| Where: | Ashmore, Dorset by the village pond |
| When: | Friday nearest 21st June |
| Time: | 7.30 pm |
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 2025 it should be on Friday 20th June (to be confirmed).
The derivation of the name Filly Loo seems to have been somewhat obscured by the passage of time but apparently refers to La fille d’leau, water maiden in French, whose ghostly figures traverses the pond on occasion.
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
Discovered the Filly Loo at Ashmore in 2011 for first time. Great event, really good and on the calendar for 2012 ! Loved dancing in the rain – very theraputic !
We have made the journey here for the past several years and take a picnic. Very atmospheric and friendly whatever the weather. The earliest roots so far discovered of my Hall family are here, dating to the late 1700s, so I feel very much in touch with my ancestors.
This is the most magical evening ever! All ages dancing with an excellent caller and band, good food, then the total silence broken only by the drum and recorder with the Horn Dance and flaming torches….Fabulous!
I lived in Ashmore 1958 – 1970 at the local shop, and I remember one of the villagers telling me that “filly loo” simply meant “a good time”.
I was told, yesterday, by a founder member of Dorset triumph, that filly loo refers to La fille d’leau, water maiden, whose ghostly figures traverses the pond on occasion
Thanks for the info – I shall add that to the post!
Best wishes,
Averil