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Hemswell's 400-Year May Day Tradition Lives On
4 May
Summary
- Hemswell village has upheld a May Day tradition for nearly four centuries.
- An 18m tall maypole is the focal point for annual celebrations.
- Morris dancers and a May Queen highlighted this year's festivities.
Hemswell, a Lincolnshire village, has vibrantly observed its nearly 400-year-old May Day tradition, which took place on the recent first May bank holiday. Villagers gathered around the village's static 18-meter (59ft) tall maypole for the annual celebration. The event included a captivating performance by the Grimsby Morris Dancers, who expressed their enjoyment of participating in the festivities year after year.
Further adding to the festive atmosphere, a May bonnet competition was held, and a local schoolgirl was proudly crowned the May Queen. Younger participants also contributed to the spectacle, with twelve children dancing around the maypole in traditional attire. This long-standing event was meticulously organized by the Hemswell & Harpswell Village Hall Committee, comprised entirely of enthusiastic volunteers dedicated to preserving this historical custom.
