The Kraken

Western Road

The Kraken is a legendary Scandinavian sea monster, described as a colossal, tentacled creature, often a giant squid or octopus, capable of sinking ships and creating massive, deadly whirlpools. Originating in 12th-century Norse folklore, these tales likely stem from sightings of real giant squid that can grow over 40 feet long. 

Freya 

Lewes Old Grammar School

Inspired by Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, beauty and magic, this costume draws on some of the most iconic symbols associated with her in mythology. Freyja is often depicted wearing a magnificent jewelled necklace and travelling in a chariot pulled by two cats. She is also accompanied by a golden wild boar and possesses a magical cloak of falcon feathers, which allows its wearer to transform into a falcon and soar through the skies. In the Norse afterlife, Freyja is said to welcome fallen warriors to her great feast hall, making her one of the most powerful and revered figures in Norse legend.

oShun

East Hoathly

Inspired by Oshun, the Yoruba river goddess of Nigeria, this costume celebrates a powerful figure associated with rivers, beauty, abundance and cooperation. In Yoruba tradition, Oshun played a vital role in the creation of the world: when the male gods attempted to create it without her, their efforts failed, and harmony was only achieved when they welcomed her contribution. Often represented in flowing yellow and gold garments, Oshun is closely connected to rivers, honey, gold and mirrors, all symbols of prosperity, sweetness and reflection. 

Sun Wokung, the monkey king

Ringmer

Inspired by Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Chinese folklore, this costume brings to life one of the most famous heroes in the classic tale Journey to the West. A skilled warrior, Sun Wukong is known for wielding a magical black iron staff with golden bands at each end, as well as wearing armour and a distinctive helmet. Famous for his mischievous nature and clever tricks, he was eventually punished and imprisoned beneath a mountain. Later freed, he undertook a new role as the protector of a monk travelling to India in search of sacred Buddhist texts. 

Cyclops 

Firle & Laughton

Inspired by the Cyclopes of Greek mythology, this costume represents the legendary giant one-eyed beings who appear in some of the most famous ancient Greek stories. In the works of Hesiod, the Cyclopes were three powerful brothers; Brontes, Steropes and Arges, renowned as master craftsmen who forged the mighty thunderbolt of Zeus, the trident of Poseidon and the Helm of Darkness of Hades. Other tales, including Homer’s Odyssey, describe the Cyclopes as giant shepherds who lived in caves, the most famous being Polyphemus, whom the hero Odysseus encounters on his travels. These mythical giants were also said to possess such immense strength that they built the enormous stone walls of ancient cities such as Mycenae and Tiryns. 

Maui 

Iford & Kingston

Inspired by Māui, the great hero of Māori, Hawaiian and other Polynesian traditions, this costume celebrates one of the most famous figures in Pacific mythology. Known as both a clever trickster and a brave warrior, Māui is credited with many extraordinary feats, including bringing fire to humanity, raising islands from the sea and shaping the world through his adventures. He is often associated with a magical fish hook, which features prominently in many of his legendary exploits, and with intricate tattoos that reflect his strength, heritage and achievements. 

Phoenix 

Plumpton 

Inspired by the Phoenix, a legendary bird found in Greek, Egyptian and Persian traditions and later adopted into Christian symbolism, this costume represents one of the world's most enduring symbols of renewal and rebirth. According to legend, when a phoenix dies, its mate creates a funeral pyre and burns the body, from whose ashes a tiny worm emerges and gradually grows into a new phoenix. Often depicted in brilliant shades of red, gold and purple and surrounded by flames, the phoenix embodies faithfulness, transformation and the cycle of life. 

King Arthur 

Chailey Heritage 

Inspired by King Arthur, the legendary ruler of Britain, this costume draws on some of the most famous stories of Arthurian legend. Arthur is known for pulling the Sword in the Stone, proving his right to be king, and for receiving the magical sword Excalibur from the mysterious Lady of the Lake. His tales are filled with brave knights, grand castles and the wisdom of the magician Merlin, who guided him throughout his reign. Remembered as a noble and righteous hero, Arthur became a symbol of courage, justice and wise leadership. Legend says that he has not truly gone, but will one day return when Britain needs him most, making him a lasting figure of hope and inspiration.

Long Man of Wilmington & Sussex pharisees

Hamsey

Inspired by Sussex folklore, this costume celebrates the Long Man of Wilmington, one of the county’s most famous landmarks, alongside the mischievous fairy folk known as the Pharisees. According to local legend, the Long Man once stood atop Windover Hill, enjoying the birdsong, wildflowers and grazing sheep of the South Downs. One day, he challenged a giant on nearby Firle Beacon to a game of throwing rocks. Distracted during the contest, the Long Man was struck and fell onto the hillside, leaving behind the enormous outline that can still be seen today. Accompanying him are the Pharisees, tiny fairy-like creatures from Sussex folklore, recognised by their long noses and playful nature. Said to inhabit ancient sites such as Harrow Hill, Cissbury Ring and Selmeston, they were known for causing mischief and leading unsuspecting travellers into trouble. Together, these figures bring to life some of Sussex’s most distinctive and enduring local legends.

Blodeuwedd and Lleu

Iford & Kingston

Inspired by the Welsh legend of Blodeuwedd, this costume brings to life one of the most captivating stories from the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. Blodeuwedd was magically created from the flowers of oak, broom and meadowsweet, and was renowned for her beauty. Her story is closely linked to themes of love, trust and betrayal, and to the sun-associated hero Lleu Llaw Gyffes, who wielded a mighty spear and was transformed into an eagle. Following a series of dramatic events, Blodeuwedd herself was transformed into an owl, a creature that remains strongly associated with her legend. This costume celebrates a tale that has echoed across Britain for centuries, exploring the importance of respect, equality and understanding in relationships, while drawing on the powerful imagery of flowers, birds and transformation.

Anansi

Wallands

Inspired by Anansi, the famous spider trickster of West African and Caribbean folklore, this costume celebrates a character whose stories have been shared for generations across continents. Anansi is known for his cleverness, quick thinking and ability to outwit both friends and foes, including rivals such as Tiger and Cockroach. Although often mischievous, his adventures frequently carry important lessons about human nature and the value of wisdom. In one well-known tale, Anansi attempts to keep all the world’s wisdom for himself by hiding it in a pot, only to learn that true wisdom comes from sharing knowledge with others. 

Neptune

Barcombe

Inspired by Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, this costume celebrates one of the most powerful deities of the ancient world. Neptune ruled over the oceans, freshwater springs, horses and even earthquakes, and was the Roman counterpart of the Greek god Poseidon. As the brother of Jupiter, king of the gods, and Pluto, ruler of the underworld, he held a central place in Roman mythology. Often depicted carrying a mighty trident and travelling across the waves in a chariot drawn through the sea, Neptune symbolised the immense power and mystery of the natural world. 

The Knucker 

South Malling 

Inspired by the Knucker Dragon of Sussex folklore, this costume celebrates one of the county’s most distinctive and unusual legendary creatures. The Knucker was said to be a great water dragon that lived in a deep pool known as a knuckerhole, lurking beneath the surface and inspiring tales for generations. Unlike many dragon stories, the Knucker was not defeated by strength or heroic combat, but by clever thinking: according to local legend, it was tricked into eating a poisoned Sussex pie. This costume draws on the dragon’s serpentine form while also celebrating local traditions, from the famous Sussex pie to the woodlands where the poisonous mushrooms used in the tale were said to be gathered. It is a story of wit overcoming brute force, rooted firmly in the landscape, folklore and heritage of Sussex.

Hercules 

Southover  

Inspired by Heracles (known to the Romans as Hercules), this costume celebrates one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology. The son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, Heracles was famed for his extraordinary strength, courage and determination. He is best known for completing the legendary Twelve Labours, a series of seemingly impossible tasks that tested both his physical power and his ingenuity. These included defeating fearsome creatures such as the Nemean Lion, the many-headed Hydra and Cerberus, the guardian of the underworld, as well as capturing magnificent beasts, cleaning the vast Augean stables and retrieving the golden Apples of the Hesperides. Through these remarkable adventures, Heracles became a symbol of perseverance, bravery and triumph over adversity, making him one of the most enduring figures in classical mythology.