FESTOONED WITH FLOWERS

Garland Day is an ancient festival of spring that is usually celebrated in the month of May. The custom involves making garlands woven from flowers and foliage to be judged by a panel. In Lewes, East Sussex, the history of the tradition dates back to Victorian times and was recently revived by a local dance group, Knots of May; their name alludes to the tradition of gathering knots of flowers. The ceremony includes a competition for local children to make the prettiest floral garlands, followed by a procession through the streets with dancers and garland carriers.