May Day is a European festival of ancient origins marking the beginning of summer, usually celebrated on May 1, around halfway between the spring equinox and summer solstice.
Traditions often include gathering wildflowers and green branches, weaving floral garlands, crowning a May Queen, and setting up a Maypole, May Tree or May Bush, around which people dance.
5. Maypole celebrations
Dancers at Wellow Maypole Celebrations in 2007. Photo: Roger Grayson`
6. The Dolphin Morrismen
The Dolphin Morrismen at the 2007 May Day Steaming open day at Papplewick Pumping Station. Photo: Angela Ward
7. Mr Spash on May Day
Miners May Day in March 1984. Mr.Splash on his trike. Photo: George Heppinstall
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