HUNDREDS of people flocked to watch Moulton’s famous crowmen dance through the village streets.

The crowmen paraded to the Queen Elizabeth 2nd Jubilee playing field for the annual Moulton Crow Fair, a popular free event which was fortunately spared the rain which had fallen during the morning.

The highlight of the afternoon’s arena events was the crow dance, which is performed by the men of the village, who wear head-to-toe black with yellow beaks and whose identities are never revealed.

The dance is a tradition believed to date back to the 1920s when Moultoners were laid off from the salt works and performed at fetes and fairs across the area for prize money.

The arena events began with maypole dancing from Moulton Rainbows, and included a new attraction, a tug of war contest between village pubs which was won by the Lion.

The fair organisers are inviting teams from outside the village to enter next year’s competition, and anyone who is interested is asked to email Moultonevents@hotmail.co.uk.

There were stalls and games, and during the evening music from Hoodwinked at the Crowfest.

The organisers are also inviting expressions of interest from people interested in putting on an alcoholic and non-alcoholic bar service on the day, hot food and cold food and ice cream.

The contracts would be for three years, and anyone interested should contact the same email address as above.

“It rained and drizzled all morning until 12.30pm, when it dried out and stayed dry for the rest of the day,” said crow fair events committee secretary Angela Capstick.

“Despite the poor weather we had between 500 and 800 people at the fair, and would like to thank everyone who came along and hope they enjoyed it.”

Angela thanked to Bovis Homes for its continued financial support, Gee Transport, Altrincham for the Crowfest stage, Dave Wakefield Maintenance for sponsoring the generator, Alex Ehlen, photographer on the day and organiser of the scarecrow trail and Moulton Parish Council for granting permission to use the field.

It is hoped to put on a fireworks display at next year’s event.