Mummers on the piste in rural England

Well, kind of...

As a local tradition, this Mummers Play marks the start of Christmas for many of us and it was performed earlier today in a snowy rural lane in Otterbourne near Winchester. The last Sunday before Christmas each year, the cast act out the tale of King George, the Turkish Knight and Old Father Christmas in their costumes made from wallpaper streamers. The story remains the same but the words are adapted each year to add a topical flavour and some humour that encourages the crowd to heckle good-naturedly. Finished off with a mince pie, mulled wine and a folk rendition of "The Holly and the Ivy".

It's quirky, English ecccentricity at its best and a family tradition that was resurrected 35 years ago after a gap of some 50 years. Let's hope it keeps going another 35 years!

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• Mummers
• Play
• Christmas
• snow
• English
• Tradition

[misanthropippy]

Lovely Video, have been going there for about 8 years and love it!

Although just to point out that the mince pies and wine are by invitation only for the Mummers and their immediate family :) Glad you enjoyed it