May Bank Holiday Caravan Weekender

May 1st (or May Day as it’s more commonly known) heralds the official arrival of summer in the UK. Relating to the Celtic festival of Beltane and the German festival of Walpurgis Night May Day is the half year point from November 1(another cross quarter day) associated with Paganism.

Traditionally May Day is a time of raucous celebration and public holidays. As Paganism lost its footing to a more Christianized Europe, May Day celebrations stayed and the first weekend in May is still marked by a ‘working folk’  national holiday.

This is a time when many caravan owners pack up their families and head off for a well-earned break – possibly the first time that year.

Various odes to May Day still take place across the country and here at C4 Caravans we’ve highlighted some of different gatherings happening over the coming weekend – some with deep traditional May day roots and others more an excuse to have some fun.

Derbyshire Well Dressing

Well Dressing is the customary act of decorating wells, springs and water sources with art and decorations made from things grown. It’s said that this is done in a bid to encourage a successful harvest season but the true roots of this pastime are not known.

Derbyshire is one UK location that still indulges in this custom and well dressing is organised every year during the May Bank Holiday and continues on into the summer months.

For more info check the calendar on their site for details http://www.welldressing.com/calendar.php

Recommended C4C Caravan/campsite option:

Golden Valley Caravan and Camping Park, Coach Road, Golden Valley, Derbyshire, DE55 4ES

Oxford May Day celebrations

The city of Oxford has upheld May Day traditions for years and 2013 is no different. If you visit the city during the coming weekend then you’ll be able to see Morris Dancing and people frolicking around the Maypole.

There’s also the May Music Festival which is taking place at Holywell Music Room. Booking for individual performances can be made through the Tickets Oxford web page.  For more information check http://www.oxfordmaymusic.co.uk/Oxford_May_Music_Festival/Home.html

Recommended C4C Caravan/campsite option:

Lincoln Farm Park, High Street, Standlake, Oxon, OX29 7RH (24 miles from Oxford centre)

May Day on the Docks (London)

Our capital city will be hosting a May Day event at the Museum of London Docklands. Many of the traditional customs will be honoured and families with children are encouraged to come along and join with plenty to see and do.

Kids will be able to make their own Jack in the Green, get involved with the May Day procession and take home a souvenir good luck leaf.

Museum archaeologists will also be delivering sessions where the opportunity to handle objects connected to English folklore will be on offer. Children will get to hear about Elizabeth Montagu who gathered together the city’s young chimney sweeps for a May Day Feast every year.

Recommended C4C Caravan/campsite option:

Chertsey Camping and Caravan Club, Bridge Road, Chertsey, Surrey, KT16 8JX (short train ride away from the centre of London)

Ipswich May Day Festival

Featuring a plethora of bands and musicians, the May Day Festival in Ipswich is taking place on May 5 at Alexandra Park, Grove Lane and features FREE entry.

There will be plenty on offer besides the music with children’s rides, a 5-a-side football competition and plenty of ‘foody’ and festival stalls.

Recommended C4C Caravan/campsite option:

Westwood Caravan Park, Old Felixstowe Road, Bucklesham, Ipswich, IP10 0BW (a short drive to Alenxandra Park)

There’s plenty more going on this Bank Holiday weekend and a search online will reveal more activities (May Day related or not) that you and your family will be able to enjoy over the next few days. Have a good one from all the C4 Caravans team!