EM_Event Object ( [fields] => Array ( [event_id] => Array ( [name] => id [type] => %d ) [post_id] => Array ( [name] => post_id [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_archetype] => Array ( [name] => archetype [type] => %s ) [event_type] => Array ( [name] => type [type] => %s ) [event_parent] => Array ( [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_slug] => Array ( [name] => slug [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_owner] => Array ( [name] => owner [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_name] => Array ( [name] => name [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_timezone] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_start_time] => Array ( [name] => start_time [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_end_time] => Array ( [name] => end_time [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_start] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_end] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_all_day] => Array ( [name] => all_day [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_start_date] => Array ( [name] => start_date [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_end_date] => Array ( [name] => end_date [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [post_content] => Array ( [name] => notes [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_rsvp] => Array ( [name] => rsvp [type] => %d ) [event_rsvp_date] => Array ( [name] => rsvp_date [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_rsvp_time] => Array ( [name] => rsvp_time [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_rsvp_spaces] => Array ( [name] => rsvp_spaces [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_spaces] => Array ( [name] => spaces [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [location_id] => Array ( [name] => location_id [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_location_type] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [recurrence_id] => Array ( [name] => recurrence_id [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [recurrence_set_id] => Array ( [name] => recurrence_set_id [type] => %d ) [recurrence_rsvp_days] => Array ( [name] => recurrence_rsvp_days [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_status] => Array ( [name] => status [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_active_status] => Array ( [name] => active_status [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_private] => Array ( [name] => private [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [blog_id] => Array ( [name] => blog_id [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [group_id] => Array ( [name] => group_id [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [event_language] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [event_translation] => Array ( [type] => %d ) ) [shortnames:protected] => Array ( ) [required_fields] => Array ( [0] => event_name [1] => event_start_date ) [feedback_message] => [errors] => Array ( ) [mime_types] => Array ( [1] => gif [2] => jpg [3] => png ) [dynamic_properties:protected] => Array ( ) [event_id:protected] => 5319 [post_id:protected] => 45569 [event_archetype] => event [event_type] => single [event_parent] => [event_slug] => abbots-bromley-horn-dance-3 [event_owner] => 5 [event_name] => Abbots Bromley Horn Dance [event_start_time:protected] => 00:00:00 [event_end_time:protected] => 00:00:00 [event_start_date:protected] => 2026-09-07 [event_end_date:protected] => 2026-09-07 [event_start:protected] => 2026-09-06 23:00:00 [event_end:protected] => 2026-09-06 23:00:00 [event_all_day] => [event_timezone:protected] => Europe/London [post_content] => [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]

Abbots Bromley Horn Dance 2026 – Ancient Tradition & Spectacular Folk Procession

Experience one of England’s most extraordinary cultural events when the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance returns in September 2026. This iconic folk tradition in the heart of Staffordshire is a must-see for visitors seeking unique heritage, folklore and authentic community celebration.

A Unique Staffordshire Heritage Event

The Abbots Bromley Horn Dance is one of the oldest surviving rural customs in the UK, attracting visitors from across the country and around the world. The spectacle takes place annually on Wakes Monday — the Monday following the first Sunday after 4 September — meaning in 2026 it is expected on Monday 7 September (date can vary slightly).

Beginning early in the morning at St Nicholas’ Church, the dancers collect ancient reindeer antlers, believed to date back centuries, before setting off on a dramatic procession through the village and surrounding parish.

What Makes the Horn Dance So Special

• Historic Folk Procession – Follow the dancers as six “deer-men” carry impressive reindeer antlers, joined by colourful characters including a Hobby Horse, Maid Marian, a Fool, a Bowman and musicians.

• Scenic Route & All-Day Event – The procession follows a traditional route around Abbots Bromley and beyond, with stops at farms, pubs and landmarks before returning in the evening to the church to place the horns to rest.

• Living Folklore & Heritage – This ancient dance is thought to date back around 800 years and remains a vibrant celebration of rural history and community spirit.

What to Expect on the Day

Spectators can enjoy:

• Early morning gatherings and the horn blessing

• Traditional costume and live folk music

• Dance performances throughout the village

• Local craft stalls, exhibitions and refreshments

• A wonderful community atmosphere — perfect for families, culture lovers and photographers

Plan Your Visit

Discover the magic of this rare and unforgettable event in Abbots Bromley, a charming East Staffordshire village celebrated for its rich history, timber-framed buildings and welcoming local pubs. Whether you’re a heritage enthusiast or visiting the region for the first time, the Horn Dance 2026 is a highlight of the cultural calendar.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [event_rsvp] => 0 [event_rsvp_date:protected] => [event_rsvp_time:protected] => [event_rsvp_spaces] => [event_spaces] => [event_private] => 0 [location_id] => 390 [event_location_type] => [event_status] => 1 [event_active_status:protected] => 1 [previous_active_status:protected] => 1 [blog_id:protected] => 0 [group_id] => [event_language] => [event_translation] => 0 [event_attributes] => Array ( [colour] => culture_content [purchase_tickets] => [websiteWebsite] => https://abbotsbromleynostalgia.co.uk/the-abbots-bromley-horn-dance?utm_source=chatgpt.com [email] => [phone] => [instagram] => [facebook] => [twitter] => [video] => [contact_organiser] => [date_and_time_fields] => ) [event_owner_anonymous] => [event_owner_name] => [event_owner_email] => [is_recurrence:protected] => [recurrence_set_id] => [recurrence_set] => [recurrence_sets] => [recurrence_rsvp_days] => [post_fields] => Array ( [0] => event_slug [1] => event_owner [2] => event_name [3] => event_private [4] => event_status [5] => event_attributes [6] => post_id [7] => post_content ) [image_url] => https://discovereaststaffordshire.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/horn-dance.jpg [start:protected] => EM_DateTime Object ( [timezone_name:protected] => Europe/London [timezone_utc:protected] => [valid] => 1 [date] => 2026-09-07 00:00:00.000000 [timezone_type] => 3 [timezone] => Europe/London ) [end:protected] => [rsvp_end:protected] => [location] => EM_Location Object ( [fields] => Array ( [location_id] => Array ( [name] => id [type] => %d ) [post_id] => Array ( [name] => post_id [type] => %d ) [blog_id] => Array ( [name] => blog_id [type] => %d ) [location_parent] => Array ( [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [location_slug] => Array ( [name] => slug [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_name] => Array ( [name] => name [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_address] => Array ( [name] => address [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_town] => Array ( [name] => town [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_state] => Array ( [name] => state [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_postcode] => Array ( [name] => postcode [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_region] => Array ( [name] => region [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_country] => Array ( [name] => country [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_latitude] => Array ( [name] => latitude [type] => %f [null] => 1 ) [location_longitude] => Array ( [name] => longitude [type] => %f [null] => 1 ) [post_content] => Array ( [name] => description [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_owner] => Array ( [name] => owner [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [location_status] => Array ( [name] => status [type] => %d [null] => 1 ) [location_language] => Array ( [type] => %s [null] => 1 ) [location_translation] => Array ( [type] => %d ) ) [shortnames:protected] => Array ( [language] => location_language [translation] => location_translation [parent] => location_parent [id] => location_id [slug] => location_slug [name] => location_name [status] => location_status [owner] => location_owner ) [required_fields] => Array ( [location_address] => The location address [location_town] => The location town [location_country] => The country ) [feedback_message] => [errors] => Array ( ) [mime_types] => Array ( [1] => gif [2] => jpg [3] => png ) [dynamic_properties:protected] => Array ( [location_private] => 0 [town] => Abbots Bromley [state] => Staffordshire [country] => GB ) [location_id] => 390 [post_id] => 45571 [blog_id] => 0 [location_parent] => [location_slug] => various-locations-2 [location_name] => Various Locations [location_address] => [location_town] => Abbots Bromley [location_state] => Staffordshire [location_postcode] => [location_region] => [location_country] => GB [location_latitude] => 0 [location_longitude] => 0 [post_content] => [location_owner] => 5 [location_status] => 1 [location_language] => [location_translation] => 0 [owner_anonymous] => [owner_name] => [owner_email] => [post_fields] => Array ( [0] => post_id [1] => location_slug [2] => location_status [3] => location_name [4] => post_content [5] => location_owner ) [location_attributes] => Array ( ) [image_url] => [previous_status] => [ID] => 45571 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_title] => Various Locations [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => various-locations-2 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://discovereaststaffordshire.com/locations/various-locations-2/ [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => location [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [ancestors] => [filter] => raw ) [event_location] => [event_location_deleted] => [bookings] => [contact] => [categories] => EM_Categories Object ( [fields] => Array ( ) [shortnames:protected] => Array ( ) [required_fields] => Array ( ) [feedback_message] => [errors] => Array ( ) [mime_types] => Array ( [1] => gif [2] => jpg [3] => png ) [dynamic_properties:protected] => Array ( ) [is_ms_global:protected] => 1 [meta_key:protected] => event-category [taxonomy:protected] => event-categories [terms_name:protected] => categories [term_class:protected] => EM_Category [ajax_search_action:protected] => search_cats [terms] => Array ( [20] => EM_Category Object ( [fields] => Array ( ) [shortnames:protected] => Array ( ) [required_fields] => Array ( ) [feedback_message] => [errors] => Array ( ) [mime_types] => Array ( [1] => gif [2] => jpg [3] => png ) [dynamic_properties:protected] => Array ( [filter] => raw ) [option_ms_global] => 1 [option_name] => category [id] => 20 [term_id] => 20 [name] => Culture [slug] => culture [term_group] => 0 [term_taxonomy_id] => 20 [taxonomy] => event-categories [description] => [parent] => 0 [count] => 28 [image_url] => [color] => [link] => https://discovereaststaffordshire.com/whats-on/categories/culture/ ) [19] => EM_Category Object ( [fields] => Array ( ) [shortnames:protected] => Array ( ) [required_fields] => Array ( ) [feedback_message] => [errors] => Array ( ) [mime_types] => Array ( [1] => gif [2] => jpg [3] => png ) [dynamic_properties:protected] => Array ( [filter] => raw ) [option_ms_global] => 1 [option_name] => category [id] => 19 [term_id] => 19 [name] => Heritage [slug] => heritage [term_group] => 0 [term_taxonomy_id] => 19 [taxonomy] => event-categories [description] => [parent] => 0 [count] => 50 [image_url] => [color] => [link] => https://discovereaststaffordshire.com/whats-on/categories/heritage/ ) ) [event_id] => 5319 [post_id] => 45569 ) [tags] => [warnings] => [previous_status] => [just_added_event] => [just_disabled_rsvp] => [ID] => 45569 [post_author] => 5 [post_date] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_date_gmt] => 2026-01-08 16:47:54 [post_title] => Abbots Bromley Horn Dance [post_excerpt] => [post_status] => publish [comment_status] => closed [ping_status] => closed [post_password] => [post_name] => abbots-bromley-horn-dance-3 [to_ping] => [pinged] => [post_modified] => 2026-01-08 16:49:17 [post_modified_gmt] => 2026-01-08 16:49:17 [post_content_filtered] => [post_parent] => 0 [guid] => https://discovereaststaffordshire.com/?post_type=event&p=45569 [menu_order] => 0 [post_type] => event [post_mime_type] => [comment_count] => 0 [ancestors] => [filter] => raw [recurrence_id] => [recurrence:EM_Event:private] => 0 [recurrence_interval:EM_Event:private] => [recurrence_freq:EM_Event:private] => [recurrence_byday:EM_Event:private] => [recurrence_days:EM_Event:private] => 0 [recurrence_byweekno:EM_Event:private] => [timeslot_id] => [timeslots:EM_Event:private] => )