October Plenty - annual celebration of the autumn harvest
On Sunday 26 October at midday come along to the Bankside by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to enjoy this FREE annual celebration of the autumn harvest.
The event goes ahead in the fascinating, historic borough of Southwark whatever the weather.
Now in its fourteenth year, the event delights the crowds by mixing ancient seasonal customs and theatre with contemporary festivities.
2008 programme highlights
In tribute to the autumn season this year, there will be games, old customs, music, dance, the Green Man in his various guises, food and performances of early plays by the Lions part company of actors.
Read on for our brief guide to the highlights taking place in the streets of Southwark and inside the Borough Market too.
The Corn Queene
A huge Corn Queene effigy ripe with ‘Plenty’ - wheat, barley and other grains, plus apples, root vegetables and greenery from the Borough Market - is led in procession around the front of the Globe Theatre on Bankside. The effigy is accompanied by actors from the Lions part company, with a Hobby Horse strung with cakes and loaves led by the Berry Man.
The Berry Man
The Berry Man is the autumnal version of the original Green Man from pagan myth and folklore. Decked with wild fruits and foliage, he leads the company of performers and carries an apple tree to the Bankside area. This spectacle is accompanied by songs and music for all to enjoy.
The procession
The procession moves through the streets around Borough Market where you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the treats on offer. You can sample soul cakes, conker fights, cider from the New Forest, apple bobbing, vintage beers, market stalls and dancing.
The play
This year Lions part will present two of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales - The Nun’s Priest’s Story and The Reeve’s Tale. These texts are newly adapted for this year’s October Plenty, and are performed in Southwark, where Chaucer’s pilgrims first gathered.
The Story Orchard
English apple trees provide a space for children to gather where they can hang the trees with green wishes (paper apples) and listen to stories about apples, markets, harvest time and London sparrows.
Meanwhile Brogdale Horticultural Trust provide a chance to sample some of London’s old apple varieties. Decorations are made by Roots and Shoots, the Lambeth community gardens environment project also responsible for creating the Corn Queene.