A new event re-enacting the tradition of ‘beating the bounds’ is to be held in Burnham-On-Sea today (Saturday, April 26th).
The fun family event will see local dignitaries and residents taking part in a re-enactment of the tradition where the parish boundaries are walked.
Beating the bounds is an ancient custom still observed in many English and Welsh parishes where members of communities walk the boundaries of the parish, usually led by the parish priest and church officials, to share the knowledge of where they lay, and to pray for protection.
Organiser Gaynor Brown said Burnham’s event will have the unique addition of people in dragon costumes.
She told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We assume that since this event always happened on the Saturday closest to St Crispin’s Day it must have regularly clashed with St George’s Day. Hence, why we are including some costumed dragons too!”
“Instead of mummers, we will have our own youth groups creating the monsters to accost the beaters. Local dignitaries will lead the parade with Burnham’s Town Crier out front.”
The event will begin at St Andrew’s Church at 2pm and will be followed by a 90-minute walk around part of the parish boundary, finishing back at the church.
