Pony and Trap Racing

From the collection of

Media Archive for Central England
MACE is the strategic lead organisation for screen heritage for the East and West Midlands regions. An independent charity based at University of Lincoln, MACE preserves and makes accessible a collection of more than 100,000 historic moving images representative of the diverse cultures and histories of communities throughout the heart of England from the Lincolnshire coast to the Welsh border.

Pony and Trap Racing

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A Gypsy and Traveller tradition takes to the country lanes of Warwickshire.

Reporter Phil Wardman joins the Gypsy and Traveller community for an early morning gathering at Wolvey in Warwickshire for a race to decide who is the pony and trap king of the road. Davy Jones is up against John Gorman, and people have travelled for miles to witness this unique spectacle.

Traditional traveller pony and trap racing at Wolvey in Warwickshire.


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From the collection

Custom Made: Festivals and Traditions in the Midlands

A tour of the Midlands through its annual customs.
Back in the 6th Century, the Midlands of England were known as The Kingdom of Mercia – ‘Mercia’ being an Old English (or Anglo-Saxon) word for ‘Border Folk’. The long, long history of this region has brought with it a wealth of annual customs and traditions that are enthusiastically anticipated and celebrated by its people. Their origins may be subject to academic debate and general speculation, but they survive year on year – strengthening a community's sense of identity, helping people define who they are. In these films you will see Midlanders in an eclectic variety of settings - gathering together to worship, feast, and dance; play games, race ponies, and stroll through markets. So, whether it’s a Hindu Festival or Sikh celebration, a flower parade or Goose Fair, come, be a tourist and explore the sheer diversity of the border folk of the Midlands.

10 videos in this collection

1

Caribbean Carnival in Leicester

2

Nottingham Goose Fair

3

Leet Medieval Court

4

Damask Rose Ceremony

5

Ashbourne Shrovetide Football

6

Pony and Trap Racing

7

Navaratri Festival in Leicester

8

Lincoln Christmas Market

9

Traditional Village Games

10

Hare Krishna Parade in Handsworth

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