A WELLINGTON society will make their first ever appearance at the town’s carnival with their ‘folk parade’ next weekend (Saturday, September 28).

The Wellington Folk and Custom Society is relishing the opportunity to take part in the Wellington Illuminated Carnival after putting on events in the area for 14 years.

The Folk Parade will consist of society members and supporters on foot and will feature the Harvest Queen, Piper and Drummer Debbie and Chris, Bishop Blaize and Saint Bridget and Na-la the cyber-punk with his levitating glowing dancing sticks.

Following those on foot will be the Blaize ‘n’ Bridget Carriage driven by the Green Robert Man and guarded by King Viking James and his tribe.

Taking up the tail-end of the parade will be Bootstrap Border Morris and their musicians who will perform a range of traditional and contemporary dances, drawing inspiration from the local historic and industrial heritage.

‘Blaize n Bridget night’ is an annual event that takes place in Wellington every February.

The Blaize night of Wellington was first recorded in 1889 AD, where the Wellington wool-combers would vote their choice of a local man from the local wool industry, to be Bishop Blaize (the Patron Saint of Wool-Combers).

Saint Bridget, linked to the British Brigantes and formerly Brigit the Goddess of poetry, Smithcraft and healing, among others, is also celebrated in February, hence ‘Blaize n Bridget night’.

A member of Wellington Folk and Custom Society has said in a press statement: “These ancient folk customs are entwined with Secular and different beliefs.

“Like the people before us of Wellington town who put on these community events on, we are secular and of mixed faiths and beliefs coming together as a community celebrating the symbolic meaning of the changing of the seasons.

“This is an opportunity to dress up under the folk umbrella from medieval, autumn maids, Saxons, Vikings, Celts, folk characters, and more. Use your imagination within the folk umbrella. Anyone new can join us.”

For more information on how to take part or on future Wellington Folk and Custom Events email [email protected]