The Straw Bear Festival will make their return to the streets of Whittlesey singing and dancing this weekend after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.

Lizzy Hardingham followed by Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer will kick the weekend off on Friday, January 13 with live music at the Ivy Leaf Club from 8pm.

January 14 will see the parade kick off at 10.30am, leaving the Manor Pavillion up to Market street, as the Straw Bears lead the procession of the plough, local schools and dance teams.

Traditional Morris dance teams will spread around the town at various venues 10.45am - 3pm.Cambs Times: Morris dancers at a previous Straw Bear Festival.Morris dancers at a previous Straw Bear Festival. (Image: Archant)

Free story telling will also be available with Dave Tonge at 12pm, 1pm and 2pm in Queen Street Methodist Church.

The Bears and dance teams will finish off the day with a final dance on the Market Place at 3.30pm.

Unfortunately, to enable the festival’s return, it’s been reduced.

There will be no Saturday Night Dance, Sunday Session or Burning event.

For more information, visit: www.strawbear.org.uk