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.
13. Kingsway Park
Four year old Ruairi Gent and his mother Heather enjoy the crafts at the May Day event held at Kingsway Park, Kirkby, 2009. Photo: Roger Grayson
14. Trade unionists
Trade unionists celebrated May Day with a march and stalls in Mansfield town centre, 2023. Photo: Ann Donlan
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