Did you know that, historically, May Day was one of the biggest celebrations of the year? Come along and find out why as we celebrate a traditional May Day in The Pit Village and at Pockerley Old Hall.
On Sunday, 30th April, see how a 1900s Pit Village would have prepared for May Day as our costumed engagers place sprigs on the Francis Street doors in a tradition called May birching and tell you all about the customs of May Day.
On Monday, 1st May you can make masks in The Pit Village school as well as watching maypole dancing beside Hetton Band Hall, we encourage you to join in!
We’ll be joined by a host of musicians who will be performing between 11am and 4pm as well as the Hexham Morris Men and Hexhamshire Lasses who will perform traditional dances at 12-12.45pm and 2pm-2.45pm.
At Pockerley Old Hall we’ll be telling the story of how May Day was celebrated in the Georgian era and visitors will be able to see the kitchen and parlour room dressed in traditional foliage. We’ll also be decorating a chair that the May King and May Queen would have sat in to be crowned, you are welcome to sit on it and take a photo!
As with all daytime events, you can use your Unlimited Pass or Friends of Beamish membership to enjoy this special event.
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Beamish reserves the right to alter or change this programme at any point.