Islington Milkmaids Garland

Where: Islington, London - various locations including Highbury Place, the Narrowboat
When: May 1st
Time: Starts 12 noon- approx 7pm

 

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. In 2024 the first dance was at 12 noon at Highbury Place.

In 2024 this was the plan for the day (2025 details are yet to be announced):
12pm Highbury Place
12:30pm The Brewhouse
1:15pm The Famous Cock
2pm The Vineyard
2:30pm The King’s Head
3:15pm Islington Green
3:30pm The Steam Passage
4:15pm The Camden Head
6pm The Narrowboat
7pm The Island Queen

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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