Whitsun 2026
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.
Visitors
Click khere for comprehensive information for visitors to Bampton on the Whitsun 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!
The Co-op
Opening normally 07:00 – 22:00, bank holiday Monday may be different, check at store.
The Talbot Hotel
Opening hours, not sure but will be open for all the festivities.
The usual epic BBQ all weekend!.
The Market Tavern
Bampton’s gastropub! Two ales (Hook Norton +1), really nice craft IPA, and plenty more besides. Full restaurant menu, bar snacks, breakfast etc.
The pub will be open normal hours, food times likely amended. Times and offerings TBC.
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
Award winning butcher, an absolute must for campers catering!! Hot and cold baguettes, pies, sausage rolls, pasties etc as well as full butchery, fromagerie, and deli!
Opening times TBC.
Also Monday 25th, although the shop will be closed there will be a Hog Roast outside around lunchtime, when it’s gone, it’s gone!!
The Horseshoe
Opening hours TBC.
Food available by KHAANA outside on the drive . Global Fusion Street Food.
What’s On?
Be aware that Bampton runs on it’s own time – any times given here are likely to change.
Friday 22nd
19:00 – Morris Practise (weather permitting) at the Horseshoe.
Saturday 23rd
17:00 – SPAJERS Great Shirt Race 2026!!! Chariots normally 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
Sunday 24th
12:30 – Morris Practise at the Horseshoe
14:00-ish – Aunt Sally match, Locals Vs Campers.
Possible music sessions in the afternoon.
Definite music session after the Aunt Sally!
Monday 25th
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.
Abridged schedule:
08.30 – The Old Playing Field, New Road
09.00 – Gardens
10.00 – The Horseshoe
10.30 – Gardens
12.00 – The Talbot
12.20 – Gardens
1.20 – Lunch
2.00 – Gardens
2.20 – Market Tavern
2.40 – Gardens
3.40 – Morris Clown
4.00 – Tea
5.00 – Gothurst
5.20 – Gardens
6.00 – The Horseshoe with Guest Teams:
- Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers
- Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris
- Windsor Morris
6.30 – Gardens
7.00 – Street Dancing
May Flower Garlands
Judging of Bampton’s other ancient Whitsun tradition, the May Flower Garlands, will take place at 11:00am in the Market Square by the Village Hall. For budding Garland builders, get in touch with Emily Smith via the Facebook event here: Flower Garlands on Whitsun
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.
Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris
Entertaining, watchable, precise, energetic North West Clog Morris dancing to punchy music.
Windsor Morris
Founded in 1974 Windsor Morris are one of the longest established ladies Morris sides and are innovative having brought together influences from as far afield as the USA have settled into their own energetic and fun tradition.
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!