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?

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.