2012 Itinerary

  Show Night- Monday 30th April 6pm at the Quay

On the first day - Show Night - the Hobby Horse usually starts from outside the Old Ship Aground at the Quay around 6pm, parading around the town of Minehead and returning to the Quay

Mayday - Tuesday 1st May 5am at the Quay

then Dunster, starting 6pm at the Butter Cross (usually)

On May Morning at Five am the Horse again starts from the Old Ship Aground at the Quay and processes through the Old Town, climbing Church Steps and arriving at Whitecross by 6, together with the other Hobby Horse Teams. Returns to the Quay. Mayday evening the Original Sailors Horse visits Dunster, dancing in Dunster Castle, the only horse to be so invited, a tradition dating from at least 1792. Finishes in Dunster by the Yarn Market.

Alcombe - Wednesday May 2nd 6pm at the Quay

On the third day the Horse starts from the Old Ship Aground at the Quay around 6pm and visits Alcombe, where the local children come out and get chased by the Horse. Ending up at the Britannia Inn

Bootie Night -Thursday May 3rd 6pm at the Quay

On the fourth day the Horse starts from the Old Ship Aground at the Quay around 6pm and goes via Wellington Square and Bampton Street to Cher where The Bootie takes place. Retraces its route back to the Quay

And On Saturday May 5^th from 8pm

at the Old Ship Aground

the Guest singers at the Acorn Folk Club will be

PHIL UNDERWOOD with

Charlie Skelton and Peter Dunhill

songs and tunes from the English, Appalachian and Louisiana Traditions

by International Award winning musicians

Weather permitting the Horse may also be seen on any day during the festival (except Sunday) in Minehead Town at lunchtimes collecting for Mencap and the Lifeboat . Look out for us and give generously for these worthwhile causes.

Times are approximate and the itinerary may change without notice for any reason

    If in doubt call or email us to check - see the Contact Us page