| Where: | Formerly Lambley, Nottinghamshire at the Village Hall on Catfoot Lane |
| When: | Formerly 1st Sunday in May |
| Time: | Formerly Fair from 10-4, Procession at 2pm, Ceilidh 7.30 |
Cowslip Sunday was a recent brief revival of a custom that lapsed in the early twentieth century and it celebrated the return of spring. There was an art and craft fair in the Village Hall, poetry displays at the Lambley Dumbles and a ceilidh in the evening also in the Hall ; the main event took place during the afternoon. This was the procession through the village led by Lambley Jack wielding a broom; his followers included fairies, fauns and other costumed characters with their Cowslip Banner. After touring the village the characters took to a stage behind the village hall to perform their play. The content was different each time and was suitable for all ages, with elements both of pantomime and mumming and sounded great fun. Cowslip Wine was available, which was a staple of the old event.
Helpful Hints
In 2013 the event took a rest and it doesn’t look as though it will be on again any time soon. There is still a Cowslip service at the church on the Sunday.
It was free of charge and all were welcome.
Click here for the event website : http://cowslipsunday.co.uk/
For much more detail on the history of the custom and its revival visit this website (and many thanks to Ross Parish for drawing it to my attention): http://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/
Photo by AndrewH.uk
Hi
The procession and play are not on this year, but there are some activities like a fete check the website for more information before travelling I say. It will return to normal next year.
Traditionalceremoniesandcustoms.wordpress.com
Hi Averil,
Looks like you prediction was correct sadly, its not on this year. I’ll email you the details. Hopefully back in the future? There is a Cowslip church service though.
Ross