Visitors from Germany, Austria and Hungary flocked to a popular East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop as part of a lively folk tradition in Whittlesey.
The town’s Straw Bear Festival took place over the weekend as the community came together to celebrate the start of the agricultural season – bringing a carnival atmosphere to the quiet post-Christmas period.
As ever, the tradition saw a man dressed in a full straw suit (the Bear) parading through the town with musicians and dancers. The event culminated in the burning of the bear effigy on Sunday.
EACH’s Whittlesey shop joined in with the festivities and enjoyed a bumper day of footfall and trade, taking nearly £1,400.
“We had such a busy day and there was a fabulous atmosphere, with plenty of people turning out,” said shop manager Jeni Baines.
“There were visitors from across Europe, including Germany, Austria and Hungary, as well as all four corners of the UK.
“We took more money than last year, and our amazing team embraced the chaos, getting in the spirit and enjoying the opportunity to be part of this popular and successful community event.
“Our customers appreciated the work we’d done to prepare for it, dressing our shop accordingly and selling stock we’d saved especially.
“This included metal tankards and goblets, which are put aside throughout the year and always prove popular because visitors take them to use in the pubs.”
Anyone interesting in volunteering in EACH’s Whittlesey shop can pop in for chat, email Jeni via Jeni via Jeni.Baines@each.org.uk or call 01733 200810.
