Straw Bear Procession
Spectators line Station Road and Market Street to watch hundreds of performers and the Straw Bear making its way to the Market Place
~10:30
Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival
Whittlesey, United Kingdom
Jan 16 - 18, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each January, the town of Whittlesey parades a man clad head to toe in straw, the Straw Bear. Morris dancers, musicians, and folk performers lead the strange figure through the streets, in a celebration rooted in the Cambridgeshire ploughboy customs of the 1880s.
Key moments
Burning of the Straw Bear
Visitors gather to witness the traditional bonfire - often a festive, family-friendly event marking the end of the weekend
~12:00
Opening Ceilidh Dance
Visitors can join in an evening ceilidh (open to all) featuring live traditional music and dancing
~20:00
Where it happens
Whittlesey Market Place (Buttercross)
Whittlesey, United Kingdom
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Ask before close-up photos
Spectators may freely watch and photograph the Bear; avoid interfering with performers or t...
Keep the visit respectful
Dress warmly and respectfully; this is a folk tradition, so observe rituals like not pullin...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Whittlesey Straw Bear Festival
Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival
Whittlesey, United Kingdom
Each January, the town of Whittlesey parades a man clad head to toe in straw, the Straw Bear. Morris dancers, musicians, and folk performers lead the strange figure through the streets, in a celebration rooted in the Cambridgeshire ploughboy customs of the 1880s.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 16 - 18, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Rooted in historic Cambridgeshire ploughboy customs from the 1880s, the Straw Bear symbolizes the end of winter and start of the farming year. The modern festival was restarted in Whittlesey in 1980 by the Whittlesea Society. It reflects local Fenland heritage and community spirit, often described as a celebration of spring time and good fortune.
Key moments to know
~10:30Expected
Straw Bear Procession
Spectators line Station Road and Market Street to watch hundreds of performers and the Straw Bear making its way to the Market Place
~12:00Expected
Burning of the Straw Bear
Visitors gather to witness the traditional bonfire - often a festive, family-friendly event marking the end of the weekend
~20:00Expected
Opening Ceilidh Dance
Visitors can join in an evening ceilidh (open to all) featuring live traditional music and dancing
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Dress for the setting
Warm clothing
Ask before close-up photos
Spectators may freely watch and photograph the Bear; avoid interfering with performers or trying to grab straw...
Keep the visit respectful
Dress warmly and respectfully; this is a folk tradition, so observe rituals like not pulling straw from the Bea...
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 16 - 18, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Whittlesey
England
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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