Happy Goat Horror

Dark bleetings, everyone! I hope you’re well and enjoying the turn of the seasons. If you’re anything like me, you might be viewing the approach of summer as impending doom, hissing at the sunlight that penetrates your closed curtains. But you know what this time of year is good for? Folk horror! There’s an exciting upcoming event, which I thought would pair nicely with some folk horror recommendations (details of event first, Top 10 Folk Horror afterwards) – enjoy!

Darkness in the Fields: Midsummer is the next online event from Alex Davis Events, and it will run for 5 days from 21st – 25th June, 2023 – starting in time with the summer solstice. You can look forward to talks, interviews, and of course, writing workshops. If you’re a folk horror fan, especially if you’re a writer, this is a must-attend event! As well as the wickedly excellent line-up of speakers, there’s just something about the atmosphere and the sense of community with the Darkness in the Fields events that make them a great time. It’s the place to be, the place where all the real cool kids hang out!

For more information on this event and to get tickets, follow the link below:

THE BEST ONLINE EVENT THIS YEAR

While I’m gearing up for this 5 day deceptively sunny but scary extravaganza, I may as well go ahead and throw some folk horror recommendations out to you! In no particular order, here are 10 books and movies of that ilk that you might enjoy…

10. CUNNING FOLK by Adam Nevill

and also…… THE REDDENING by Adam Nevill

I didn’t want to take up 2 spaces on this list with books by the same author, so I’m combining them. Drastically different books that tackle the subgenre in their own ways, both excellent reading.

9. MIDSOMMER (obviously)

Come on. As if I could talk about an event like this without including Midsommer.

8. SLEWFOOT by Brom

I don’t know about you but personally, I can’t resist a book if the character on the cover has little hoofy feet.

7. KWAIDAN

An anthology of 4 Japanese folk tales from 1964 – dive in (carefully!).

6. THE WICKER MAN (again, obviously)

Watch the 1973 original and bask in the absolute batshit-crazy-ery of it all. Then watch the Nicolas Cage remake and bask in the bees.

5. HAXAN

This creep-fest is from 1922 and is sure to give you the willies. I don’t know why I said ‘the willies’. I’ve never used that phrase in my entire life.

4. QUIET PLACES by Jasper Bark

Something a little different for this list – this novella is underrated.

3. THE WITCH

This film fits into ‘folk horror’…. just. But it’s a magnificent piece of cinema that belongs in this list.

2. DAMNABLE TALES by Richard Wells (and assorted authors – it’s an anthology)

Bask in the pool of assorted authors, each offering their own take on the fun of folk horror.

1 APOSTLE

Lesser known and seen, but equally as mighty as many. This was a pleasant surprise to me one late insomnia-riddled night when I discovered it.

I hope there are a few new suggestions on my list to keep you entertained. And speaking of entertained…. don’t forget about DARKNESS IN THE FIELDS: MIDSUMMER! Link below if you’d like to find out more!

DARKNESS IN THE FIELDS – MIDSUMMER