WEST WITTON FEAST 2021 is happening!
After sadly having to cancel 2020's Feast, we are delighted to announce plans for this year, happening over two weekends.
All events will happen in line with COVID-19 rules at the time, and we encourage visitors to respect our village, residents, and other visitors, and consider wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.
Saturday 21st August: West Witton Cottage Show in the Village Hall. Entries accepted between 9 am and 10.30 am. Viewing and prize giving from 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm. St.Bartholomew's Church is open all day with an exhibition of images from West Witton and surrounding areas.
Saturday August 28th: Bartle Mosaics Walk, starting at the Fox and Hounds at 10.30 am; West Witton Pen Hill Fell Race, at 6 pm, register from 4.30 pm; Burning of Bartle 9pm.
Sunday August 29th: Fun Day at the Playing Field with games and music, from around 12.30pm.
Monday August 30th: Quoits knockout at The Fox and Hounds. Register by 1.50pm
Burning of Bartle
The ancient ritual of Burning Bartle takes place every year in the village of West Witton near Leyburn, North Yorkshire.
At 9pm on the Saturday night nearest to the 24th August (St. Bartholomew's Day) a larger than life figure is paraded down the village main street accompanied by repeated chants of the Bartle doggerel.
When Bartle reaches 'his end' in Grassgill, he is set alight, accompanied by songs and cheers from the assembled masses.
The Doggerel
On Penhill Crags he tore his rags
Hunters Thorn he blew his horn
Cappelbank Stee happened a misfortune and brak' his knee
Grassgill Beck he brak' his neck
Wadhams End he couldn't fend
Grassgill End we'll mak' his end
Shout, lads, shout!
Bartle Mosaic Walk
Annually on the day of Burning Bartle. Meet outside the Fox and Hounds public house in West Witton at 10.30am for an approximate 2 hour walk along the lower slopes of Penhill to discover the mosaic trail telling the tale of Old Bartle. Suitable clothing for the day, dogs welcome with well-behaved owners.