The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is part of Free
Central News: 12.09.1983: Horn Dance
The Abbots Bromley horn dance: is it an ancient fertility custom or just a bit of English rural fun?
From the collection of:
Overview
Carbon dating has proved that the horns used by the folk dancers of Abbots Bromley are over 1,000 years old. The 'why?' and even the 'how?' remain much more obscure as generations of men from the Staffordshire village keep the tradition alive. They're joined this year by sceptical Central News reporter John Swallow who arrives with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.
The horn dance of Abbots Bromley is performed on Wakes Monday in September. Written records of its origin are non-existent but it may have its roots in the middle ages.
Related
Watch for free
Horn Dancers from Abbots Bromley and Painswick Church Clipping Horn Dancers from Abbots Bromley and Painswick Church Clipping
Non-Fiction 1928 8 mins Silent Location: Abbots Bromley
A pagan fertility dance and a charming church service filmed by the English Fold Dance and Song Society
Watch for free
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Watch for free
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Watch for free
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.