Whittlesey, Cambs, UK. 12th January 2013. People from across the UK joined in the unusual celebrations at the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival. A man dressed in a FIVE STONE suit of STRAW was led through the town of Whittlesey, Cambs, as part of the festivities, which date back to the 1800's. The eccentric Fenland custom, which was banned in 1909, was revived in 1980 and now features dancers, musicians and performers from around Britain. Credit: Tim Scrivener / Alamy Live News
THE STRAW BEAR FESTIVAL GOING THROUGH WHITTLESEY, CAMBRIDGESHIRE People from across the UK joined in the unusual celebrations at the Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival . A man dressed in a FIVE STONE suit of STRAW was led through the town of Whittlesey, Cambs, as part of the festivities, which date back to the 1800's. The eccentric Fenland custom, which was banned in 1909, was revived in 1980 and now features dancers, musicians and performers from around Britain. Many of the Morris dancers black out their faces following the traditions of farm workers who used to dance in the winter for money. In Victorian times this was classed as begging and illegal so they covered their faces with soot as a disguise from the police.
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Photo credit: © Tim Scrivener / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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