Gawthorpe Maypole

Where: Gawthorpe, West Yorkshire in village centre; parade starts from Highfield School on the High Street and ends at Maypole Green
When: 1st Saturday in May
Time: 2pm

 

As well as hosting the World Coal Carrying Championships (see separate article), the village of Gawthorpe in Yorkshire is famed for its annual Maypole Celebrations, held on the first Saturday in the month.It’s included here as it’s one of the most well established events of its kind. A procession of floats, dignitaries,fancy-dress clad revellers and musicians accompanies the May Queen and her attendants; it winds its way around a four-and-a-half mile route starting from the local school and finishing at the Maypole Green.  There the  schoolchildren perform a series of intricate ribbon-plaiting dances around the maypole; there is also funfair and a host of other entertainments. A real family day out!

Helpful Hints

All those wishing to enter the procession must register in advance (see website link) – there are prizes for fancy dress and for floats. Corporate entries are welcome.

In 2024 it should be on Saturday May 4th.

Many thanks to official event photographer Sally Mastronardi for the 2016 photos!

Click here for the event website with full route details and times : http://www.gawthorpemaypole.org.uk/

and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/210968845661509/





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