The English Ale (Ale meaning singing, dancing, drinking and making merry) is a seasonal gathering to celebrate the customs and ritual traditions from the British Isles that still survive today.

It began in the Adelaide Hills as a general ‘folk’ gathering with much singing and making merry around the local pub and hall in Macclesfield. As time progressed other aspects were added – the burning of a wicker man, a Morris processional, and a barn dance in the local hall. The next event will be held in Mylor on Saturday 4 May with workshops fro\m 11.30am, entertainment beginning at 1pm and an evening concert with music, singing and dancing.

A few words from the event website:

“The first of our winter rains has come; in the Adelaide Hills the creeks and streams trickle and begin to run, the European trees have lost their leaves and the beautiful eucalypts shimmer in the early winter sunshine. The seasons are changing.
We have farewelled another dry, hot summer – the land that was so parched and dry is now is coming back to life as we move into the green. The leafy faces of green men peek out from behind the trees as King George and his mummers players ring their bell to summon all to gather. A bonfire is built with a wicker man waiting to fire the night, masked guisers in rag coats beat their drums to lead you along the path while we await the Morris dancers with their bells, sticks and hankies to accompany the giants Petal, Rufus and Tanis, to the lighting of our ritual fire. The English Ale is coming and the Spirit of Albion lives on!”

The English Ale is organised by like-minded ‘Anglophiles’ who are passionate and proud of these living customs and want to see them continue and survive in this far away land of Australia, while still honouring this beautiful land we live on.

For more information click here.

With the most accommodation options in the Adelaide Hills, the Haus Group provides a variety of Hahndorf accommodation properties right in the heart of Hahndorf perfectly located to participate in The English Ale.

Book your accommodation now to avoid missing out. Click here.