May Day events in Kent

Maypoles, morris dancing and music are set to make up May Day in Kent.

There are plenty of traditional celebrations taking place around the county.

Now all that's needed is some dry and sunny weather...

Kent Life, Monday, May 7

Live music, maypole dancing and morris dancers will all contribute to May Day celebrations at Kent Life on Monday, May 7.

There will be a grand tug-of-war and the delightful annual May Day parade which includes the crowning of the May Queen/King and their princesses and princes.

Most of the farm’s attractions are included in admission such as the indoor and outdoor play areas, the chance to get up close to some of the farm’s smaller animals including rabbits and guinea pigs in the cuddle corner while there are other animals to discover in the historic outhouse barns such as sheep, cattle, pigs, horses, donkeys, goats, poultry and alpacas.

Hop aboard the brightly coloured land train to enjoy a fun ride round the farm or perhaps enjoy a stroll through the nature trail to see what else there is to discover on the farm including the inquisitive meerkats.

The 1950s inspired interior of Dotty’s Tea Room will be serving homemade cakes and light lunches.

To book tickets and to learn more about its traditional May Day celebrations click here.

Hever Castle, Friday, May 5 until Monday, May 7

Join the Lord and Lady of the May on Hever Castle's forecourt and see the crowning of the May Queen before joining a dance around the maypole with other visitors.

This age old custom will be followed by May Day dancing demonstrations, 16th century music and a playlet about the traditional story of the battle of the seasons.

Families can meet the mythical Jack-in-the-Green and follow the Green Man from folklore in a May Day procession through the gardens as he wakes up the plants for summer with the help of children and their magical May bells at 2.30pm on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

There’s also a Green Man trail through the Castle and children can have their faces painted for an additional charge.

For ticket details and other Hever Castle May Day information, visit the website.

Sweeps Festival, Friday, May 5 until Monday, May 7

The Sweeps Festival is a colourful mix of music, dancing and entertainment with more than 60 Morris sides and entertainers celebrating throughout the three-day event in Rochester.

Medway’s annual Sweeps Festival recreates the joy and laughter enjoyed by the chimney sweeps in May - the one time of the year the sweeps could leave the soot behind and have some fun. Their fun included the Jack-in-the-Green ceremony, involving a seven-foot character that they used to waken at dawn on Blue Bell Hill in Chatham which would then walk with the chimney sweeps in their parade.

Thousands of families are expected to visit Medway over the three days to enjoy the free entertainment.

For all the details click here.

May Day, Offham

Traditional May Day celebrations are held this year on the village green in Offham on Saturday, May 5.

The event near West Malling takes place between noon and 5pm and includes the crowning of the May Queen as well as both Morris and maypole dancing.

There will also be fairground rides, a barbecue tent and tea tent, Pimms stall and the very famous Offham Bake Off!

Offham Dog Show will also be held as part of the day's celebrations.

For further details, click here.