Looking Back At A Year Of Higgypop Adventures
December 27, 2024 1:00 AM ‐ Paranormal • Long Reads
2024 has been a year filled with exploration, intrigue, and plenty of paranormal adventures. From ghost hunts in historic locations to delving into UFO phenomena and the cultural mysteries of crop circles, the Higgypop team has travelled far and wide to bring you stories of the unexplained.
Alongside hands-on investigations, we've celebrated new milestones, including the launch of 'The Paranormal Encyclopaedia' and the Audible release of 'The Killamarsh Poltergeist.' From starry skywatches to UFO trail explorations, each month has been an opportunity to delve into the unknown and uncover fascinating insights into paranormal and cultural phenomena.
Ghost Hunting At Newman Brothers' Coffin Works in Birmingham
January kicked off with a fascinating public ghost hunting event at the historic Newman Brothers' Coffin Furniture Manufactory in Birmingham. This unique location, preserved as a museum showcasing the craftsmanship of Victorian-era coffin furniture, provided an atmospheric backdrop for paranormal investigation.
The event, hosted by Most Haunted Experience, offered a rare opportunity to explore the site after dark, as it was only the third paranormal event held there. Joined by Karl Beattie and Stuart Torevell of 'Most Haunted', participants investigated reports of eerie whispers, phantom voices, and mysterious temperature changes in the grade II* listed building.
From table tipping experiments in the warehouse to an innovative "coffin tipping" session in the shroud room, the night was a blend of historical intrigue and modern ghost hunting techniques. The stamp shop, with its chilling cold and preserved machinery, provided a fitting end to a memorable evening, leaving participants questioning whether the spirits of Birmingham's industrial past still linger.
Announcing 'The Paranormal Encyclopaedia'
February marked an exciting milestone as I announced the forthcoming release of my new book, 'The Paranormal Encyclopaedia'. This comprehensive guide tackles over 200 key terms and concepts related to paranormal phenomena, from ghost hunting techniques and alien abductions to psychological theories that influence belief.
Inspired by my years of writing thousands of articles for Higgypop Paranormal, the book is designed to be an accessible reference tool. It delves into the intricacies of ghost hunting gadgets, psychic abilities, and unexplained phenomena, offering balanced explanations that include both paranormal interpretations and sceptical perspectives.
What sets this encyclopaedia apart is its practical, alphabetical format, enabling readers to quickly find information and deepen their understanding of the paranormal. Whether you're a seasoned investigator or simply curious about the unknown, the book aims to inform, educate, and spark curiosity in a field full of mysteries.
A Night Of Illusions At A Non-Psychic 'Psychic' Show
In March, I ventured to the picturesque village of Bourton-on-the-Water to attend Greg Chapman's Non-Psychic 'Psychic' Show, a clever blend of history, comedy, and scepticism. Greg, a self-professed magic enthusiast, masterfully recreates the illusions and tricks of Victorian spiritualism while debunking the fraudulent tactics used by some psychics, both past and present.
Held in an intimate theatre, Greg's 90-minute show offered a lively journey through the history of mediumship, with highlights including a slate-writing trick, recreations of Victorian séance parlour stunts, and a humorous nod to spoon-bending controversies. The evening also touched on the darker side of psychic fraud, particularly the exploitation of grieving families, with poignant moments balanced by Greg's wit and charm.
Greg's engaging style, coupled with audience participation, brought a fascinating sceptical perspective to psychic phenomena, leaving attendees both entertained and enlightened. Running nationwide until June, his show remains an affordable and thought-provoking experience for believers and sceptics alike.
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Ghost-Hunting Return To Woodchester Mansion
In April, I revisited Woodchester Mansion, a location deeply tied to my personal paranormal journey, for another ghost hunting event. Nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, the eerie and unfinished gothic revival building set the stage for a night of exploration alongside my friend Mat, who joined me for his first ghost hunt.
The event, hosted by Most Haunted Experience, began with vigils in the cellar, where REM-Pods flickered in response to unseen stimuli. Later, we moved to the chapel, its hauntingly beautiful architecture providing a solemn atmosphere for hymns and prayers. Throughout the night, the mansion's rich history and chilling stillness made for an immersive experience, despite the lack of definitive evidence.
Although I didn't re-encounter the grey mass I saw on a previous visit, the combination of high-tech gadgets, traditional séance techniques, and the enthusiasm of the group created a memorable night. The event reminded me why Woodchester Mansion remains one of the most intriguing haunted locations in the UK.
Exploring Paranormal Theories During The Northern Lights
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In May, like many across the UK, I spent a mesmerising evening watching the rare display of the Northern Lights. This dazzling celestial phenomenon not only captivated sky watchers but also sparked fascinating discussions in the paranormal community. Could the energy from solar flares, which causes the aurora, influence ghostly activity?
I explored this intriguing theory, examining how paranormal entities might harness energy from their environment. While some believe the surge of electromagnetic energy could provide a boost for ghostly manifestations, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. The energy from solar flares primarily affects the upper atmosphere, with little direct impact on ground-level conditions or paranormal activity.
However, the psychological effects of witnessing such an awe-inspiring event might explain an uptick in ghost sightings, as heightened emotions and awareness could make individuals more open to perceiving the paranormal. May's aurora wasn't just a visual spectacle but an opportunity to delve into these theories and their implications for ghost hunting.
Ghost Hunting At Worcester's Historic Commandery
June saw an eventful ghost hunt at Worcester's Commandery, a historic building steeped in centuries of history. Hosted by the Most Haunted Experience team, the night unfolded with subtle yet intriguing activity, including a REM-Pod mysteriously activating and knocks that seemed to respond to questions.
The Commandery, once a Royalist headquarters during the English Civil War, provided a captivating backdrop for the investigation. Highlights included an unexplained growl captured in the old print works and a persistent electromagnetic field detected with K-II meters. These anomalies, while not definitively paranormal, added a layer of intrigue to the night.
The exploration of the Medieval Rooms, the Georgian wing, and exhibits dedicated to the English Civil War made for a fascinating blend of history and the paranormal. The event was both thought-provoking and enjoyable, reaffirming the Commandery's reputation as one of Worcester's most haunted locations.
Narrating 'The Killamarsh Poltergeist' For Audible
July was an exciting month as I brought my 2023 book, 'The Killamarsh Poltergeist,' to life in a new way. Following its success in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats, the story of Hazel and Gary Price's unsettling experiences became available on Audible, narrated by me.
Recording the audiobook allowed me to revisit the Prices' compelling journey, from their initial encounter with unexplainable disturbances in their Sheffield home to their emotional and psychological struggle with the unknown. The process of narrating their story gave me the chance to convey the tension, curiosity, and fear that define their experiences, adding a personal touch to the accounts of moving objects, mysterious flashes of light, and Gary's unexplained scratches.
Balancing paranormal theories with sceptical perspectives, the book invites listeners to question the nature of the phenomena and explore cultural parallels with similar tales from around the world. Narrating 'The Killamarsh Poltergeist' was a rewarding experience, and I hope it offers a fresh way for people to engage with the Prices' haunting story.
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A Month Of UFO Skywatches, Crop Circles & Mystical Adventures
August was an exhilarating month filled with adventures across Wiltshire. It began with a skywatch at Knap Hill, where I relived teenage memories of scanning the skies for UFOs alongside friends. Though no extraterrestrial craft appeared, the night was a mix of satellites, shooting stars, and the camaraderie of sharing the experience.
Later in the month, I joined a group of enthusiasts for the annual Cradle Hill skywatch, revisiting a legendary site tied to the 1960s Warminster Thing. Conversations with veteran skywatchers revealed a nostalgic connection to a bygone era of UFO excitement, even as clouds and rain cut the night short.
Between skywatches, I ventured into Wiltshire's crop circle heartland, visiting the Crop Circle Visitor Centre in Honeystreet and exploring a newly formed crop circle near Etchilhampton. The meticulous design reminded me of past summers chasing circles, although the friendly, mystical community we encountered stood out as the highlight of the day.
This month was a reminder of how UFO and crop circle cultures bring people together, whether sharing theories, recounting stories, or simply gazing up at the stars.
Exploring Broad Haven’s UFO Legacy
In September, I travelled to Broad Haven in Pembrokeshire, the site of the 1977 UFO sightings that earned the area its nickname, the "Welsh Triangle." The village's extraterrestrial history has recently regained attention thanks to popular media, including Danny Robins' podcast 'Uncanny' and the Netflix series 'Encounters.'
However, my visit revealed that Broad Haven offers little to those seeking a connection to its UFO past. Unlike Rendlesham's UFO trail or Warminster's mural, there are no commemorations, information boards, or alien-themed businesses in the village. Even the former Haven Fort Hotel, linked to one of the more bizarre sightings, is now a private residence.
Despite the lack of UFO tourism, Broad Haven remains a charming seaside village worth visiting for its beach, independent eateries, and picturesque surroundings. Though the day's stormy weather limited my exploration, I left thinking a summer return might better showcase this quiet, surf-centric destination.
Followed The UFO Trail At Rendlesham Forest
In October, Higgypop contributor Gareth Bellamy took a trip to Rendlesham Forest, the site of the UK's most famous alleged UFO incident from 1980. Accompanied by his teenage son, Laurie, Gareth braved a rainy day to follow the Forestry England UFO trail and explore the key locations linked to the sightings.
The trail, well-marked and accompanied by an informative leaflet, guided them to the East Gate of the now-closed RAF Woodbridge, where unusual lights were first reported, and through the woods where the incident unfolded. Along the way, they considered explanations ranging from Orford Lighthouse to Cold War tensions and the unique geography of the area.
The visit also included a stop at the nearby RAF Bentwaters Cold War Museum, which provided historical context and a cheeky nod to the UFO legend with its alien autopsy display. Gareth noted the understated, distinctly British approach to the site's UFO legacy but found the visit a rewarding experience, sparking discussions about the incident's enduring mystery and broader historical context.
Reviewed Predictions For 2024 From Our Readers
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In November, we reflected on predictions made by our readers at the start of the year, examining how closely their visions aligned with reality. From a predicted "global communication blackout" to "unrest in the Royal Family," the submissions revealed much about the fears and hopes shaping 2024's collective mindset.
While no major events matched the forecasts, some, like the record-breaking summer heatwaves in Europe, came closer than others. Predictions of new viruses, meteor encounters, and celebrity AI scandals remained safely in the realm of imagination, though they sparked lively speculation.
As 2024 draws to a close, these predictions remind us of the enduring allure of trying to glimpse the future. We'll soon be inviting readers to share their forecasts for 2025 - so whether you're relying on intuition or mystical tools, get ready to peer into the year ahead.
Interviewed James Fox About His UFO Documentary 'The Program'
In December, I had the chance to interview UFO filmmaker James Fox about his latest documentary, 'The Program.' Known for works like 'The Phenomenon,' James described his film as a condensed exploration of the recent push for government transparency on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).
James shared insights from congressional hearings, including testimony about crash retrieval programmes and undersea objects defying explanation. He believes we're closer than ever to understanding the truth about UFOs, with insiders predicting major revelations by 2030.
Our discussion touched on secrecy, whistleblowers, and key cases like the Calvine UFO incident. James emphasised the importance of evidence, stating, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." Hearing his perspective offered a fascinating look at this pivotal time in UFO history.
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