May is here, and spring is in full bloom—even if the weather sometimes ruins our picnic plans. Still, the month is filled with energy, colour, and many celebrations across England. It’s a time when people come together to enjoy traditions, honour the past, and welcome the warmer season. Well, if you count 12ºc constant overcast British barbecue weather as “warmer”.
May Day – Welcoming Spring May Day, celebrated on May 1st, is one of the oldest festivals in the UK. It celebrates the start of summer with dancing, music, and fun. In some towns, people dance around a maypole, and traditional Morris dancers perform in colourful clothes with bells and sticks. It is truly one of our oldest and sacred traditions and the festival is best enjoyed in rural English towns.
VE Day – A Day to Remember VE Day, which stands for “Victory in Europe Day,” is celebrated on May 8th. It marks the end of World War II in Europe. On this day, people remember the soldiers who fought and gave their lives. Many towns hold parades, events, and exhibitions. You’ll often hear the phrase “lest we forget,” showing respect for those who served. It is taken very seriously by families who have strong connections with the military and is all in all a very educational time of the year.
Jack-in-the-Green Festival
Each year on May Day, the town of Hastings celebrates the Jack in the Green Festival, one of the most exciting spring events in England. The main character is Jack, a tall figure covered in leaves and flowers, who represents the spirit of summer. Jack leads a big parade through the streets, followed by people dressed in colourful costumes, playing music, dancing, and celebrating. The festival is based on old traditions but has become popular again in recent years. At the end of the event, Jack is symbolically “killed” to release summer and say goodbye to winter. It’s a fun, noisy, and colourful day that brings thousands of people together.
