Cockermouth Georgian Fair 2015 Cockermouth Georgian Fair 2015 T.
After missing last year because of roadworks on the main street, Cockermouth Georgian Fair bounced back in 2015 over the Mayday Bank Holiday week.
As usual there was street theatre in Georgian costume to entertain the crowds on the main street in Cockermouth and at the Market Place.
This performer from Astral circus made the hoola hoop look easy even when doing 4 at a time on different parts of her body.
A strong feature of the Georgian fair this year was the morris dancing. They performed both in the front yard of the United Reformed Church and on the main street.
There was several different morris troupes many of which were women performing many styles of dance. Seen here are Belfagan Women's Morris who are one of the longest established morris groups in the area.
Another traditional form of dancing was Maypole dancing which at one time would have been performed on nearly every village green across the country on Mayday.
To accompany the dancers there was plenty of musicians to provide live traditional music for which the button accordian was favourite.
All the way from Harrogate was Betty Lupton's Ladle Laikers another women's morris troupe which formed way back in 1977 for the Queen's silver jubilee.
Providing a slightly more upper class form of dance from the period was dance group Regency Re-Jigged who recreated some of the old country dances on the main street.
A large number of people were in Georgian costumes for the day in a variety of styles from peasant to aristocracy. This couple seem to be high on the social scale with expensive materials and detailed tailoring.
This cornucopia of costume culminated in the grand parade along Cockermouth Main street and across the River Derwent to the park were the sporting events were to take place.
Before the sports came a judging of dress with the finest finery proclaimed first prize from a host of deserving entrants. Here we see the finalists from the Ladies category.
Unfortunately, the sedan chair races had to be cancelled this year. I think this was due to Cockermouth Mountain Rescue being called to a fatal accident on the fells. However, the barrel rolling, a new event sponsored by Jennings brewery, still went ahead.
There was only a few entries for the barrel rolling despite alcohol prizes but it was still a keen competition as they fought to keep the barrels on track.
Video and Gallery of Photos at the Georgian Fair
Cockermouth Georgian Fair 2012
Return to Western Lakeland Events
Visit the official Georgian Fair website
The website of Regency Re-Jigged dance group