Jack in the Green

Jack. his Ganderflankers musicians and his entourage of strange beasts will be touring the town all day. Come and join the fun and wear something green.

9.30am Waking Jack & Jill @ The Tithe Barn Help us wake Jack and Jill from their year long slumber and watch Bathampton Morris Men and Armaleggan perform the festival’s opening dances.

10.15 Fun Fair Jack & Jill will pass through the library car park.

10.40am Lamb Yard Jack’s and Jill’s arrival into Lamb Yard is always popular so get there early for a front row seat in Pablo’s Bistro or The Mill Cafe. Jill in the Green will lead the parade with her Jifflers followed by Jack and his Ganderflankers, wild beasts and some Morris dancers. Lots of photo opportunities and a chance to meet Jack and Jill.

11.30am Abbey Mill special visit by Jack & Jill in the Green for the residents.

12.15pm Holy Trinity Church.

12.40pm Artisan Market.

1.15pm The Swan Hotel.

1.45pm River Spice, The Weaving Shed & Il Fiume Jack and his party will ganderflank along the river promenade next to these three popular restaurants. Book a table for lunch and watch the entertainment. The Weaving Shed  Il Fiume  River Spice  

2.15pm Westbury Gardens Everyone, particularly children, is encouraged to join Jack and his dancers in a stately circle dance. A chance to talk to Jack about his tradition.

4.30pm Tithe Barn Jill and the Jifflers, Jack and the Ganderflankers, their beasts and everyone in green will parade around the Tithe Barn farmyard followed by a massed circle dance to speed Jack on his way. This is a real spectacle and not to be missed. Wear a green outfit and join in the procession, assemble in Victory Field from 4pm.

5.00pm Stripping Jack Jack is the herald of Summer and to serve his purpose it is traditional that he is stripped of all his greenery by everyone present. Keep your leaves safe to ensure we have a good Summer. Holt Morris will mark his passing and the approach of Summer with their haunting “Signposts” dance, rarely performed anywhere else in the country. Whenever you pass the Tithe Barn in future listen carefully, you may hear Jack as he slumbers awaiting his rebirth.