May Day celebrations in Middleton Square

Date published: 09 May 2019

May Day was celebrated again this year in Middleton Square, near the Church of St Leonard, Middleton Parish Church on Monday 6 May.

The celebrations started with a parade through Jubilee Park led by the Green Man, an English folk custom associated with the celebration of May Day, where a man is decorated with foliage, as a sign of Spring arriving.

The Mayor, Mohammed Zaman, Liz McInnes MP for Middleton and Heywood, local councillors and children were joined by the Manchester Community Pipe Band through the park.

Once the Green Man had been ceremoniously doused with water by the children, Mayor and Liz McInnes the festivities were opened by the Mayor.

Mayor Mohammed Zaman said: “These celebrations go a long way back, to celebrate the passing of winter and the start of summer, so we really need to continue with these traditions.

“I'm happy to see everyone brought together, and I thank Roundtable for doing this for the community.

“It’s really good to be with you today, and I look forward to seeing the children dancing and meeting you all.

“I would like to declare the May Day celebrations open.”

Liz McInnes MP for Middleton and Heywood said: “Thank you to the Mayor for coming along today and opening our May Day celebrations.

“Thank you to Middleton Roundtable for setting this up and all the hard work that’s gone into it, and congratulation to Danny Young, chairman who was only elected 3 weeks ago, so this is his first event.”

Children from Parkfield and Alkrington Primary Schools started the entertainment with their very impressive Maypole dancing.

This was followed by Mr Zippy Children’s entertainer, more music from Manchester Community Pipe Band and music from local bands.

Local charities had stalls, with Middleton Rotary Club giving out free books to every child as part of Buzzing Bee Bonanza.

Middleton Band entertained people in the park in the newly painted bandstand.

Maypole dancing is a ceremonial folk dance performed around a tall pole garlanded with greenery or flowers and often hung with ribbons that are woven into complex patterns by the dancers, it’s part of traditional European folk festivals, around which a maypole dance often takes place. The festivals may occur on May Day (1 May).

May Day celebrations in Middleton Square
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