Can Ancient Festivals Inspire a More Inclusive Future?

In an age where political and cultural divides often take centre stage, Padstow, a charming coastal town in Cornwall, offers a breath of fresh air with its annual 'Obby 'Oss Festival. As a vibrant celebration of community, history, and tradition, the not-for-profit festival transcends these divisions, providing a blueprint for integrating local customs into modern society.

The 'Obby 'Oss Festival dates back centuries, with its first documented mention in 1803. Its origins remain shrouded in mystery, though it may be connected to the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane or Germanic celebrations during Þrimilci-mōnaþ. Regardless of its beginnings, the festival remains an integral part of Padstow's cultural identity.

Central to the event are the Old 'Oss and Blue Ribbon 'Oss teams, each representing different sections of the town. Participants don white outfits adorned with their respective team's colours and engage in processions featuring the 'Obby 'Oss – a hobby horse constructed from an oval frame draped in black oilskin with a small horse's head attached. The Old 'Oss, or Red 'Oss, is tied to the Golden Lion Inn, while the Blue Ribbon 'Oss has historical links to the Temperance movement. To join the processions, individuals must have family roots in Padstow, emphasizing the importance of local heritage.

Music and dance also play a significant role in the festivities, with accordions, melodeons, and drums providing the soundtrack for the 'May Song' which echoes through the streets to sing in the month of May:

"Unite and unite and let us all unite,

For Summer is a come unto day,

And wither we are going we will all unite,

In the merry morning of May."

At its core, the festival celebrates friendly competition between the Old 'Oss and Blue Ribbon 'Oss teams, fostering a sense of unity and shared identity. This spirit of cooperation not only strengthens bonds within the community but also promotes a more inclusive and diverse society.

The benefits extend beyond fostering social cohesion. Padstow's local economy experiences a boost from increased tourism, as visitors from around the UK and abroad flock to witness this unique spectacle. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, benefit from the influx of patrons.

It offers valuable lessons for modern society. As people become more disconnected from their roots, the festival provides a model for how communities can use folk traditions to promote social unity and celebrate their shared cultural heritage. This sense of belonging can inspire individuals to take pride in their local customs, creating an environment where diversity is embraced and valued.

In a world where liberalism is often associated with individualism and globalization, the 'Obby 'Oss Festival provides a refreshing counterpoint. It demonstrates how deeply rooted traditions can coexist with modern values, fostering a sense of community across all ages and shared identity without sacrificing the principles of openness and inclusivity.

As communities around the world seek ways to address the challenges of contemporary society, they can look to Padstow for inspiration. By promoting a spirit of cooperation and shared heritage, local traditions can become powerful tools for fostering social cohesion and bridging the gap between the past and the present.

St Ives in Cambridgeshire, with its rich history and notable figures including Oliver Cromwell and Sir Clive Sinclair, could serve as the ideal venue for a modern folk festival. A new "Digital Festival" could be centred around a milestone in the town's history the collective endeavour leading to the creation of the Sinclair Executive Calculator. This innovation marked a significant turning point, bringing advanced technology within reach of the everyday person.

The festival would serve as a lively commemoration of this pivotal moment in technology. Designed to have a broad appeal that spans multiple generations, it would honour our shared heritage. Harnessing the power of nostalgia, it aims to attract local, national, and international attention. In addition, it would stimulate extensive media coverage and academic interest, while securing sponsorships that contribute to its sustainability and growth.

With these elements in place, St Ives could play host to a festival that not only appreciates its historical significance but also unites people in a celebration of innovation and shared heritage. Much like Padstow's 'Obby 'Oss Festival, this modern festival could create a synergistic blend of tradition and modernity, crafting an inclusive space that honours the past while eagerly embracing the future.