Old Glory Molly Gang at Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival

[Doubledig]

A good bunch but the drummer is a bit out!

[DarkAngel182]

Why are their faces black? Are they meant to be minstrels?

[henleythebear]

Molly dancing is connected with plough boys going from house to house in the village, on Plough Monday, to raise money. A bit like trick or treat! In this case the trick was the threat of having your lawn run accross with a plough furrow if you didn't cough up a few pennies. Since the houses they visited would often include those of their employers, the plough boys would 'disguise' themselves by blacking their faces, so they would not be recognised on that dark night!

[robinandwren]

saw them at the Bear '08 they are something to see, you feel transported back in time.

[Dierne]

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing this and your other Straw Bear vids!

[camrakamera]

This lot are brilliant