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History

One of the ancient Whitsun Ales, the Lamb Ale can be traced back to the early 1600's, and took the form of a village festival and feast.
Lamb Ale is held on the weekend of Trinity Sunday, which is 56 days after Easter Sunday

... the custom is, that on Monday after Whitsun week, there is a fat live lamb provided, and the maids of the town, having their thumbs tied behind them, run after it, and she that with her mouth takes and holds the lamb is declared `Lady of the Lamb' ... attended with music and a Morisco dance of men, and another of women, where the rest of the day is spent in dancing, mirth and merry glee." (Blount, 1679)

It is recorded that in 1732 Sir George Dashwood, of Kirtlington Park, paid "five shillings to Kertling Morris" at the annual feast, which still takes place on Trinity Monday, following the Morris Festival.

Morris dancers were always closely associated with the festivities. When Kirtlington Morris was revived in 1979, based on Cecil Sharp's notes from early this century, it was fitting that they join with the village to help recreate the atmosphere of the Lamb Ale as it once was, with as many as twenty or more morris sides gathered together in celebration, if not in the rivalry and competition, of the earlier days.

Events

All Weekend

Organised Private Campsite
Music Sessions in Pub

Friday Evening.

Campsite Open.
Sing-around and sessions in the Rock of Gibraltar.

Saturday Daytime

10:30. Assemble at the Oxford Arms
          Kirtlington Morris dance in village with their guests Hexham and Rivington Morris.
          Finish at the Oxford Arms
12:00. Morris tour of Woodstock and Blenheim Palace.

Saturday Evening

7:00-9.00. Lamb Roast and Barn Dance in Village Hall with Florida, & caller (TBA)
                 Open to all. Tickets (£8) on the door or from Kirtlington shop.

Sunday

MORRIS EVENTS:
9:45 Morris sides assemble North of village.
10:00 Procession to church.
10:45 Lamb Ale Service.
11:30 Procession from Church to School.
12:00 Kirtlington Morris and Kirtlington Maids dance at school.
12:15 Dance displays at School, Village Hall, The Dashwood and Oxford Arms.
3:00 All guest Morris sides dance at School.

OTHER EVENTS:
10:30-4:00       Refreshments in Village Hall (+ family picnic area and children's
                      playground).
12:00-4:00       Local Interest Exhibition at school.

*New*
10:30- 4:00      Kirtlington Girls Food and Craft Fair

Teams appearing at Lamb Ale

Click navigation bar on left for confirmed teams

Directions

Here is a map showing how to find Kirtlington, and here is one showing the major features of the village.

Thanks

Our thanks to the following for their help and support:

School, Governors and PTA
Village Hall Committee
Womans Institute
Lamb Ale Committee
Kirtlington Church Wardens
Kirtlington Stores and Post Office
The villagers of Kirtlington
Thames Valley Police
St. John's Ambulance
The Oxford Arms
The Dashwood
Betty Eeley

Lamb Ale 2010 Morris Festival will be held 5th - 6th June 2010 (Trinity Sunday +1 week)