Broughton Tin Can Band

Broughton in Northamptonshire is the normally peaceful setting for one of the most raucous customs in the UK calendar. Every December, the locals make as much noise as possible using whatever instruments they have to hand such as pans, kettles and anything else that can be beaten to make a cacophany, accompanied by whistle-blowing, wailing and shrieking. It’s all to drive away evil spirits or mark the village boundaries and has been happening time out of mind. It all begins just after the church clock strikes midnight….the vicar appears under the light at the church gate to bless the assembled group, who appear out of nowhere all of a sudden, then a brisk walk around the village follows amidst the bangs, crashes and trumpeting. After arriving back at the church gates, the Band all join hands in a circle to sing Auld Lang Syne before heading home.

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be on Sunday December 15th.

There’s often a carol-singing session in the Red Lion beforehand to get everyone tuned-up! Don’t expect a huge crowd – maybe up to around 30 participants, mostly residents of the village. It’s very friendly but don’t expect much conversation after setting off as you can’t hear a thing! It took us just over half an hour to do the circuit in 2015. Look out for the Tin Can Band depicted on the village sign near the pub.

Click here for the church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/StAndrewsBroughton/

Click here for the Red Lion Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RedLionBroughtonOE/

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