Dancing on Boxing Day is a major part of the Little Egypt tradition

In the beginning:

is a gathering at Squire Neville's pad. His style of furnishing is learned from Saddam Hussein. He also lays on excellent beer and nibbles.

At a pre-ordained moment (normally when the mulled wine runs out), the men undertake the symbolic ritual of "belling up" before processing through the village - but not before photos have been taken.
The grins tell all

The procession leads the side from Parry Towers to the Black Lion, the spiritual (and wines and ales) home of the side.

As always, a goodly crowd turned out this year to witness the foot-perfect exposition of this branch of Terpsichore.
Then Little Egypt turned up and pranced about with their usual energy and humour ...

Actually, the crowd seemed to be a little larger than usual this year ...

... possibly reinforced by members of the Probation Service making sure that tagging rules were not being ignored by any old lags.

Little Egypt has always been fortunate in the number of supporters it can rely on.

Founder Fred, for instance, retired from the side years ago, but is still let out on special occasions.

And it is really good to see that John "I'm Only Dancing" Aldous has not thrown away his kit

and that he is still willing to share his knowledge of the Art with those who Wish To Learn

Just in case anyone thought this was an informal occasion when the dancing was not taken too seriously ...

... this picture of Neville At Speed (should that be "On"?) shows just how seriously Little Egypt respect their tradition.
Incidentally, the observant among you will recognise another welcome "returnee" in the shape of Mark Mikurenda.

Another Little Egypt tradition is that the dancing always includes "Steamboat", danced to the tune of "The Battle of New Orleans"

Bob Farmer loves this dance because it reminds him so proudly of home.

The third part of the Boxing Day tradition occurs inside the pub, with the performance by the Little Egypt/Stour ValleyMummers

There is always a short interlude while costume and make up is donned, and more beer is consumed.

Again, careful examination of this shot also shows Sir "Wardsworth" Ward at play, and Eric Shinn enjoying himself.

As I write this (29 December) I am still waiting for a full account, cast list and more pictures

Careful analysis of this picture, however, suggests, that the play was again "The Martyrdom of St Edmund", and that Sir Jukes was typecast yet again as Guthrum.

Sebastian Dangerfield was as accurate as ever in his estimate that this was the second year the play had been performed

Mark was amazed to see just how far the institution of the Mummers Play (which he instigated) has developed.

Another tradition was honoured later in the afternoon with an appearance by Dame Gordons Gin

Dame Gilbey is best known for her rendition of "The White Cliffs are Sober", and her paeon in praise of Snoek, "Whale Meat Again"

Unfortunately, Dame Booths also has a reputation for pressing her favours on all sorts of innocents

Luckily, Newman, fresh from his experiences in Belgium was not easily fooled.

As you can tell, I think, despite several notable absences - exactly what does Framlingham have to offer? - a jolly good time was had by all.
Thanks and best wishes to everyone.