Islington Milkmaids Garland

Where: Islington, London starting at the Narrowboat
When: May 1st
Time: Starts 12 noon

 

In the good old days, it was customary for London milkmaids to dress up in their finery with garlands of flowers and silver, to welcome the spring on May Day morning. The silver was often borrowed and piled high in a pyramid, carried or worn as a head-dress. This picturesque custom has been revived by New Esperance Morris, an all-female side based in London and they perform with their garland on a tour of Islington every year.

Helpful Hints

It’s on actual May Day, the 1st, not the Bank Holiday (unless it also falls on 1st!). See website link for full itinerary – it’s usually on from mid-day/early afternoon.

Click here for the Esps website : https://newesperance.wordpress.com

and here for the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/11361754892/

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