Historic Dunmow Flitch Trials postponed until next year

A traditional Essex ceremony dating back 900 years has been postponed a year by the Covid-19 outbreak.

The Dunmow Flitch Trial sees couples compete for a flitch or side of bacon by proving their devotion to each other.

The trials take place in a Leap Year, so happen every four years. The last time they had to be postponed was during the Second World War, when the trial didn't take place.

The tradition is even mentioned in Chaucer's Wife of Bath tale dating from the 14th century.

This year's event has been moved forward a year to July 10 2021.

Organisers said the flitch trials had survived despite the Black Death, the Plague, Smallpox, Polio, and now Covid-19.

The Dunmow Flitch Trials exist to award a flitch of bacon to married couples from anywhere in the world, if they can satisfy the Judge and Jury of 6 maidens and 6 bachelors that in 'twelvemonth and a day', they have 'not wisht themselves unmarried again'.

All tickets already bought will be automatically carried forward to July 2021, however if anyone wants a refund, please send an email to info@dunmowflitchtrials.co.uk with your name andcontact phone number and Ticket Supervisor, Bernie Taffs, will get in touch.

You can find out more about the ancient ceremony here