Oasby Baboon Night

In the early years of the eighteenth century, the infant heir to Culvertorpe Hall was tossed from a window by the family’s pet primate, or so the local legend goes. Inspired by the tale, the local morris side started up a new tradition in the 1990s which involved a man in a monkey costume being pursued around the village by a torchlit procession. Eventually the procession would attempt to enter the pub, but until they tossed a toy monkey over the roof, the landlord denied them access…once it was thrown over everyone could get inside and a good time was had by all.You could  expect morris dancing, flaming torches, horn blowing, pot-banging and more – what’s not to like?!

Helpful Hints

In 2018 the pub was sold and the event took a break for the year – and it didn’t happen in 2019 or 2020. It’s possible that Baboon Night may change location for future years but currently I’ll consider it lapsed, at least for the immediate future.

It was always on the same Friday in November as the TV appeal for Children In Need and money raised on the night was donated to the appeal – all ages were welcome.The walk around the village is all on hard surfaces, and when we went is started after 7pm so there was time for drinks beforehand.

Click here for the pub website: http://www.thehoubloninn.com/

and here for the event Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/TheHoublonInn/timeline

For a first hand account click here: http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/2013/11/

Many thanks to Ross Parish for drawing my attention to this one!