Wellington Folk & Custom Society will once again bring its colourful Folk Parade to Saturday’s carnival, celebrating its 16th year of events promoting English and British folk culture.
This will be the society’s third appearance in the procession, following the success and positive feedback from last year’s event, when it received two first-place prizes.
Leading the parade will be the Harvest Queen, representing gratitude for the abundance of crops and fruits during the harvest season.
She will be accompanied by the Lord of the Wild, or Antler Man, who leads and guides the community towards the coming darkness of winter, together with the Banner Bearer, pipers, drummers and other musicians.
Among the colourful characters taking part will be the giants Bishop Blaize and Saint Bridget, a large illuminated dragon, Dragon Bearer, Cyber-Punk with levitating glowing dancing sticks, Mordred the Dragon, Lantern Bearers, the White Witch of Wellington and the four Collection Maids.
This year’s parade will also feature participants dressed as animals from British folklore.
A particular highlight will be the ‘Blaize ’n’ Bridget’ carriage, driven by the Green Man. Inside will be Bishop Blaize 2026, Ralph Langworthy-Smith, and Saint Bridget 2026, Bridget Sells. The pair were sworn into their roles at the annual Wellington Folk & Custom Society Blaize ’n’ Bridget Night in February.
The society says the inclusion of Blaize and Bridget reflects historic customs associated with Wellington and the wider West Country.
Blaize Night in Wellington was first recorded in 1889, when Wellington wool-combers would choose a local man from the wool industry to become Bishop Blaize, the patron saint of wool-combers. Celebrations took place annually on February 3rd with ceremonies held in local pubs and sometimes in people’s homes.
Saint Bridget was traditionally venerated and celebrated on February 1st in communities across the West Country and further afield. The society links her traditions with themes including poetry, smithcraft, healing, animal care, the eternal flame and the arrival of spring.
The society emphasises that its modern celebrations are secular and inclusive, bringing together people of different faiths and beliefs to celebrate the changing seasons and the community spirit associated with these ancient folk customs.
Following the Folk Parade will be Bootstrap Border Morris and Musicians, an enthusiastic and energetic Border Morris side which has developed its own Somerset and Devon border style. Its repertoire includes traditional and contemporary border dances inspired by the area’s historic and industrial heritage.
The society is inviting local people to join the parade and dress up under its broad folk theme.
Participants could come as maids, medieval characters, Saxons, Vikings, Celts, folk characters, pirates, steampunks, jugglers or Dungeons & Dragons role players – with the invitation simply being to use their imagination within the folk umbrella.
The society is also looking for volunteers to join its road crew.
Anyone wishing to take part can contact Wellington Folk & Custom Society at wfcs1889ad@yahoo.com.