STRANGE MAY DAY REVELS
1 THE HUNTING OF THE EARL OF RONE, COMBE MARTIN, DEVON.
Possibly one of the strangest things to happen in Britain, this event is based on a fictional chapter of ‘history’, this year held from 26-29 May. A fool and a hobby horse, accompanied by grenadiers, search the village for the Earl of Tyrone. He is finally captured, mounted on a donkey and paraded through the village, repeatedly shot and revived, shot one last time, taken to the beach and thrown in the sea.
2 ’OBBY ’OSS’, PADSTOW, CORNWALL
On 1 May two groups of dancers - each lead by a stylised ’Oss – the Old Oss and the Blue Ribbon Oss – dance through the town, attempting to catch young maidens. The two ’osses meet at the maypole, then return to their respective ‘stables’ at The Golden Lion and the Padstow Institute.
3 JACK IN THE GREEN, ROCHESTER SWEEPS FESTIVAL, KENT
In the 17th century the making of garlands for May Day inspired so much competition that the greenery eventually covered the entire person – who became a 9-foot tall Jack in the Green. Recently revived after the Victorians tried to kill it off, a number of Jack in the Green events are re-emerging in the 21st century. The Rochester Sweeps festival runs from 29 April until 1 May.
4 CASTLETON GARLAND, PEAK DISTRICT
Elements of beating the bounds, Oak Apple Day (a commemoration of the restoration of Charles II in 1660) and traditional spring festival all appear to collide in this colourful ceremony, usually held on 29 May. A beehive shaped head-dress, covered with wildflowers and greenery, is worn over the head and shoulders of the Garland King, who is dressed in Stuart costume. There is a parade and dancing, accompanied by girls from the village school. The Garland, now separated from its wearer, is hoisted up the church tower and impaled on the pinnacle. Maypole dancing rounds off the big day. The tune used for the procession is similar to that of Helston’s The Faddy.