The annual election of the Mayor of Ock Street took place today in Abingdon-on-Thames. The Mayor leads the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, and the election is traditionally held on the Saturday nearest to 19 June.

The day began with the polling boxes being placed outside the Brewery Tap. All residents and workers of Ock Street and its side streets, together with all Morris dancers, are entitled to vote.

The dancers and their followers processed between the various venues, beginning at the Brewery Tap. By the time they reached the Abbey Gateway they were ahead of schedule (something almost unheard of). However, rain at the Broad Face soon restored normal service, and slowed progress.

Three Morris sides took part in the day’s celebrations: the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers,

Summertown Morris,

and Oxford City and University Morris.

A very good lunch was provided at St Ethelwold’s House, where hats were piled high in traditional Morris fashion.

The teams then visited Cooper’s Tavern, which opens for just one hour each year for this very occasion, where they danced for their beer, generously provided thanks to Pam and Aleck.

Voting continued throughout the day, with the Morris dancers and former dancers being the last to cast their ballots.

The two candidates were Rob Charlton, Mayor of Ock Street from 2024 to 2025,

and Harry Knight, who has now served as Mayor of Ock Street on ten occasions. Harry Knight was elected once again.

The result was announced by Stuart Jackson, President of the Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers. The Mayor of Abingdon, Cllr Andrew Skinner, congratulated the winner and presented him with the sash, swords and cup of office.

The Morris dancers then chaired Harry Knight along Ock Street.

The celebrations continued with more Morris dancing, and in one dance Harry Knight was lifted high off the ground by the dancers.