MAY Day was marked traditionally in the Vale by Morris dancing throughout villages near Evesham.
Starting at about 5.30am, Pebworth Morris Men celebrated the day with a customary ‘dancing in the dawn’ in a field in Littleton Road, Pebworth.
Following that, they embarked on a May Day tour, taking in various stops in the village before going on to Dorsington, Broad Marston, and the Fleece Inn for a well-earned breakfast.
After refueling, the Morris side, which has been dancing out since 1979, went out further afield, bringing a smile, a jingle of bells, and high spirits across the Vale.
May Day is an ancient European festival that marks the beginning of summer and is historically linked with Morris dancing.
It is believed to originate from pagan festivals, marking the halfway point between the spring equinox and the summer solstice.
Morris man Lloyd Jenkins told the Observer the side was very pleased to have danced and ensured the sun rose this May morning.
“Pebworth had a bostin’ morning dancing the village boundaries May Day tour,” he said.
The side, which is now based at the Fleece Inn, dances a mix of traditions, including Border, Cotswold, Lichfield, Vale, and Pebworth.
