Straw Bear Festival

Name: Straw Bear Festival
Start: 2026-01-08
Location: Whittlesey

A New Year’s Dance of Living Fenland Tradition

2024/01/11

Every January, the small market town of Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire bursts into life for the Straw Bear Festival. A “Straw Bear,” completely covered in intricately woven straw, parades and dances through the town—a winter spectacle that has been part of local tradition for centuries. Throughout the weekend, the sound of Morris dancers’ bells, the aroma of hot cider, and the sight of hundreds of dancers and musicians in colorful costumes fill the streets. If you want to experience a unique, historic winter festival brimming with community warmth, this is an event not to miss.

The Straw Bear Festival is held annually on the second weekend of January in Whittlesey, attracting thousands of locals, folk enthusiasts, and visitors from across the UK and abroad. It’s perfect for families, lovers of tradition, and anyone eager to shake off the winter blues with music, dance, and a touch of Fenland magic.

Main Attractions

The Straw Bear Parade

The highlight of the festival is Saturday’s grand parade. The Straw Bear, made from over 50kg of oat straw, processes through the town accompanied by bands, Morris dancers, and folk groups from all over the country. The Bear dances at pubs, shops, and street corners, collecting coins and applause—the rustle of straw, the jingle of bells, and the lively energy of the dancers make for a sensory feast unique to Whittlesey.

Folk Dance and Music

Throughout the weekend, over 300 dancers and musicians perform Morris, clog, sword, and border dances. The rhythm of clogs, the clash of sticks, and swirling ribbons bring the town and its pubs to life. Historic inns host impromptu music sessions, with fiddles, accordions, and concertinas playing late into the night.

Costumes and Decorations

The Straw Bear’s costume is a fluffy “bear” made from freshly woven straw. Dancers and musicians appear in colorful costumes adorned with bells, ribbons, face paint, and hats decorated with flowers and feathers. The town is decorated with bunting and straw-themed art and crafts, creating a warm, handmade atmosphere.

Traditional Food and Drink

Festival-goers enjoy Fenland classics such as pork pies, sausage rolls, and hot soups. Local pubs serve real ale, hot cider, and homemade cakes. The smell of baked goods and apples, and the comfort of a hot drink in the cold January air, are all part of the festival’s charm.

Cultural and Historical Background

The Straw Bear tradition dates back to at least the early 19th century, possibly earlier, as a Plough Monday custom marking the start of the agricultural year. In the past, the Bear would visit houses to dance for coins and food, wishing for a good harvest and luck. The custom was banned in the early 1900s but revived in 1980 by local enthusiasts. Today, it stands as a symbol of Fenland pride, rural resilience, and the power of community ritual[2][3][4][5][6].

Participant Voices

"We came from London for the first time and were blown away by the energy. The Bear’s dance was mesmerizing, and the music was fantastic. We even jumped into a ceilidh with strangers!"