ANSTY VILLAGE MAY DAY 2025
May Day Flyer – final copy 7-Mar-25
ANSTY MAY DAY 2025
Bank Holiday Monday May 5th – 1pm until 5pm, Ansty High Street
May Day originally marked the return of summer and the encouragement of fertile crops. Ansty’s charming yearly celebration, with its origins dating back hundreds of years, continues the tradition. In the late 16th century, the Arundells of Wardour Castle bought the Manor of Ansty and they provided the Maypole, encouraging their tenants’ children to dance round it on 1st May. The tradition has remained ever since, except during the Commonwealth period 1644-1660, when Oliver Cromwell forbade all forms of music and entertainment. Happily, it was revived at the Restoration in 1660. The Maypole is in the same position to this day and traditionally cut from Wardour woods. The current 50-foot pole replaced a 98-foot pole, thought to be the second tallest in England, which was blown down by a gale in 1993.
All are welcome to join the festivities around the Maypole to watch the talented young Maypole dancers and the procession and crowning of the May Queen and her attendant. Enjoy live music, Morris dancers, stalls, a raffle, a licensed bar and hot food.
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