Kirtlington Lamb Ale Festival

A village not far from us has a Lamb Ale festival. This is a bit of history about the event.

... the custom is, that on Monday after Whitsun week, there is a fat live lamb provided, and the maids of the town, having their thumbs tied behind them, run after it, and she that with her mouth takes and holds the lamb is declared `Lady of the Lamb' ... attended with music and a Morisco dance of men, and another of women, where the rest of the day is spent in dancing, mirth and merry glee." (Blount, 1679)

Morris dancers were always closely associated with the festivities. When Kirtlington Morris was revived in 1979, based on Cecil Sharp's notes from early this century, it was fitting that they join with the village to help recreate the atmosphere of the Lamb Ale as it once was, with as many as twenty or more morris sides gathered together in celebration, if not in the rivalry and competition, of the earlier days.

The festival attracted around 14 different Morris groups, male and female and even one visiting from America. A fair is set up on the village green, and the Morris groups tour the pubs of the village, the school and the village hall dancing and drinking and generally entertaining people.

The Morris' were very diverse. From your traditional ones (like seen here) through to black faced ones that tried walking on peoples toes, to modern alternative types. It was certainly interesting and unique festival to view.