Paper short abstract:

The Randwick Wap, England, provides an example of a folk custom that both evolves to represent the contemporary community, while tying it to a point in the past. Through interviews, oral histories, and observation I will examine and present how the Wap has contributed to the village community.

Paper long abstract:

This paper presents one of the rural folk customs that is central to my research, examining folk customs in southwest England and their relationship to the communities in which they take place. The Randwick Wap, held in Randwick, Gloucestershire, was revived in 1972 following its cessation at the end of the 19th century due to accusations of licentious behaviour and waning interest. The custom celebrated the 50th anniversary of its revival in 2022 and has evolved from the somewhat homogenised revived Wap of the 1970s into an event that celebrates the community of Randwick in a distinct way. I will examine the ways that the Wap has changed since its revival in order to continue as a custom that celebrates the changes to the village, while providing a tether to heritage.

My research is being conducted through oral histories and qualitative interviews with organisers, participants, and attendees as well as field work observations of the Wap and its contemporary format. I will explore why it continues to be an important part of the cultural calendar, and how it has become entwined with the village’s identity. The Wap provides an example of how folk customs can provide a temporary alternative to modern life, and also serve to create and strengthen local community. By using first-hand accounts from those directly involved in the custom, I will place the focus directly onto the community and use their words to best explain the ongoing importance of this custom and others like it.