| Where: | Bungay, Suffolk - town centre, Castle Bailey, Fisher Theatre, Three Tuns & St Mary's Church |
| When: | Weekend near August 4th |
| Time: | Parade Saturday 2 pm & Carnival 1-5 |
Black Shuck, also known as the Black Dog of Bungay, is a fearsome supernatural canine with glowing red eyes, a shaggy coat and a petrifying gaze, who terrorised the residents of the little Suffolk town on August 4th 1577 in an orgy of destruction. He materialised in St Mary’s Church during the Sunday service and wreaked havoc, wringing the necks of two parishioners and maiming a third during a violent thunderstorm, in an act described by contemporary author Abraham Fleming as a “straunge and terrible Wunder”. Shuck has also been sighted around the region upon numerous later occasions and has become a legendary part of local folklore, with sports teams and shops named in his honour, and recent manifestations as attested by contemporary witnesses. In 2022 the town hosted the first Black Shuck Festival, and the enthusiastic celebration of their resident beast bodes well for the long-term future of the event. When we visited in 2023 the planned Carnival and Parade had to be moved indoors to avoid the incredibly inclement weather, but all the acts still put on an engaging performance for the eager audience, inside the Fisher Theatre rather than in the soggy town centre and Castle grounds as originally arranged. Expect musicians, storytellers, the ceremonial burning of an effigy of Shuck, talks, artwork and exhibitions at several locations, and of course the appearance of the enigmatic Shuck himself. The Shuck Folk Cabaret in 2023 at the Fisher Theatre featured numerous acts including film, drama, singing, music and dance, of which a particular highlight was the interview of Shuck and his victims in a 1970s tv style talk show format. The whole event was very welcoming and full of interest for all ages.
Helpful Hints
In 2024 the Festival should take place on the weekend of Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th August. 2024 programme is yet to be confirmed but it’s likely that the Carnival and Parade on the Saturday and other events on the adjacent days.
As well as the Carnival and Parade, there are performances at the Church and Theatre- check the website below for details and get your tickets in advance as they’re likely to be a sell-out. A pop-up Shuck Shop is another feature of the event, with themed books and artefacts.
Food & drink are available in the town (the chip shop and Farmhouse Bakery are highly recommended as well as the bar at the Theatre). Look out for themed window displays around town, and the Shuck weather vane atop the lamp standard just off the Market Square.
Shuck also caused havoc on the same day at Blythburgh, a few miles away, where he left his claw marks inside the church door…
Click here for the event website: https://blackshuckfestival.com
and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/blackshuckfestival
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