The ‘Obby ‘Oss is released from its stable in the Hotel early in the morning and, accompanied by drumming, dances first around the harbour and then throughout the town attempting to catch girls and young women. The Red ‘Obby ‘Oss – known as the “Old” ‘Oss – looks like a black caped animal with a mask and represents a stallion.

The climax of the festival is the dance of the ‘Obby ‘Oss around the Maypole, and is preceded by the dance of the “Wee ‘Oss”, a smaller ‘Oss operated by children.