Lympstone Village Fury Dance 2008

Bart Simpson’s lookalike takes centre-stage within the Lympstone Fury Dance Procession

- Left: Dressed as a French tennis star B&B guest Bruce and his wife Natasha take a trip to the highly attractive and popular Exe Estuary Village to join in the fun and festivities of the annual Lympstone Fury Dance whose pagan history roots back several centuries.

Originally a whole village precession where the dance route snakes through the front door and out through the back door of every participating house, now starts at The Globe where Liam the delightful, generous spirited and ebullient publican offers fantastic Otter Ale to the thirsty revelers many of whom are dressed to the nines – top of the bill is the local band in their fine red livery, followed by a hand-full of senior chaps in DJs (including former WO2 Ken Stokes RM who took me through initial training many years earlier in 1972!!!) and their wives and dance partners…………then come all those who’ve dressed up in whatever costume takes their fancy…………followed by the rest of us in mufty who join in at the back.

The Street Dance then sets off at 7.30 with a triumphant musical burst and soon passes the White Swan where hundreds of others are at the start and (half of which don’t seem to move before the finish either!!!) and then routes about half a mile up to the Saddlers Arms where everybody has a well earnt pint. After 30 mins or so refreshment the “Stand too” is called and the whole Village Pressession returns a little the worse for wear back the same way passed the Swan and finishes at The Globe where once more the cheerful Liam offers suitable ales for all.

There are hot dogs and burger stalls aplenty and the whole event is rounded off at 1000 when a splendid firework display is set off from the end of the Village Harbour wall. Simply a fantastic event and one not to miss if you’re in the area next year…………..fancy dress optional but certainly encouraged.

Winner of the most original Fancy Dress prize – George and his low carbon foot printed eco-friendly power station brings up the rear of the precession passing Geralds famous G&T stop!!