We loved taking part in this year’s May Day Festival, in Earlsdon, Coventry. A busy day which saw our volunteers offering Tudor Games Nine Men’s Morris and Shove Ha’penny for passers by to have a go.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by for a chat or a go on the games!
It was a super-busy week as a few days later we had our Open Day – we were lucky to have a nice sunny day and lots of happy visitors. Our next free Open Day is in June with special guests The Sherbourne String Quartet.
The May Day holiday is usually a lively one for us! In the past we’ve celebrated the old tradition of ‘ales’ – fundraising events towards upkeep of the parish church. “As the name suggests, this was a day of merry-making, with food, drink, dancing and games.” * In recognition of this we’ve held Open Days which have included special guests such as The Heritage Bakehouse and Byatt’s Brewery alongside craftspeople showcasing medieval skills. And last year, we invited re-enactors Coventry Militia to join us and they certainly created a fantastically memorable day.
This year, of course we can’t open our doors, so here are a few suggestions that you could try at home to celebrate the approaching of summer:
Bringing in the May
Bring greenery and flowers in and weave them into garlands and wreaths or simply put them in a vase.
Crowning the May Queen
Create a flower crown – you could use real flowers if you have them, or there is a tutorial here using imitation flowers, or how about a simple, paper flower crown suitable for children?
Dancing around the Maypole
This might be a little tricky to manage in real life this year, but you can still enjoy weaving colourful ribbons or threads to make springtime decorations. You could try a paper plate rainbow to hang in your window or try this woven ribbon heart.
May Day Baskets
Louisa May Alcott wrote about this tradition in her children’s book Jack and Jill, written in 1880. You may have to skip the leaving surprise baskets this year, but you can still have fun making one of these treat filled cones.
Morris Dancing
This traditional folk dance has long been associated with May Day. If you’d like to have a go yourself, there is a video here for beginners!
Our next Open Day is Sunday 5 May. Usually our Open Days take place on a Saturday, so don’t miss the chance for a Sunday visit if that suits you better!
Special guest reenactor group Coventry Militia will bring history to life on site, demonstrating arms and armour of the War of the Roses.
There will also be some late medieval tabletop games to try, and as this was the period when the royal court was held in Coventry, visitors can find out about the importance of the city during this period.
The event is free to visit and runs from 11am until 4pm.
Refreshments will be available.
Image: Coventry Militia in action at a previous event.
A-Maying we will go! Our next Open Day for May will be on Saturday 13 May, which is ‘Old May Day’.*
In recognition of this, the theme will give a nod to the old tradition of ‘ales’ – fundraising events which took place at this time of year towards upkeep of the parish church. “As the name suggests, this was a day of merry-making, with food, drink, dancing and games.” *
The Open Day will therefore include some medieval cake to taste and a guest stall from Byatt’s Brewery alongside the usual homemade cake.
In addition to this there will be an emphasis on crafts and the garden with additional guests including woodcarving, beekeeping and willow-weaving (beekeeping afternoon from 1pm only UPDATE 13/05/17 we regret that the beekeeper is unable to join us today). There will be a children’s trail, all about the growth in springtime. Plus we’ll be continuing with our weaving project on the table loom.
We’ll be open from 11am -4pm. As usual, admission is free, but in the spirit of the ‘ales’ donations are very much appreciated. If you would like to donate your time, we are always looking for new volunteers!
May we see you there?