May Day in Middleton

May Day celebration in Middleton - Green Man, Michael Thornton (Aged 8)

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The annual May Day celebration brought Morris dancing and Maypole dancing, performed by Saddleworth Morris Men, to Middleton, plus traditional dancing performed by pupils from Parkfield Primary, St Gabriel’s, St John’s Thornham, St Peter’s, Little Heaton, St Michael’s and St Margaret’s and dancers from the Glenda Anne School of Dancing.

Thousands watched as the traditional ‘Green Man’ and his ‘Sprites’ led the Morris Men and pupils from local schools through the park and onto Saint Leonard’s Square.

As well as the dancing, visitors were also treated to music by local brass bands and side stalls, including a smash the crockery stall that was a huge hit with children!, that featured fun and games for all the family, manned by the Rotary Club of Middleton, St Gabriel’s Youth, The Royal National Lifeboat Institution, The Royal British Legion and Middleton Lions.

Lots of proud parents were delighted to watch their children taking part in the traditional dancing. Typical were Sarah and Martin Wrigley who said: “We have really enjoyed watching our daughter, Ciara. We were very excited.”

Brenda Stringer commented: “What a lovely show. I love the Morris Men dancing; it’s really lifted my spirits.”

John Burton, one of the original organisers back in the later seventies/early eighties, added: “It is great to see the May Day celebration still going strong, although I am no longer involved in the organisation I still come along to offer my support.

Glenda Goodman, of the Glenda Anne School of Dancing, has organised the choreography for the past ten years, since the event was revived in 2000, she said: “It is a privilege to be involved.”

Guest speaker was Middleton Township Chairman, Peter Williams; Master of Ceremonies was Alan Godson.

The event is organised and hosted annually by Middleton Round Table and was revived ten years ago, having originally been started in 1979.