May Day Traditions: 'Obby 'Osses, Garland Kings and Morning Choirs

May was once the biggest festival of the year in much of Britain: a celebration of summer's arrival, with flowers, dancing and a good deal of drinking. Most of those customs disappeared long ago, but a handful survive, some with unbroken histories going back centuries. They are among the most memorable things you can see in Britain in spring.

At a glance

Padstow: 1 May. Oxford: 6am on 1 May. Hastings: the early May bank holiday weekend. Helston: 8 May. Castleton: 29 May. Cost: free to watch. Book: accommodation months ahead for Padstow and Helston.

Padstow 'Obby 'Oss, Cornwall

On 1 May, or 2 May if the first falls on a Sunday, Padstow is given over to its 'Obby 'Osses: dancers inside large, round, black-skirted frames with fearsome masks, who whirl through the streets accompanied by drums, accordions and crowds in white. There are two, the Red or Old 'Oss and the Blue or Peace 'Oss. The day starts at dawn and goes on until late. The town is packed, and it is a local celebration first, so join in with respect.

May Morning, Oxford

At 6am on 1 May, the choir of Magdalen College sings from the top of Magdalen Tower, a tradition going back centuries. Crowds gather on Magdalen Bridge and the High Street below in Oxford, and Morris dancers perform around the city afterwards. It is free, early and busy.

Jack in the Green, Hastings

Over the early May bank holiday weekend, Hastings holds a festival built around the Jack, a figure covered entirely in leaves, who leads a procession of dancers, drummers and green-faced attendants through the Old Town to the West Hill. There, the Jack is ceremonially slain to release the spirit of summer. Revived in the 1980s, it is now one of the town's biggest events.

Flora Day, Helston, Cornwall

On 8 May, unless it falls on a Sunday or Monday, Helston dances. The day's Furry Dance sees couples process through the streets and through houses and shops to a single tune, with the main dance at midday in morning suits and summer dresses. Lily of the valley is worn as the town's emblem. The children's dance in white is one of the highlights.

Garland Day, Castleton, Derbyshire

On 29 May, Oak Apple Day, or the Saturday before if it falls on a Sunday, the Garland King rides through Castleton in the Peak District on horseback, covered to the waist in a heavy, bell-shaped frame of flowers. The custom is said to commemorate the restoration of Charles II in 1660.

Planning a trip

Book well ahead

Padstow and Helston are small towns that fill up completely for their days, so book accommodation months in advance or stay a short drive away.

Get there early

All these events are crowded. Arrive early for a good view, and expect road closures and limited parking.

Respect the tradition

These are community events, not shows put on for tourists. Follow the stewards and do not get in the way of the processions.

For more on Cornwall, see our guides to Cornwall campsites and spring staycations.