Protecting the natural world, these magical creatures feast, dance and make music

This magical realm is hidden within our world but vibrates at a higher frequency so we can’t usually see it. However, fairies can use magic to slow down their vibration, if they choose to, or we may stumble upon them on Midsummer’s Eve (20th June) when the veil is thin enough to see them.

If that happens, you might be lucky enough to see them enjoying a great feast in the woods. Here, long tables are laid with cloths, goblets, golden plates and cutlery and decorated with shiny candelabras. Fairy folk socialise with each other, while others dance to fiddle music.

Most fairies live in mounds and hill forts, but others also build homes in flowers, tree roots and water beds, depending on the type of fairy they are. They live in family units among their own kind – such as flower fairies or elves – although there are some who prefer to work alone, such as trolls and sometimes pixies.

Their job is to protect the natural world, acting as guardians of plants and animals.

A lot of their time is spent moving between their world and ours, encouraging us to do our bit for the environment. In return, they grant us wishes.

It might surprise you to know that fairies live in societies, just as we do, with their own hierarchies and a class system.

There are even fairy royal courts, which are ruled over by a fairy queen and king. Here, you’ll find tall glass castles and glittery courts with gold ornate decor, finery and large dance floors.

Fairies are able to travel in all directions of time and space, so can easily travel abroad. However, they tend to stick to their own backyards, respecting the fairies of other lands such as Germany’s Lorelei Nixies and Japan’s Yosei.