Straw Jack, an effigy created to mark the end of the harvest, will be paraded through the streets as a group of traditionalists continue attempts to revive an old pagan ritual.

The Carshalton Straw Jack Procession will be returning to Carshalton tomorrow.

The Straw Man, or Jack, is traditionally made from the last straw of the harvest and, after a full day of dancing and revelry, the Straw Jack will be set alight in order to mark the traditional end of the agricultural year and the autumn equinox. T

he event is part of a nationwide revival of folk culture that seeks to restore traditional customs.

The procession is now in its 10th year and will feature about 30 to 40 participants including musicians, drummers and followers dressed in colourful, rural costumes pausing at six pubs or, as the organisers put it, the Straw Jack will “stop off at several of Carshalton’s finer hostelries to take restorative libations.”

Straw Jack will begin his march at about noon at the Duke’s Head in Wallington Green and end at about 5pm at the Hope in West Street, Carshalton.

What began as a means of having fun with friends has become an established tradition involving many in the community.

Rodger Molyneux, one of the event’s organisers, said: “This is a celebration of both man and nature – plus we have a nice bit of bread and beer.

“It is a secular celebration of the harvest and allows individuals to get involved in the fun if they wish.”

The event is similar to harvest celebrations held across the country in which procession members carry straw men, straw bears, straw wolves and even straw giants.

During these celebrations the straw figures are often beaten out of town, thrown into water or, as in this case, set on fire.

Other characters such as the Sweepers, the Corn Dollies and the Reaper Man will also be at the celebration.