Abbots Bromley Horn Dance
Next due to take place on Monday 8th September in 2025. This annual event attracts visitors from around the world to view this spectacular and unusual display.
About the Horn Dance
The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance, performed at the Barthelmy Fair in August 1226, is one of the few ritual rural customs to survive the passage of time. Today the Horn Dance, which takes place annually on Wakes Monday, offers a fascinating day out attracting visitors from all over the world.
Horn Dancers by Butter CrossAfter collecting the horns from the church at eight o’clock in the morning, the Horn Dancers comprising six Deer-men, a Fool, Hobby Horse, Bowman and Maid Marian, perform their dance to music provided by a melodian player at locations throughout the village and its surrounding farms and pubs. A walk of about 10 miles (or 16 kilometres).
At the end of a long and exhausting day, the horns are returned to the church in the evening.
Attractions during the day include exhibitions, craft stalls and, of course, the local pubs.
Visitor information
Parking
On the day of the Horn Dance, additional restrictions on parking are in effect to help maintain safety and to ensure the free passage of visitors on foot.
Those driving to Abbots Bromley should look out for any signs for off-road parking.
Out-of-sight?
Visitors unfamiliar with the route of the Horn Dance would do well to consult the schedule and to note that during the middle part of the day the Dancers are some distance away from the village centre.
If you are hoping to see the Dancers in the village, do not turn up at noon! However, throughout the day there will be other attractions around the village green and in the Church.
