Rose Ash Revel

ROSE ASH REVEL is a popular traditional annual village celebration held in July on the village green in the centre of Rose Ash.

There are some interesting press reports published in the 19th century, although the origins of the Rose Ash Revel are something of a mystery. In past centuries it was known that the day featured a thrilling local custom where a sheep (or a boar) was let loose for men and boys to chase. The animal’s tail was greased in advance to make it difficult to hold, and so whoever caught and held onto it became its possessor. Not so thrilling for the sheep or a boar, and unsurprisingly that tradition has been ‘retired.’ Today the animals who take part in the Revel are usually someone’s family dog entering the village dog show.

These days the Revel is a typical country village fete featuring food, drink, music, and community stalls. Canine visitors will be able to enter a dog show. Human visitors can submit their best efforts to the craft, home-grown produce and baking competitions. Devon cream teas are available in the village hall 'tea room'. Plants, games and tombola stalls line the village green, a licensed bar is especially popular on a hot sunny day and the barbecue is staffed by lads and dads who serve up quality burgers and sausages. Morris Dancers are a special feature and they love performing at the Revel where they show off their outfits and dance techniques to an impressed audience. Live music runs on into the evening, children's races (with prizes) are enthusiastically entered, and some of our very local businesses have stands throughout the day.