LOUD music, lots of bells and a celebration of agriculture – it can only be Plough Play time.
The annual tradition of marking the first working day back on the land after the Christmas break went down a storm in Louth.
The celebration included morris men dancing around a plough and the performance of a play, as well as a specially crowned Plough Queen overseeing the merriment.
The event took place at the Gas Lamp Lounge, in Thames Street, Louth, on Monday and was attended by dozens of people keeping the tradition alive.
Organiser Ian Horsley, of the Grimsby Morris Men, said: "I started with the group in 2003 and haven't looked back since.
"We have been doing Plough Monday for the past 34 years, so it is very much a tradition.
"There are about 40 plough plays throughout Lincolnshire. As well as dancing and performing a small play, we are also raising money for charity.
"This year we are collecting for Grimsby LIVES First Responders, we want to buy it a new defibrillator.
"Plough Monday is always great fun and we look forward to it every year."
In medieval times, Plough Monday represented the start of the new ploughing season and an opportunity to make some money in what was a difficult time of year in agriculture.
A plough was paraded through the streets in the hope that wealthy landlords and businessmen would donate some money to the local farmers.
A play would be performed and anyone who refused to pay would have their doorsteps ploughed up.
Dancer and actor Steve Fuller added: "Plough Monday is the start of the working year after the Christmas break.
"The event does take a lot of organising, but it is well worth it.
"The Plough Jags Play involves several different characters, including a fool, a soldier, an Indian King and a doctor, as well as others.
"This is also the first year we have had a plough queen overseeing everything we are doing.
"We are always looking for new members so if anyone wants to join they should get in touch."
For more information or to donate, call 01469 540378 or e-mail steve@grimsby-mm.fsnet.co.uk
