AN age-old tradition returns to the streets of Maldon tomorrow.
As usual, Molly dancers with blackened faces will form a major part of the annual festivities associated with Plough Monday, and large crowds are again expected to fill High Street.
It dates back to about 1522 and is held to honour the contribution made by the district’s agricultural workers.
Hundreds of years ago the event was used to highlight that if hard-up agricultural workers starved in the lean, winter months, then there would be nothing to eat in the summer.
They played folk music and danced at various spots, following the plough.
They would carry the plough from door to door, dancing in exchange for money or food.
Those who did not contribute would then have their gardens ploughed, with the culprits hidden by their blackened faces.
This year the event, which thankfully no longer involves the churning up of gardens, starts at Hythe Quay at 7.30pm, before continuing up High Street.
Music and dancing is expected to take place outside the Swan Hotel at 8.15pm and All Saints’ Church, where festivities will conclude, at 8.45pm.
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