DIRECTOR'S WELCOME

Live From 15/01/2021 19:45 GMT

An introduction to the festival and a little background as to why we are having to do things virtually this year with director Douglas Kell.

MAYORAL ADDRESS FOLLOWED BY THE VIRTUAL PROCESSION

Live From 16/01/2021 10:30 GMT

Every Straw Bear Saturday is started by the Mayoral address to the dance teams prior to processing through the town. This virtual year keeps that tradition and we will see the best of the processions of years gone by.

A TRIBUTE TO SADIE HERITAGE

Live From 16/01/2021 11:15 GMT

A short tribute to Sadie Heritage, a Strawbearer, who sadly died in 2020. Includes a reading of her “Straw Bear Poem”.

DANCE TEAMS IN LOCKDOWN

Live From 16/01/2021 11:45 GMT

Some of the Dance teams who have attended Whittlesea Straw Bear in the past demonstrate the creative ways they kept dancing in the 2020 lockdown. With an “isolation May Day morning” from Pecsaetan Morris and Sheffield City Morris, a performance from the Witchmen’s band, and a socially distanced in-person dance from Ely and Littleport Riot.

OUR GERMAN FRIENDS

Live From 16/01/2021 12:15 GMT

An introduction to the Walldurn Strawbearers and their carnivals, as well as the exchanges that have taken place between Walldurn and Whittlesea over years.

KEITH DONNELLY

Live From 16/01/2021 12:45 GMT

The one and only Keith Donnelly deserves a slot all to himself! Keith has been booked at Straw Bear on a number of occasions for both performances in local schools to Whittlesey and performing at the Ivy Leaf Club on the Friday night concert. Because everybody wants to be a (Straw) Bear!

STRAW BEAR IN THE NEWS

Live From 16/01/2021 13:15 GMT

Some of the press coverage the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival has received through the years.

CONTRIBUTION FROM RED LEICESTER 

Live From 16/01/2021 13:45 GMT

Red Leicester Morris showcase some of their many appearances at Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival.

CONTRIBUTION FROM PIG DYKE

Live From 16/01/2021 14:15 GMT

Pig Dyke Molly from Peterborough showcase some of their many appearances at Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival.

MOLLY DANCING

Live From 16/01/2021 14:45 GMT

Some of the Molly dance teams that have appeared at the Whittlesea Straw Bear festival over the years. Enjoy performances from Pig Dyke Molly, Seven Champions, Old Hunts and Gog Magog among others.

APPALACHIAN STEP DANCING

Live From 16/01/2021 15:15 GMT

Some of the Appalachian Step dance teams who have appeared at the Whittlesea Straw Bear festival over the years. Includes performances from Hi Jinx, Tanglefoot, Tap & Sync and Cricket on the Hearth.

A CONTRIBUTION FROM ROCKINGHAM RAPPER

Live From 17/01/2021 13:15 GMT

Whittlesey’s own dance team, Rockingham Rapper, showcase some of their many appearances at Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival.

STRAW BEAR BURNING

Live From 14:30PM GMT

The thing that tops it all off - although it wasn't originally, but has now become tradition to 'burn the Bear'. 

FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT

Live From 15/01/2021 20:00 GMT

Relax at home and tune in to a feast of music and songs from some of the country's best artists and some home grown talent from our own Strawbearers.

Featuring Granny's Attic, Jackie Oates, Brown Boots, Ady Bull, Brian Kell, Barry Goodman, and Frog on a Bike.

DANCE TEAM SPOTS

Live From 16/01/2021 11:00 GMT

Some highlights of the Morris dancing seen at Whittlesea Straw Bear over the past 41 years – with a few cameo appearances from the Bear!

Including performances from: Crosskey Clog, White Rose Morris, Haddenham Hoofers, Southport Sword, Red Leicester Mummers, Pecsaetan Morris, Old Hunts Molly, Jaguard Ladies, and Morris Tyler’s Men.

STRAW BEAR DRIVER INTERVIEWS

Live From 11:30 GMT

In a #StrawBearOnline exclusive, we reveal some of the faces behind the Straw Bear as they talk about what’s really involved in being the Festival’s figurehead.

2016 HIGHLIGHTS

Live From 16/01/2021 12:00 GMT

Some highlights of the 2016 festival. Including performances by Katriona Gilmore and Jamie Roberts, Marina Florance, Peeping Tom and the Straw Bear Band.

STORY TELLER SESSION 

Live From 16/01/2021 12:30 GMT

Suitable for adults and children alike, enjoy some traditional folk tales with two of the storytellers who have previously entertained us at the Whittlesea Straw Bear festival; Dave Tonge, the Yarnsmith of Norwich, and Hannah Brailsford, Tiny Tales have both created a treat for this year's festival.

2005 DOCUMENTARY

Live From 16/01/2021 13:00 GMT

A short documentary made about the 2005 Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival. Produced, directed and edited by Rebecca Kell.

AFTERNOON PROCESSION

Live From 16/01/2021 13:30 GMT

A continuation of memories from the past 41 years, this time from the afternoon processions.

HOW TO BUILD A STRAW BEAR

Live From 16/01/2021 14:00 GMT

Ever wondered how the Straw Bear is built? Here is your chance to find out!

Brian Kell and Ady Bull reveal the mystery of the figurehead that is the Straw Bear. You’ll see how some old overalls and a lot of straw and string are transformed into the majestic, 6-stone costume that is the main attraction at the Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival.

SWORD DANCING

Live From 16/01/2021 14:30 GMT

Some of the sword dance teams that have appeared at the Whittlesea Straw Bear festival over the years. Enjoy performances from Newcastle Kingsmen, Stevenage Sword, Sallyport Sword and Black Swan Rapper.

STEVENAGE SWORD THROUGH THE YEARS

Live From 16/01/2021 15:00 GMT

Stevenage Sword have attended every single Whittlesea Straw Bear festival! Here they showcase a small selection of their appearances.

THE BEAR'S FINAL DANCE

Live From 16/01/2021 15:30 GMT

The Whittlesea Straw Bear appears on the Market Square for a final dance…enjoy some of the most memorable performances from the first 41 years of the festival, including appearances by a variety of young Bears and 2021’s unique “Isolation Bear”.

MUSIC, DANCING AND SONG CONCERT

Live From 17/01/2021 13:30 GMT

The final day of Straw Bear online – a concert featuring some of our friends and supporters who regularly perform at the Sunday lunchtime showcase. Includes performances from Pete Coe, Hex, Bayou Seco, Ock’n’Dough, Dave Bailey and Alan Wood; plus Morris and Sword dancing.