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 Holt Morris perform the festival’s opening dances.
10.40am Lamb Yard Jack’s and Jill’s grand entrance into Lamb Yard is always popular so get there early for a front row seat in Pablo’s Bistro or The Mill Cafe. Jack will parade noisily into the yard with his Ganderflankers, Jill in the Green, wild beasts and local Morris dancers. Lots of photo opportunities and a chance to meet Jack and Jill.
11.30am Abbey Mill special visit with Jill in the Green for the residents.
12.15pm Olea, The Weaving Shed & Il Ponte Jack and his party will perform along the river promenade next to these three popular restaurants. Book a table for lunch and watch the entertainment. The Weaving Shed Il Fuime Olea Mediteranean
1.15pm The Swan Jack moves to The Swan’s car park for an hour where there will also be a live folk music session. The Swan Hotel
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 and construction.
3.00pm The Tithe Barn. From about 3pm all the action moves to the Tithe Barn where you can listen to the great Kaboozle samba band, enjoy a drink at our bar, have a poke around the shops in the Tithebarn Workshops, or relax with a coffee at The Coffee Barn.
3.30pm Tithe Barn Jack, Jill, their beasts and the Ganderflankers 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.
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.
