The traditional May Day procession round the village took place on Saturday 9th May 2026, as ever the highlight of the village social calendar! This year was the most successful in terms of numbers attending since the Covid lockdown – the organisers reckon 200 people attended, including large numbers of children, which was very pleasing. Helping us was the fact our weather good luck since 2022 amazingly continued; it was a lovely day and not too hot. Also the theme of the 960th anniversary of the Norman Conquest proved to be an excellent excuse for dressing up, which the participants did with glee, as can be seen in the photos to follow!
The day followed the tried and tested schedule of the past couple of years; starting at The Holly Bush at 11.45; processing to the Elephant and Peacock at 1.30pm via a safely closed Makeney Road and then on to Milford School in time for their fete at 3pm. At each venue we had entertainment provided by Makeney Morris, local children dancing round the maypole, the welcome return of Belper Boom after last year’s success, Gregory The Fire Performer and Milford’s very own dancing troupe, The Maids Of The Mill. The Maids excelled themselves with two dances this year – a very vigorous Norman Conquest dance and a more sedate Bayeux Tapestry dance.
As ever, the maypole was carried between each venue by Jake & Rose Everett and decorated with flowers from local gardens and hedgerows.
Final flourish at the school!
The organisers would like to thank the volunteer marshals and Mark Hudson for organising the road closure and making sure the day was safe. The organisation of the event is run entirely by volunteers and the insurance and booking of acts costs about £400 a year. They were therefore very grateful for a very generous donation from The Holly Bush and also those who added to the collection bucket on the day.
Next year we will be celebrating 50 years of the May Day Procession – join us for what we hope will be an extra special event!
For articles and pictures of previous Milford & Makeney May Day celebrations, see here for 2025, here for 2024, here for 2023, here for 2022, and for photos from May Day events going further back into the past see here.
