Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival

In Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire a curious custom happens every January. Being British as you might have guessed dressing up is involved, but not with clothes but with straw!
Nobody really knows the true origins of this bizarre tradition. The earliest UK reports of the event trace back to 1882 when the ploughmen were reported to be parading a straw bear around the town for beer, tobacco and beef during this lean period, in farming. Whatever the origins, the tradition was stopped in 1909 as it appears that an over-zealous police inspector had forbidden 'Straw Bears' as a form of cadging, (begging).
The custom was revived by the Whittlesea Society, and for the first time in seventy years, a 'Straw Bear' was seen on the streets accompanied by his attendant keeper, musicians and dancers. Since then the festival has grown in stature and attracts hundreds of participants and spectators, it has become a real celebration in this small town. The centre of town is the throng of activity for the visiting dance troops whilst the Bear also visits various public houses around the town where others are congregated to witness this bizarre custom. This year the festival celebrates its 40th Anniversary year.
The local Bear is constructed in a modern way now, the straw being fixed as a garment, the head supported on a metal frame joined to another on the shoulders. This arrangement allows the costume to be removable which helps as the length of the day and processional route necessitates two persons 'driving the bear'; swapped over lunch.
It is now a great honour to be the Straw Bear, although the person is somewhat anonymous being covered head to toe in the straw. The straw is specially grown locally; a variety of ‘soft straw’ and is grown to a particular height.
The Straw Bears are paraded around the streets of Whittlesey by a handler, known as a driver, and hundreds of spectators line the streets to celebrate this custom. They also enjoy a splendid display of 'Morris' and Clog'' dancing; 38 different teams performed from various parts of the British Isles.
It’s warm inside all that straw, but the drink has to be administered by ​straw and there is certainly no chance of taking a comfort break!

[@johnjones4129]

Because I identify as a leprechaun I find all that green face paint offensive..I shall have to get onto the Morris Federation....

[@Britclip]

Who would you go to if you identified as a "Straw person?"

[@johnjones4129]

No choice but to attend a SMA Straw Man Anonymous meeting….

[@cathipalmer8217]

My eyes are itching and watering just thinking about it.