St Nicholas Hoodeners

Where: St Nichlolas at Wade at the Village Hall and often Sarre, Kent at the Crown Inn(see schedule on website link for full details)
When: Late December
Time: Evenings from 6pm

 

And there was light

Hoodening is a midwinter custom in Kent involving a hooden horse, a hobby-horse type head on a pole with the operator covered by a sheet. In the past Hoodeners used to visit houses and perform plays in return for largesse; nowadays you’re more likely to find them touring pubs and fund-raising for charity. Several revivals have taken place in modern times after the custom almost died out ; one of the best established is based at St Nicholas at Wade, where they perform a topical humourous play involving the traditional mumming themes of death and resurrection in the run-up to Christmas. Expect Dobbin the Horse with his Waggoner and a supporting cast with musicians. Carol singing follows with audience participation!

Helpful Hints

In 2023 they performed on dates from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd December at various locations- 2024 dates are yet to be announced. Check website link below for complete up-to-date venues and timings.

The Cherry Brandy from the Crown at Sarre is highly recommended!! The performance there takes place in the dining area.

Click here for the event website with full schedule: http://www.hoodening.org.uk/index.html

View this location on the map.