Ashmore Filly Loo

Where: Ashmore, Dorset by the village pond
When: Friday nearest 21st June
Time: 7.30 pm

 

By the Pond

The Filly Loo is a celebration marking the longest day and the filling of the village pond and is held on the Friday nearest June 21st.  There’s  a green-man, the Hambleden Hopstep Band and their caller (who are all very good) and lots of dancing in the village street, the climax being a version of the Abbots Bromley Horndance by torchlight, in an eerie silence broken only by the sound of a lone flautist. There are also performances by Morris Dancers and the Steps in Time junior folk dance group, beautifully costumed and very talented, who took part in the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony.The evening ends with everyone dancing hand-in-hand around the village pond. Most people there are locals who all know each other but it’s very friendly. Participatory dancing is encouraged but not compulsory!

Helpful Hints

In 2024 it should be on Friday 21st June.

The derivation of the name Filly Loo seems to have been obscured by the passage of time – I’ve seen a suggestion that it’s from the French for water maiden but don’t know if this is correct (if you know more, pass it on!).

Refreshments and other stalls are available near the pond and there is a well signposted free carpark on the road into the village from the North side. We can recommend the village barbecue, or you can picnic by the pond.

Click here for the event Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Ashmore-Filly-Loo-139831300047241/

Click here for the Band website: http://www.hambledonhopstepband.co.uk

Click here for more info : http://www.darkdorset.co.uk/the_filly_loo

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