This May Bank Holiday Fylde Folklore Society invites the community to Staining Village Hall for a free family folk festival celebrating the traditions, music and spirit of May Day.
On Monday 4th May, from 12pm to 5pm, the event promises an afternoon rooted in heritage, with a lively and welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
A highlight of this year’s celebration is the Society’s exciting new project – the restoration of a gifted heritage May Pole. With plans already underway, the group hopes to revive the long-standing tradition of Maypole dancing in the Fylde, bringing a much-loved custom back into the heart of the community for future May Day celebrations.
The festival itself will showcase an impressive line-up of local folk talent reflecting the diversity and vitality of the local folk scene.
Women’s North-West Morris team The Fylde Coast Cloggers will demonstrate local traditional dance styles, whilst Lytham St Anne’s Shanty Crew will bring the rousing and raucous harmonies of the sea. Scolds Bridle are the Fylde Coast’s most celebrated folk duo, performing together for over 50 years, and Stone the Crows Border Morris bring their exciting, alternative take on traditional border Morris dancing. Also performing are Tower Flames Morris Dancers, a newly formed, all-inclusive Morris side, featuring talented children of all backgrounds, abilities and genders, performing in the well-known vibrant Carnival Morris style unique to the North West.
Visitors can also look out for a special ‘Jack-in-the-Green’ solo dancer, appearing in a Green Man costume made from recycled materials, provided courtesy of wonderful folk at Aunty Social. Families can also enjoy face painting by Lisa Marie Gibson, along with a selection of children’s crafts run by local artist Kiera-Jade Dawson, such as folk masks and May Queen flower crowns.
In keeping with the charitable spirit historically associated with May Day festivities, the event will raise funds through a tombola and raffle for two important local causes, The Big Food Project in Blackpool and the RNLI, whose volunteers provide vital lifesaving services along the coast. Drinks and snacks will also be available throughout the day, again for donations towards both charities.
The Fylde Folklore Society is built on a simple idea, ‘Folklore for All’. Its aim is to make the traditions, stories, and heritage of the Fylde accessible to everyone, celebrating a shared cultural identity that belongs to the whole community, with particular emphasis on working-class voices. Upcoming events include a Teanlay Night Bonfire (Hallowe’en) and a Wakes Week celebration.
The Society was founded by writer and folklorist Zowie Swan, whose work explores the eerie and often overlooked landscapes of Northern England. She is joined by local artist and illustrator Mark Hetherington, whose work draws heavily on folk and faerie lore, helping to shape the Society’s visual identity and creative direction.
This May Day festival offers a chance not only to celebrate the season, but also to be part of a growing movement to keep local folklore alive and accessible. Folk is a living, breathing thing and all are welcome to come along, take part, and share in the traditions of the Fylde.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.fyldefolklore.co.uk or email [email protected]
Main photo by Donna Hannigan courtesy of Aunty Social
