Straw Bear Festival Makes a Vibrant Comeback on the Streets of Whittlesea

The Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival made a vibrant comeback on Saturday as crowds gathered to enjoy the renowned parade through the streets of Cambridgeshire. Despite the chilly weather, dancers and musicians from the village of Whittlesea persevered as the Straw Bear led the procession, flanked by its caretaker hosts. Spectators lined the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the Straw Bear, while many festival attendees snapped selfies with the event’s star. The Straw Bear paraded alongside the Bourne Borders dance troupe, a Morris dancing group known for their bright yellow and green outfits, green face paint, and colorful floral hats. Other Morris dancers sported multi-hued jackets crafted from an array of fabric in shades of red, purple, and blue. Meanwhile, the Pig Dyke Molly dancers showcased striking face paint with dramatic black and white designs, while the Old Glory Molly dancers wore grey face paint and adorned crowns made of green leaves. The custom of parading the Straw Bear through the village dates back to the 1880s, although its exact origin remains unclear. Traditionally, on the Tuesday following Plough Monday, one member of the plough was dressed in straw and titled the Straw Bear, as per organizers. In 1909, local law enforcement halted the festival, deeming Straw Bears a form of soliciting, but it was revived in 1980 by the Whittlesea Society. The annual event now features more than 250 dancers and musicians performing traditional acts while the crowd gathers to see the famed Straw Bear. The celebration culminates on Sunday with the burning of an effigy of the Straw Bear, paving the way for a new bear to be crafted for the upcoming harvest.