a glimpse into the human side of tarot, and the enduring tradition of seafront readers.
Paul is a tarot reader, teacher, researcher, Thoth Tarot expert and published author who has been reading professionally since 1990, including his well-known spot under the arches on Brighton seafront. Find out more at his website or @paulhb.
Maddy ElrunaHow to Read Tarot with Accuracy
11.45am - 12.30pm
Maddy Elruna breaks tarot down to its essentials in this insightful and practical talk. Drawing on real-life examples, including both successful predictions and times things went awry, Maddy will share actionable tips that readers can immediately integrate into their own practice.
Maddy is a professional tarot reader, Norse shaman, published author and expert in tarot and runes, based in East Sussex. Her approach blends intuitive wisdom with practical guidance, helping clients gain clarity and make informed choices. Find out more at her website or @maddyelruna.
Melissa MercuryThe History of Tarot
1pm- 1.45pm
Tarot reader and educator Melissa leads an engaging lecture on the origins and history of Tarot, exploring its evolution and busting common myths. The talk will offer insight into how Tarot has developed across cultures and centuries. Melissa also plans to bring some historic decks that participants may view in person.
Melissa is resident reader at Treadwell's in London and has read for over 15,000 people in her 20+ years of practice. She will also be offering readings on the day. Find out more at her website or @mercurytarot.
Dr Lucy NevilleTarot as Archetypes: Why These Symbols Still Speak to Us2.05pm-2.50pm
Author and academic Dr Lucy Neville will offer a fresh perspective on Tarot as a symbolic language, rooted in archetypes and shared human stories. Instead of memorising card meanings, this talk will explore how the Major Arcana's imagery works metaphorically, and why these symbols continue to resonate across cultures and centuries.
Lucy is an academic, tarot reader and writer behind the much-loved Tarot Cake blog, exploring the symbolic, emotional and cultural layers of tarot. She will also be offering readings on the day. Find out more at her website or @thetarotcake.
Ali NorellWorkshop: The Art of Intuitive Tarot
3.10pm to 4pm
Medium, healer, tarot reader and author Ali will invite participants to set aside prescribed card meanings and connect with their inner voice or higher self in this talk and workshop. The session will offer insight into how to open up and use intuitive and psychic abilities alongside tarot, making it accessible for all, from complete beginners to seasoned tarotistas.
Ali is a psychic medium, certified healer, tarot reader, published author and women's circle facilitator based in Brighton. Her memoir The Truth Inside (O Books, 2019) is a beautiful and widely praised read, and her approach to tarot combines intuition with practical, grounded guidance. Find out more at her website or @ali.norell.
Enni TapionkaskiPerson-Centred Approach to Tarot
4.15pm - 4.55pm
Tarot reader and educator Enni Tapionkaski will present a talk about taking a person-centred approach to tarot, suitable for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced. No psychic abilities are required! Enni will also cover some essential tarot ethics and share practical guidance for conscious, client-focussed reading.
Enni is a tarot reader, educator, artist and deck creator based in East Sussex, offering a gentle and person-centred approach to tarot. She runs the Tarot with Enni community and is passionate about making tarot accessible to everyone. Find out more at her website or @ihanatarot.
Café Collage Workshops
Talks ticket holders can swap a talk for a collage workshop.
Join Joseph Stretch for a creative and intuitive collage workshop, exploring tarot, symbolism, self-expression, and personal insight through image-making. No artistic experience is necessary. Each workshop also includes a mini reading from Joe, and the opportunity to create your own tarot artwork collage to take home. Attendees are welcome to get a drink or bite to enjoy while they work.
Two workshops – 11.30 to 12.30 or 3.15 to 4.15pm.
Free for talks ticket holders / £5 everyone else.
- Spaces limited, so early booking is recommended.
- Free for full-day altar room talks ticket holders (email hello@thetarotfayre.co.uk to prebook).
- £5 for general fayre attendees: Bbook via Joseph’s website: https://www.stretchtarot.com/event-details/collage-workshop-the-tarot-fayre (this option does not include entry to the Fayre – (£3 on the door).