Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes

Originally the Wake was a church occasion, attached to the patronal festival of St. Chad. Overtime the Wakes became a holiday, at first going on for perhaps 3 days and later extending to a week.  The patronal festival of St Chad is March 2nd, and originally the Wake would be held near that date.

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A poster dated 1819 depicts races held over 3 days in March, including a race for a New Saddle & Bridle, A Doubled-Mile 'Smoaking' Race for a pound of good tobacco, and a Foot Race for a money prize.  But by the 1920's they had petered out.

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In 1995 the then chairman of the WTPT found some old documents referring to the Wakes and the incidents leading to their demise.  It seemed they had gained a reputation for gluttony, drinking and rowdyism.  Men charged with crimes such as horse stealing would plead that they had been at Wybunbury Wakes.  The final straw was a brawl at the Boars Head Inn when a man was killed.

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It was agreed that the Wakes would be revived, especially as the oldest resident in the village could just about recall the last Fig Pie Wakes, and she had the recipe for the pies.

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Our event is now held in early Summer usually the first Saturday in June.  The main event is the Fig Pie Race, when pies are rolled down Main Road from nearby the Lych gate, the furthest pie wins.  There are also stalls, entertainment, music, food and Tower tours.

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To take part you can buy a recipe (this doubles as your entry form) from Wybunbury Stores.  Registration takes place on the day at the Lych gate.

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To support our amazing event local businesses can display banners on the crowd control barriers, please click here for more information.