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Straw Bear Procession
Description
The Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival is a revival of an ancient farming rite which takes place in early January.  The origins of the Straw Bear Celebrations aren't certain, although its believed that traditionally it was the custom on the Tuesday following Plough Monday (the first Monday after twelfth night) to dress one of the local farm hands in straw and call him a 'Straw Bear'.   The Straw Bear then leads a procession of dancers and folk musicians through the village.

The week leading up to the procession is marked by Concerts and Activities.  Today, this three day Event, includes a procession (Saturday) through the town with over 250 dancers, musicians and players from across the UK, performing traditional molly, morris and clog dances and mummers plays - all following the Straw Bear.
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