Mary King’s Edinburgh Ghost Fest

Source: www.speakup.com.br 

Standard British accent

Do you believe in ghosts? If the answer is no, then Mary King’s Edinburgh Ghost Fest may change your opinion. Edinburgh has a long and dark history, and attracts paranormal experts from around the world who come and investigate its supernatural inhabitants. The festival (which runs from 9th – 18th May- ed.) gives ordinary people the chance to hear about the results of these investigators and to assist the experts themselves.

The festival takes its name from one of Edinburgh’s 17th century residents, Mary King, who lived in a small close off Edinburgh most famous street, the Royal Mile. Mary King’s close is open to the public and the festival’s main events take place here.

SCARY

Would you like to spend a night in dark, gloomy rooms where water drips from the ceilings and strange sounds emanate from the walls? Visitors are given special equipment: microphones to record the ghost’s cries, infra-red torches, cameras, and special meters that beep when ghosts are present.

Next time, it’s time to explore the candle-lit passageways where an expert guide recounts tales or murder and horror. When the temperature suddenly drops, the guide explains: “That’s the ghosts; they draw heat from living bodies so they can materialize”. People try  to photography the ghosts or use special microphones to record their voices. At the end of the evening, the guide talks about his investigations and answers questions.

GUIDED TOUR

The festival includes a Ghost Bus Tour that visits Crichton Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, made famous by the Da Vinci Code, and the Temple Graveyard. During evening sessions in local pubs, storytellers recount tales of ghosts and murderers. The Scottish Paranormal Workshop holds séances.

Finally, it’s time to join Edinburgh’s past demons and murderers for a parade down the Royal Mile to Mercat Cross – once the scene of Edinburgh’s executions.

The Story of Annie…( no audio available)

There are many stories about Edinburgh’s ghosts, but the most famous tells of a little girl called Annie who died of the plague in the 17th century. According to legend, she became sick and was locked in a room where she died. This is probably an invention: during the plague, the authorities gave food and drink to the sick every day, so that they wouldn’t infect others while searching for food.

In 1992, a visiting Japanese Psychic heard a ghost crying. The ghost told the psychic her name was Annie, and explained she had lost her doll; so the psychic put a doll in the room, and the girl was delighted.

Many people leave toys and money for Annie, and her room now looks like a shrine with hundreds of toys. The money is collected and donated to Edinburgh’s Royal Hospital for sick children.