Every so often, an event comes along that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with the paranormal in the first place. The Festival of the Unexplained is one of those rare gatherings; which is a blend of curiosity, community, and shared fascination that reaffirms how much more there is still to learn about the world around (and perhaps beyond) us.
Held this year at the magnificent Bosworth Hall Hotel & Spa, the event brought together investigators, researchers, authors, and enthusiasts from across the country for a weekend of talks, workshops, and spirited discussion. But more than that, it was a weekend full of inspiration, the kind that reignites your passion for the subject and offers a glimpse of what the future might hold for the field.
A Setting Steeped in History
Bosworth Hall itself couldn’t have been a more fitting venue. Located in the heart of Leicestershire, near the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field (1485); the historic clash that ended the Wars of the Roses and saw Henry Tudor crowned as Henry VII; the building is a tapestry of English heritage.
Originally constructed in the 17th century, Bosworth Hall has passed through several notable families, each leaving their mark on its architecture and stories. Its grand staircase, sweeping lawns, and quietly atmospheric corridors seem to whisper of lives long past. All of which made it a perfect backdrop for a festival dedicated to exploring history, mystery, and the unseen.
Even without the paranormal focus, the Hall itself has that unmistakable presence; the kind that makes you pause, look twice, and wonder what tales the walls could tell if they chose to speak.
The Festival of the Unexplained: A Gathering of Curious Minds
The Festival, brilliantly organised by Karen Fray, continues to cement its reputation as one of the UK’s most engaging paranormal events. With the steady guidance of Russ Bevin, who kept the proceedings running smoothly throughout the weekend, the event balanced professionalism with genuine friendliness; something not all conventions manage to achieve.
The atmosphere was buzzing from the start. Each talk and workshop offered something different; from in-depth analysis of historic hauntings to practical sessions on investigative method, from ghost photography to the psychology of experience.
For me, it’s always the blend of people that makes it special. You find yourself chatting with seasoned investigators one moment and first-time visitors the next, all sharing the same excitement that something might just lie beyond ordinary understanding.
A Spark from the Next Generation
Among the highlights of the weekend was a brilliant talk by Gemma from Junior Paranormal Events (JPE), which was a presentation that genuinely caught my attention and left a lasting impression.
Gemma spoke with confidence and clarity about their mission: to educate and inspire young people aged 9 to 17 through structured, responsible, and ethical learning in the paranormal field. It was immediately clear that this wasn’t about simply entertaining children with ghost stories; it was about giving them the tools to understand and explore why such stories exist, and how we can approach unexplained experiences with respect and critical thinking.
What really impressed me was Gemma’s deep knowledge of paranormal history and her reference to solid investigative techniques; everything from observational logging and baseline recording to understanding how perception and environment influence experience. These are not lightweight topics, yet she delivered them in a way that was both engaging and age-appropriate.
After her talk, I made a point to meet the JPE team in person and I’m glad I did. Their enthusiasm was infectious, their dedication obvious. It’s rare to see such a well-balanced approach that combines education, ethics, and empathy so naturally.
Teaching Curiosity the Right Way
Junior Paranormal Events aren’t just introducing children to ghost hunting; they’re creating a curriculum of curiosity. Their sessions cover everything from scientific observation and environmental measurement to folklore, psychology, and respect for local history.
What struck me most was how much emphasis they place on critical thinking and compassion. They’re teaching that investigating the paranormal isn’t about jumping to conclusions but about learning to ask better questions.
Participants are encouraged to:
- Think like researchers – forming hypotheses, collecting evidence, and drawing reasoned conclusions.
- Respect witnesses and locations – understanding that people’s experiences are as important as the phenomena themselves.
- Reflect on perception – exploring how light, sound, emotion, and expectation all play a role in how we experience the world.
It’s a model that I wish had existed when I was young; a place where wonder is nurtured responsibly rather than exploited for entertainment.
Watching how engaged the children were, eyes wide, notebooks open, eager to learn. I couldn’t help but feel that this is precisely what the future of the paranormal should look like.
Talks That Resonated: Data, Discipline, and Discovery
Of course, the weekend offered plenty of insights for the grown-ups too.
Andy Guy’s talk on investigative technique was one that particularly resonated with me. His focus on capturing and analysing large amounts of data to properly understand the dynamics of a haunting echoed much of what we’re exploring through the Psi Dynamics Research Unit. It was refreshing to hear someone else stress the importance of methodology and measurement in a field that often drifts toward anecdote. Andy’s approach, treating investigations as living, breathing datasets, is exactly what’s needed if we’re ever to build meaningful patterns from the phenomena we encounter.
Then there was Greg Thomlinson, whose engaging session centred on poltergeist phenomena, including a detailed look at the famous Enfield case. His talk combined historical context with human sensitivity, highlighting the emotional dimension that often underpins such events. Greg’s insights into witness psychology and environment were particularly compelling, a reminder that behind every case study are real people navigating extraordinary experiences.
Together, these talks reinforced the idea that our field’s strength lies not in spectacle, but in study; and that thoughtful, data-led, and ethically grounded investigation is the path forward.
An Evening to Remember: The Vampire Ball
Of course, no Festival of the Unexplained would be complete without a little fun; and Saturday night delivered that in style.
My wife and I attended the Vampire Ball, held in the grand hall of Bosworth, where the atmosphere was equal parts Gothic elegance and good humour. It was an evening of music, laughter, and community, a reminder that while we all take our research seriously, it’s the friendships and shared experiences that keep us coming back year after year.
We enjoyed a lovely meal, great conversation, and more than a few laughs with the wonderful team from Junior Paranormal Events, who proved to be as much fun socially as they are inspiring professionally. And when a spontaneous dance-off challenge arose; well, I wasn’t about to back down. My so-called “dad dancing” may not have been elegant, but I like to think I took it to the next level!
It was a perfect ending to a day that balanced learning and laughter, the kind of evening that reminds you that the paranormal community isn’t just a field of study, but a network of friendships built on shared curiosity.
Looking Ahead: A Community with Purpose
As the weekend drew to a close and the halls of Bosworth began to quiet, I found myself reflecting on what made this particular Festival feel so special. It wasn’t just the venue, or even the talks, it was the sense of direction.
Between Gemma’s work with JPE, Andy Guy’s focus on data, Greg Thomlinson’s thoughtful exploration of poltergeists, and Karen and Russ’s superb organisation, there was a collective reminder that the paranormal field is evolving, maturing, even. We’re no longer content with simple thrills or untested claims. We’re building systems, sharing knowledge, and, most importantly, ensuring that those who come after us are better equipped than we were.
The Junior Paranormal Events initiative in particular gives me hope. It ensures that curiosity, that first spark that drives all of us, is guided, nurtured, and respected. If the next generation grows up learning the value of observation, ethics, and empathy, then the field will have a bright, credible future.
As I left Bosworth Hall that Sunday afternoon, with new contacts in my phone and a lingering ache from over-enthusiastic dancing, I couldn’t help but smile. The Festival of the Unexplained had once again done what it does best, brought people together, reminded us why we explore, and introduced us to the voices that will carry this work forward.
Ashley Knibb 