May Day Celebration

Photo: Pyramid Arts

Middleton May Day Celebration

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Hundreds turned out in glorious sunshine to enjoy the annual Middleton May Day Celebration in Jubilee Park and St. Leonard`s Square today (Monday 4 May).

The event, organised by the Middleton Round Table, started with a procession from Jubilee Park with St Michael's Brass Band and was followed by the traditional Maypole and Morris dancing around the square.

Everyone was welcomed by compère William Foxcroft in the presence of Mayor of Rochdale, Carol Wardle, who opened the event.

Performers included Saddleworth Morris Men, May Pole and Country Dancing by Little Heaton Primary, Parkfield Primary School and St Gabriel’s CE Primary School, Hubbard's Cupboards performers, along with stalls and amusements from Middleton Rotary Club, Middleton Lions and the Lifeboat Society.

Anthony Nicholson, President of Middleton Round Table said: “It’s been a really good day, with lots of people and children and the weather is fantastic.

“I hope everyone enjoyed the day and thank you for all the support from Middelton Round Table, the children, Middleton Township and Rochdale Council.”

Liz McInnes, the Labour Party parliamentary candidate for Heywood & Middleton, said: “Brilliant May Day celebrations at St Leonard's Church on a beautiful day.”

The ancient Celts and Saxons celebrated 1 May as Beltane, which means the day of fire, the pagan festive holy day of the first spring planting.

The Celtic tradition of May Day in the British Isles continues to be celebrated by rural and village folk alike.