THE weird and wonderful aspects of English folklore will be showcased in a new exhibition in Whitehaven.

Mummers, Maypoles and Milkmaids: A Journey Through the Ritual Year is a thought-provoking photographic exhibition by award-winning artist Sara Hannant, celebrating regional rituals, colourful costumed processions and strange symbolic dramatisations which mark the changing seasons.

Ranging from traditional English dances to unique fire ceremonies, these striking photos will be on show at The Beacon Museum for two months from Friday November 4.

Highlights include the Lions Part by members of the Original Shakespeare Company, who rejoice on the Bankside in London on the Twelfth Night, to the folk of Yorkshire who celebrate "Imbolc" with the festival of fire. This colourful display is sure to enlighten and inspire visitors with the mystery and charm of traditional English ritual.

There will also be a range of interactive activities related to the exhibition for museum visitors to enjoy, including talks from local historians on specifically Cumbrian customs and folklore, workshops for kids centred on English dance and musical tradition, and a taste of one of Cumbria’s oldest and weirdest traditions - gurning.

Elizabeth Kwasnik, director of The Beacon Museum, says: "English folklore and heritage is so rich and diverse, and this special touring exhibition gives people the chance to see some fascinating photographs of the more unusual customs from around the country.

"With the clocks going back and the dark nights rolling in, it’s the perfect time to think about the different ways local communities mark the changing of the seasons."

Mummers, Maypoles & Milkmaids will be open from November 4 to January 8, and admission is included in the museum's standard entry.