| Where: | Aston-on-Clun, Shropshire - village centre where the B4368 meets School Bank and Mill Street |
| When: | Last Sunday in May |
| Time: | From 1 pm at the tree |
This is definitely not to be confused with the American holiday with the same name! Every year, the black poplar in the centre of Aston-on-Clun is decorated with flags which stay in position until the next festival the following year. The celebrations also commemorate the wedding of the local squire John Marston in 1786 – his wedding day coincided with Arbor Day and bride Mary Carter was so impressed that the family gave funds to perpetuate the event. This explains why the tree is sometimes called the Bride’s Tree though there are also theories that the origins of the name are linked to St Brigit/ Bride the pagan fertility goddess. Music and Blessing of the Tree and Flags at the Tree is followed by a Village Fete on the Village Green with Stalls, Games, Refreshments and a children’s area.
Helpful Hints
In 2025 it should be on Sunday May 25th.
Merchandise is available in the village shop and at the tree – sometimes the flags from the previous year are sold .
Click here to find out more: https://bishopscastleandbeyond.co.uk/events-whatson/
In 2015 we expect to hold the ceilidh on the evening before the Tree Festival.
Thanks for the update, Ruth!
I’ve added the info to the page,
Best wishes,
Averil
Hello there! I live in Clun, and wondered if it is possible to ask for another flag to be added to the Arbor Tree?
In 2012 and 2013 my Buddhist group held our Women’s course in Aston on Clun Village hall – we loved this venue and would have been there again this year if there hadn’t been a timetable clash! I wondered if it might be possible to add our flag to the tree – it is a very small flag, probably smaller than a tea towel – red, blue and gold! It represents the international Buddhist organisation that we are part of, Soka Gakkai International (SGI).
I don’t know who decides or how this is done – can you help me with this?
Thanks and
kind regards, Frances (Brett)
Hi Frances,
thanks for getting in touch! I haven’t any direct connection to the organisation of the event but I can tell you who to contact about it – Arbor Day Chairman Roger Rankin 01588 661088 orSecretary Sandra Spence 01588 660657. Their contact details appear on the Hopesay Parish page for the event so I expect they’re happy for them to be shared. Best of luck!
Averil
Good Morning
My name is Rose Sweetland, I’m on the Arbor Tree Festival Committee and we need to amend the entry for Arbor Day 2023. The festivities start at 1.00pm at the Tree and due to a lack of children in the village and health and safety issues, there is no longer a procession or a bridal party. If it is possible to take out from “whatever the origins” onwards and replace it with – Music and Blessing of the Tree and Flags at the Tree is followed by a Village Fete on the Village Green with Stalls, Games, Refreshments and a children’s area. Many Thanks, Rose
Hi Rose,
Thank you for the updated info on Arbor Day- as you’ll gather from my photos, it’s a few years since we attended and it’s obviously evolved over that time. It’s really useful to have some first hand up-to-date information as sadly I can’t get to everything every year to see for myself- but I’m pleased to hear that the tradition continues. It’s easy to tweak the article so if anything else should need a change any time, just let me know,
Best wishes ,
Averil