Horn Dance

Name: Horn Dance
Start: 2025-09-07
Location: Abbots Bromley

A Day When Ancient Antlers, Woodland Magic, and Village Pride Resound

2026/09/06

Every September, the village of Abbots Bromley in Staffordshire is enveloped in a mystical atmosphere for the Horn Dance. For just one day, villagers and visitors unite to parade through fields and lanes, performing a ritual dance that has been passed down for centuries while carrying real reindeer antlers. If you long to experience living folklore, the scent of autumn earth, and a tradition that has endured for over 700 years, the Horn Dance is a must-see festival.

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is held annually on the Monday after the first Sunday in September. Locals, folklore enthusiasts, and curious travelers from across the country gather to experience the magic of old England and the pride of the village[1][2][5][6].

Main Attractions

The Horn Dance Procession

The heart of the festival is, of course, the Horn Dance itself. Six "deer men" carry genuine reindeer antlers weighing over 7kg and dance in a slow, mesmerizing rhythm. Maid Marian, the Hobby Horse, the Fool, and the Bowman join in, while the clack of antlers, the sound of bells, and the silhouettes of antlers against green hedgerows create a magical scene. The procession tours the village, farms, and pubs, performing and being welcomed at each stop[1][2][3][6].

Rituals and Highlights

The day begins at St Nicholas's Church with the blessing of the horns, and the dancers perform the Horn Dance at more than a dozen locations in and around the village. On village greens, farms, and historic pubs, spectators join in with singing, clapping, and sometimes even dancing. The weight of the antlers, the scent of grass and woodsmoke, and the taste of cider at a pub are all part of the festival’s charm[1][2][3][6].

Costumes and Decorations

Dancers wear green vests and breeches, Maid Marian dons a dress, the Fool wears colorful attire, and the Hobby Horse is adorned with ribbons and bells. The antlers are decorated with red and blue ribbons, and the village is festooned with bunting and flags. The sight of antlers and costumes against the stone cottages, and the sound of bells, is unforgettable[1][2][3][6].

Traditional Food and Drink

Local pubs and stalls serve pork pies, sausage rolls, ploughman’s lunches, and homemade cakes. The aroma of freshly baked bread, the tang of cheese, and the taste of cold cider or real ale are all part of the day. Many enjoy a picnic on the village green, with folk music drifting on the afternoon breeze[6].

Cultural and Historical Background

The Horn Dance is believed to date back to the 13th century, possibly with roots in pre-Christian fertility or hunting rituals. The reindeer antlers used in the dance have been carbon-dated to the 11th century. For villagers, the Horn Dance is a symbol of enduring pride and tradition, and the magical folklore of England. It’s a day when the entire village comes together to share its history with the world[1][2][4][6].

Participant Voices

"We came from London to see it. The costumes, the music, the way the whole village gets involved—it felt like another world. The kids were mesmerized by the Hobby Horse and the Fool’s antics!"

Fun Facts

The antlers used in the dance are real reindeer antlers, carbon-dated to the 11th century[1][2].
Each antler weighs between 7 and 10 kg, making it a real challenge to carry[1][2][3].
The dance has continued almost every year for over 700 years, even through wars and epidemics[2][6].