Crowning of MayQueen Alice

The Pageant will begin at 12.30pm with a storyteller, and music provided by the Fiddle Choir.

Alice will be the 83rd Hastings May Queen. After the crowning ceremony there will be traditional Maypole dancing. A Garland competition is open to all, either individual or groups. Garland making is a very old tradition which is in danger of being lost. In Sussex, the first of May was known as Garland Day up to the 1920’s, but has all but disappeared, and Organiser, Bryony Leech says she is determined to ensure that it is not forgotten. “Garlands can be any shape,” she said. “Traditionally, they can be ball shaped, bell shaped, a hoop or a straight pole. They can be a horizontal stick with floral loops hanging down or just carried on a tray.

“There will be prizes for the best three. Please help resurrect this tradition and bring along a Garland.”

To round off the show, Julian Rumball will entertain the young and old with his Punch and Judy show.

Bryony says it will be a fun afternoon. “We have every confidence that the weather will be fine and warm, in which case the eat@the park café will be providing a barbecue as well as their usual delights.”