| Where: | Charlton-on-Otmoor, Oxon at St Mary the Virgins Church & School |
| When: | Schoolday near 1 May |
| Time: | Sometimes 9.30 Procession at School,10 am at Church, Dancing after at School, sometimes 1pm - check with school |
The Garland at Charlton-on-Otmoor is a rare survival of a church decorating custom and it takes place each May and September. A cross-shaped figure on top of the rood screen has its greenery replaced by the churchwardens and children also bring a long floral garland to a special service, which is followed by maypole and country dancing. Before the service, the children gather with the Garland outside the church then process through the village, stopping at intervals to sing their special May Song; when we visited in 2017 the May Queen and King travelled in style in a very smart horse-drawn trap. The service is about half-an-hour long and has many well-known tunes for the hymns, and at the beginning the Garland is hung in place on the screen. Following the service, all make their way back to the school where refreshments are available and after a short break the May Queen is crowned, then all the children get the chance to show their dancing skills (they were very well practised!).
Helpful Hints
As the local school children take a major role, the event is held on a schoolday, usually near May 1st but sometimes later in the month to fit in with school holidays and other commitments.
In 2024 it was on Wednesday 1st May- 2025 date is yet to be announced.
The service lasts around half-an-hour, then it’s back to school for the dancing.
The garlands stay in place after the ceremony for visitors to enjoy.
Click here for the Church contact details: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/charlton-on-otmoor-st-mary/
and here for the school: http://www.charltononotmoor.co.uk/home
Hi Averil, just double checking and looks like this is more of a moveable feast than first thought. I thought it might be as it involves school children. Here’s what was sent to me
The May Day Parade will be taking place on Friday 29th April this year.
Beginning at 9.30am there will be the Garland Procession from Charlton school, with the Garland Blessing at 10am at St Mary’s church.
There will be May dancing at 11am at The Old Rectory followed by a BBQ lunch at The Crown.
Funnily enough, I was just thinking this one required further investigation the other day so well done for finding all that out. D’you know if it’s always the Friday before the 1st or just a schoolday near to it? I’ll add your discoveries to the article now – am a bit preoccupied with buying and selling houses recently 🙂 or is that 🙁