In Whittlesey, Cambridgeshire, a man covered from head to toe in straw ? the 'straw bear' ? is paraded through the streets, accompanied by 250 dancers, musicians and performers, while in Ottery St Mary, Devon, a crowd gathers as townspeople hoist barrels of flaming tar on to their shoulders and carry them until they are too hot to handle. Award-winning photographer Sara Hannant has travelled the length and breadth of the country, capturing the seemingly bizarre regional rituals ? costumed processions, symbolic dramatizations, traditional dances and fire ceremonies ? that mark the changing seasons and celebrate nature's bounty. Many of these customs claim an ancient origin, and are kept alive today by local communities. Hannant's vibrant images reflect her keen eye for the unexpected, offering a captivating and surprising glimpse of contemporary 'Merrie England'. AUTHOR: Sara Hannant has been a freelance photographer for more than 20 years. She was awarded Resurgence magazine's photography prize in 2006, and her social documentary work has appeared in the Sunday Times, The Guardian and Time Out, among other publications. SELLING POINTS: ? An entertaining album of over 50 folk rituals performed across the country, from Cornwall to Northumberland, throughout the year ? More than 100 colour photographs accompanied by illuminating captions tracing the history and significance of each ritual ? A celebration of English eccentricity that will appeal to anyone interested in folklore, tradition and national heritage 100 colour illustrations
