In the lead up to the Wap nominees seek to gain votes from parishioners. This concludes with the Wap Queen, and village Mayor being chosen by the community in a secret ballot.. The declaration of the queen and mayor, happens at the Chusin’In in March. The results are declared throughout the village for all to hear. The other personalities include the High Sheriff, The Flag Bearer, The Sword Bearer and of course the Mop Man or Maiden.

On the first Sunday of May three Double Gloucester cheeses are honoured and blessed during Spring Service, “Bless-ed is the Cheese” The cheeses are then “mystically” rolled “widdershins” (anti-clockwise) around the church yard. One is broken up and eaten that day and the other two saved for predicting the coming growing season by the Queen and Mayor both rolling them down the Well Lease three times each the following Saturday, Wap day.

The main focus of the day is the procession. The personalities and the entourage and onlookers gather at the village War Memorial. The Mayor and Queen are officially cried in, before proceeding down the hill where they are anointed in the Mayors Pool. The Bless-ed Cheeses are rolled downhill three times before the procession finishes on the village green. Accompanied by music and dancing the whole way. It is a rare sight to behold.

The merry making continues on the village green as it did in the 1700’s., with a mixed family event. There is staged music, from local musicians,. Cooked food, Welly Wang and coconut shy are presented by local charities and businesses. Cream teas, cake and ice cream. Activities and traditional crafts, for all ages,. A multi category dog show and yes, a beer tent. Please see the order of the day to see what’s occurring at this year’s #Wap23.