The Randwick Wap is an ancient procession and festival that dates back to the Middle Ages. It was revived in 1972 by the late Reverend Nial Morrison having been halted due to rowdiness in 1892.

The colourful and musical procession of villagers in traditional costume wends its way from the War Memorial to the Mayor's Pool. The procession is lead by the Mop Man who swishes his wet mop to clear the crowds.

During the procession, the Mayor and Queen are carried shoulder high and escorted by an entourage of Flag-boys, Ladies-in-waiting, Cheese-bearers, Princesses, a Sword-bearer and a Flag-man. The Mayor is dunked in the Mayor's Pool before being doused with spring water. The procession continues to the Well Leaze where two Double Gloucester Cheeses are rolled down the steep slope.

After the procession there are bands playing all afternoon, country dancing, stalls, and entertainments, refreshments and something for everyone.

http://www.randwick.org.uk/Orgs/wap.htm

The Randwick Wap is a colourful procession of costumed villagers led by the Mop Man who wields a wet mop to clear crowds.

The procession travels from the War Memorial to the Mayor’s Pool. The Mayor and Queen are carried shoulder high and escorted by an entourage of flag boys, ladies in waiting, cheese bearers, princesses, a sword bearer and a flag man. However, this dubious honour culminates in a dunking in the pond for the Mayor who is then washed with spring water.

The event finishes with cheese rolling at the Well Leaze. After the procession there are bands, morris dancing, stalls and refreshments.

It is claimed that the Randwick Wap originated 700 years ago when the church was built. The story goes that one of the workmen so enjoyed a liquid supper that his colleagues refreshed him with a visit to the pool. More serious versions link it to priestcraft; or to a Saxon word ‘Wappenshaw�? when the men gathered to show they were ready for battle.

http://outstanding.aonb.org.uk/