A relatively new element of FolkWeek, a quirky and fun celebration of the hobby horses and other representations of animals involved in traditional dance

Sidmouth Herald: A prizewinning entrant of the Sidmouth Horse TrialsA prizewinning entrant of the Sidmouth Horse Trials (Image: Contributed)

Now in its third year, the already semi-legendary Sidmouth Horse Trials brings a hugely entertaining strand of eccentricity to the fun of Sidmouth FolkWeek.

An all-comers event for hobby horses, unicorns, goats, morris animals and other Beasts of Disguise, the horse trials celebrate the ‘beasts’ that are integral to ritual dance traditions in the United Kingdom and beyond.

Beasts compete for a coveted trophy created and donated by Aardman Animations, home of Wallace & Gromit, Shaun The Sheep, Morph and more, to be awarded to the Sidmouth FolkWeek Best Beast!

The Aardman Award has been designed by long-time Sidmouth FolkWeek fan Peter Lord, who will once again present the trophy to the winning beast!

The event place at The Hub, on Sunday, August 5, at 1.30pm, under the expert direction of Master of the Sidmouth Horse Trials, Stephen Rowley.

For further details, including rules for entrants, visit https://www.facebook.com/Sidmouth-Horse-Trials-1750717138508302/