Whitsun 2024
Bampton Traditional Morris Dancers look forward to seeing Bampton folk old and new out following the dancing and getting together to enjoy what is always a great spectacle. With all the Bampton Morris sides dancing in the streets, pubs and gardens and with a host of visiting sides joining in the early evening it’s sure to be, once again, an amazing weekend.
Food and Drink
From East to West…
The Morris Clown
Not entirely sure of opening hours, but will be open for all the festivities. If the front door is open, the pub is open!
BBQ Burgers and Sausages from 19:00 on Saturday after the Shirt Race.
The Co-op
Opening normally 07:00 – 22:00, bank holiday Monday may be different, check at store.
Market Square
SPAJERS will be running a BBQ on Saturday in the Market Square around Shirt Race times.
The Talbot Hotel
Normally open at midday, but will likely be open earlier on Monday for the dancing.
BBQ food 15:00 – 20:00 Saturday and Monday.
Fleur De Lys
French Bistro, opening normally from 08:00 until late evening. Also takeaway Brisket, Toulouse Sausage and Raclette Cheese baguettes.
Lynwood
Opening normally 08:00 – 16:00, bank holiday Monday may be different, check at store.
Coffee shop, cakes, sandwiches and other light bites.
Patrick Strainge Butcher
Open 07:00 – 17:00 Friday, 07:00 – 16:00 Saturday, also pork and stuffing rolls outside on Monday from 11:00.
The Horseshoe
Friday 15:00 – late
Saturday 13:00 – late
Sunday 11:00 – late
Monday 09:30 – late
Tuesday 11:30 – 21:00
Also Sarah’s Brunch Box on site Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 13:00
What’s On?
Friday 24th
19:00 – Morris Practise (weather permitting) at the Horseshoe.
Saturday 25th
SPAJERS Great Shirt Race is back for 2024!!! Chariots will gather from 5pm in the Market Square and racing starts around 6pm. Further details can be found on SPAJERS Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/SPAJERS
Music session around 20:00 in the Horseshoe.
Sunday 26th
12:30 – Morris Practise at the Horseshoe
After Morris Practise – Aunt Sally match, Locals Vs Campers. Potential Music Session after.
Monday 27th
For full details of Bampton Traditional Morris Dancers schedule, see the posters around the town in windows etc on the day. All times are approximate and subject to change.
Please, when the full schedule is released, DO NOT share it on social media.
08:30 – Dancing starts at the Junction of Bushey Row and New Road and continues throughout the day.
9:00 – Dancing in gardens
10:00 – The Horseshoe
10:10 – Gardens
12:00 – Fleur De Lys
12:20 – Gardens
13:20 – Lunch
14:00 – Gardens
14:20 – The Talbot
14:40 – Gardens
16:00 – The Morris Clown
16:20 – Tea
17:00 – Gothurst
17:20 – Gardens
18:00 – Guest sides (see below) join Bampton Traditional Morris at The Horse Shoe.
18:30 – Gardens
19:00 – Street Dancing
c 21:00 – Last dance at The Horse Shoe
c 21:30 – Music and singing session in The Horse Shoe
May Flower Garlands
Judging of Bampton’s other ancient Whitsun tradition, the May Flower Garlands, will take place at 11:00 in the Market Square by the Village Hall. For budding Garland builders, get in touch with Emily Smith via the Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/3119681171498424/
Guest Morris Sides
Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers
We welcome our very good friends from Abingdon who dance Cotswold style in their own tradition this year.
Luascadh
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063499301001
Luascadh are an Irish Dance, Music and Song performance group from the Midlands.
Sutton Masque
https://www.facebook.com/suttonmasque
We are delighted to welcome Sutton Masque back again this year. This mixed Border Morris side are full of energy and lots of fun!
Our Friends in the other Bampton Sides
To find what the other two Bampton Sides are up to – try these links:
Traditional Bampton Morris Dancers: https://traditionalbamptonmorris.org.uk
Bampton Morris Men: Probably best to check the pub windows on Monday!