Pixie Day

Pixie Day is an old tradition that takes place in Ottery St Mary, England annually on a Saturday in June. [ [http://www.otterytourism.org.uk/events.htm Ottery St Mary Tourist Information Centre] ] The day commemorates the age old legend of Ottery St. Mary's infamous 'Pixies' being banished from the town (where they caused havoc) to the local caves known as 'Pixie's Parlour'.The celebrations begin in the early afternoon when a large fete takes place on the Land of Caanan park including such attractions as coconut shies, raffles, a bar, fire engine displays, pet shows, locally made produce stalls etc.

At 6 p.m. the celebrations focus on Ottery's town square. Hundreds of 'Pixies' (made up of local Cubs and Brownies dressed in pixie attire) capture the St. Mary's church bell ringers and drag them from the church to the square, where a reenactment of the pixies' banishment takes place.

The evening climaxes back in the Land of Canaan where a huge fireworks display takes place.

References