| Where: | Formerly Coventry at the Cathedral ruins and London - Starting at Bankside near the Globe Theatre and processing to Borough Market |
| When: | Formerly A Sunday late in October |
| Time: | Formerly Noon |
October Plenty was a harvest festival celebration of the bounty of autumn and is a fusion of old customs with modern street theatre. It was held in London each October until 2025, starting outside the Globe Theatre on Bankside in London, and it took place whatever the weather, free of charge. In 2025 it moved to Coventry and all the traditional figures were there such as the Corn Queene, Hobby Horse and Berry Man, the autumnal incarnation of the green man complete with an apple tree. The proceedings got underway with a procession which when in London wound its way to Borough Market followed by dancing, performances of plays and seasonal fare including cider. As the event was organised by professional actors the standard was very high! There were competitions for all ages, a story-telling orchard, singing and dancing and at the end the Corn Queene was dismantled and her many component parts were flung to the crowd (we took home a turnip!).
Helpful Hints
In 2023 the Bankside event took a break but in 2025 a revival took place at Coventry starting at the Cathedral ruins on Sunday 26th October, then processing to Fargo Village. Future details are yet to be announced- no sign in September 2026 so it seems to have lapsed again.
This was a very family friendly event organised by the same team as Twelfth Night Celebrations. In 2012 when we went, it coincided with Apple Day so many of the events followed the theme, such as apple bobbing, competitions for the longest apple peel and apple tasting. There were also displays of bees and conker competitions. Borough Market itself had a very diverse and tempting array of goods on offer.
Click here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLionsPart
Click here for the event website : http://www.thelionspart.co.uk/octoberplenty/index.html
A great event, I’ve been for the last 4 years and am going again this year. Great with friends or as an outing with the kids/beaver scout group. Opportunities to get involved if you want to, cast are very friendly and willing to answer questions.
Hi Lindsey!
We went for the first time this year and I totally agree, it’s a great day out for all ages.It was also the first time we’d been to the Borough Market and that was marvellous, too. Hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
Averil
This year (2016) it was run in conjunction with Apple Day – so there was apple tasting, and apple peeling competitions. Borough Market is fantastic!
I go every year and cannot wait for tomorrow. I have a great affinity with our wonderful traditions and I feel as I have gone back in time….excellent and magical! At the end it is great to go to Crossbones Graveyard and remember the lost, outcast souls…..
You lucky thing – being able to get there every year! I can’t get there that often (we live a long way North) – hope you have a lovely time again this year.
A Sheaf from the Corn Queene is a good source of magically energised wheat for making a Corn Dolly.
Hope you manage to make one this year!
Their website has confirmed 12.00 on Sunday 21st October but best to get there early to be near front if the wassail is allowed into the Globe. Many of the people joining in with the procession dress up in apprpriate costumes.
Many thanks Ian! I’ll add a note about arriving early,
Best wishes,
Averil
Note that this year October Plenty is at a different Location. It is going to be on 20th Oct but at Roots and Shoots in Walnut Tree Walk, Lambeth SE11 6DN. Their website has not yet announced where the procession will start
Many thanks Ian! I’ll keep dropping in on their page to find out where they decide to start from,
Best wishes,
Averil
Lions |part have now announced that the procession will start from the Imperial War Museum at 12.00
Many thanks again Ian – I was wondering when it would be announced!
Best wishes,
Averil
Looks like it is back at Borough Market this year, on Sun 23 Oct, starting outside the Globe at 11.00. Not on Lions Part website yet but on their facebook page
Many thanks Ian- I’ll get that on the site right away!
Best wishes,
Averil