Only in England...

...in fact only in Abingdon, will you see a sight quite like this! If you've got time please look in large - it will cheer you up.

The bun throwing event was a fortnight ago now, and the summer celebrations continue in Britain's oldest town. Today, and every year on the Saturday nearest to June 19th, the residents of Ock Street (the main town thoroughfare) elect a new 'mayor'. The mayor is a not a politician, he's a Morris man! The event takes all day, starting at 11am in the Black Swan pub and finishing at 4pm in the Brewery Tap pub where the votes are counted. The event is steeped in raucous history that I can't possibly share here without boring everyone but there's more on this web site.

Apologies for all the upcoming Flickr links. I'm over enthusiastic I know, but it's hard not to be happy when you hear the tinkling of bells from the dancers' legs, the accordion and concertina music, the cheering and the flicking of white handkerchiefs. It's uplifting and infectious and I can't help but want to share it :)

Please stop here if you've had enough and don't want to see any more crazy English men and women!

I caught up with event at around 1.45 at the King's Head and Bell, an ancient coaching inn where some guest non-Morris dancers, the Vale Islanders, were entertaining the crowds with their 17th century costumes, dancing and music.

I then followed (well actually I managed to run and get ahead of them to take this blip) the procession along the oldest road in town to the next dance stop: the beautiful Long Alley alms houses built in 1446. In the background you can see my favourite building, Abingdon County Hall (1667) which I have blipped many many times.

When we reached the Almshouses I was ecstatic as we could actually go into the Long Alley garden. Normally the gate is locked and you can go no further than the railings. Incidentally, the almshouses are still fully occupied and many residents were sitting outside enjoying the festivities.

Sadly, I then had to leave the procession but I understand that after the election results the new mayor is carried on the dancers' shoulders through Abingdon. There is then more dancing in the market square until 8pm followed by a celebratory meal for the dancers.

Each Morris dancing group has its own unique dances and characters.
Here is the Abingdon fool with his pig's bladder and fox's tail for slapping people and getting them to move out of the way. In the same shot you can also see Abingdon King and Queen (prepare to be shocked!).