Whittlesea Straw Bear


The Whittlesea Straw Bear festival took place on Saturday in an annual custom which was started in the 1800’s, forbidden in the early 1900’s, and revived in 1980 by the Whittlesea Society. The bear, and two smaller bears parade around the town of Whittlesea near Peterborough, accompanied by his or her attendant minder, musicians and dancers. They visit most of the town’s public houses on their journey, and perform a clumsy dance in front of the audiences that have gathered at each one. Historically they would do this to to receive gifts of money, food & beer. The straw costume […]