Villagers turned out in force in the bleak midwinter to celebrate the shortest day and the turning point towards spring with a traditional performance by the Rendham Mummers.

Beneath the illuminated “sacred oak” on the Rendham Knoll, the mummers presented their Dickensian play A Mummers’ Christmas Carol.

The group did not fail to disappoint as they lived up to their reputation of “being never knowingly over rehearsed”, delivering an interpretation of this much loved festive tale in their unique and inimitable style.

Smoke, an arch of fire, and flaming torches accompanied the procession of the straw cart down to Rendham White Horse to keep at bay the night of spirits and ghosts.

The mummers thanked everyone for their support and help in raising £750 for the Ipswich Outreach Bus.

The group will celebrate the summer solstice eve, on Thursday, June 21 at Sweffling White Horse.