Join the fun and festivities in Padstow at this ancient fertility rite celebrating the arrival of summer. The entire town participates in the celebrations which see the streets decorated with bluebells and bright flower garlands and a traditional May Pole in the town square. Festivities include two fearsomely-decorated 'Obby Osses' (hobby horses) which separately make their way through the town engulfing passing women under their cloaks - it is said that the Osses bestow fertility on those they come into contact with. The fun and frolics come to an end in the evening when the two Osses meet by the May Pole before being retired for another year. The celebrations usually begin the evening before May Day in the pubs and taverns of Padstow and many continue the drinking late into the night and throughout the following day.

Times
Begins approximately 0900.