The Straw Bear organisers are not to blame for having a strict position on uninvited or un-cooperative groups. They are under a great deal of pressure from the local council (on the grounds of safety) that has resulted in changes in the way the day will be organised this time. I've just seen an email sent to all visiting dance teams detailing the changes - mainly that there will be only one main procession.

If Mr.Fox try hard enough, there even won't be a party for them to crash next year. I don't think that's what anyone wants.

I do see the irony though, that what started off as an event that's obviously part of the seasonal misrule tradition is now hampered by risk assessments, endless negotiations with the local authorities and the police and the need to conform to rules and guidelines.

Anahata