Tidza Wakes 80 Years

This year we are CELEBRATING the 80th Anniversary of the revival of Tideswell Wakes. After the war in 1946, Tideswell saw the revival of Wakes as we now know it. Although Wakes Weeks have been celebrated here for approximately 750 years, it has now become an important part of our village calendar.

The well established Tideswell Wakes and Well Dressings have seen many changes through the years, but are still using many of the traditions started 80 years ago. Originally a Wake was a prayer vigil often associated with the patron saint of the local church. Gradually in the 19th and 20th centuries it became a secular summer holiday, particularly in the industrial north of England and Scotland. This holiday tradition has now almost disappeared, but not in Tidza!

As our church is dedicated to St John the Baptist, traditionally we celebrate our Wakes Week in the last full week of June which includes his birth date, June 24th. Carnival day is always the last Saturday of the month, so, this year it will be on June 27th.

In 1946, after a lapse of over 50 years, Oliver Shimwell, the local headmaster, revived the tradition of dressing wells. He was possibly the foremost exponent of the craft. Under his expert direction a team produced many great well dressings, not only for our village. He created well dressings which have twice graced Dean’s Yard at Westminster Abbey and another for the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. After he retired, Paul Fletcher, who had learned the craft from him, took over. In turn he passed the baton on to Elaine Chapman. Last year the well was designed by Barbara Hickey and executed by a dedicated team of villagers. People now come to stay in the village just to take part in the making of the floral dressing. Tideswell is noted for the impeccable execution of magnificent designs. The Carnival continues to be a vibrant, colourful and musical celebration of community spirit and creativity, attracting visitors and locals alike to enjoy all the festivities, It is now a regular fixture on the Derbyshire summer events calendar.

Tideswell has seen many events during Wakes Week. Over the years it has included Horse Racing, Athletics, Skittling for a Pig, Comedy Football, Cricket Matches and Tug of War. And there were races for waitresses, prams, beer barrels and even pancakes!! In the early days of Wakes one event was called Trotting with Sulkies! This was a highly skilled horse and 2 wheeled cart race, with very strict rules. Our Wakes is a testament to Tideswell’s rich history and its commitment to preserving its rural heritage.

This year Carnival Day will be on Saturday 27th June, so there’s plenty of time to get involved and organise your fancy dress with family, friends or work colleagues. It can seem like a daunting prospect if it is your first time, it doesn’t need to be complicated or elaborate, and it’s the taking part that counts. Members of the Wakes committee are here to help and give you any advice you may require. There are also a large number of “Carnival Veterans” in the community who we are sure will be happy to help steer a “newbie” in the right direction, remember, they all had a “first time” too! Taking part in Carnival is fun and exciting for people of all ages, it’s wonderful to see new people and groups joining in.

Once again, in this our 80th year you are all invited to decorate your house, street or business, make a scarecrow or an amusing washing line. Following the success of the Advent Windows in Tideswell, we invite you to create a “Wakes Window” to be on display by Saturday 20th June. But do let us know your location by 13th June so you’re included in our “Tidza Trail of Creativity”.