Merry May Day celebrations return to Holywood this Bank Holiday Monday

Holywood's annual May Day celebrations get into full swing this Bank Holiday Monday with a packed programme of entertainment for all the family.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, in partnership with Holywood and District Community Council, an exciting family day out is guaranteed.

Centred around the Co Down seaside town’s historic Maypole, the free family fun day will see several much-loved favourites return between 10am and 4pm.

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Traditional events, organised by Holywood and District Community Council, will kick-start the day with the Bonnie Baby competition at 10.30am followed by the crowning of the May Queen at 10.45am.

The annual choreographed dance routine, performed by local school children around the country’s only maypole, starts at 11am before the McElhinney School of Dance perform at 11.45am.

There will be lots happening in the afternoon too with the return of the popular fancy dress competition for children at 12.30pm.

Children who would like to take part should dress as their favourite fictional character and meet at the Maypole at 12.15pm.

More Maypole dancing will entertain the crowds at 1pm, followed by the Holywood Community Set Dancing Class at 1.45pm before Sullivan Prep Choir perform at 2.15pm to close the festivities.

Commercial stalls in the car park beside Stoker’s Halt will add to the atmosphere. A delicious selection of food will be available so why not come along and enjoy a bite to eat.

The children’s funfair and an ‘Art on the Rails’ display of contemporary arts and crafts will be located along Church Road.

Combined with a selection of market stalls housed between Holywood’s eateries and boutiques, the town will provide a fabulous place to celebrate May Day this Monday, 6th May.

Key Attractions

10am-4pm: Bric-a-brac Stalls, Artisan Food and Crafts, Children’s Entertainment (High Street and Hibernia Street)
10.30am: Bonnie Baby Competition (Orange Hall, Redburn Square/Sullivan Place)
10.45am: Crowning of the May Queen (Maypole)
11am-11.30am: Maypole dancing (Maypole)
11.45am-12.15pm: McElhinney School of Dance (Maypole)
12.30pm-12.45pm: Fancy Dress Competition (Maypole) Children who would like to take part should meet at the Maypole at 12.15pm.
1pm-1.30pm: Maypole dancing (Maypole)
1.45pm-2pm: Holywood Community Set Dancing Class (Maypole)
2.15pm-2.45pm: Sullivan Prep Choir (Maypole)

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said: “Holywood will be a hive of activity on Monday 6 May. The town’s May Day celebrations are enjoyed by thousands of people who descend on the town to enjoy the fun festivities centred around the town’s Maypole, which is the only remaining Maypole in the country.

“It attracts people from all over the Borough and further afield, and I am really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy this wonderful community festival.”

Following the recycling success rates at previous events, visitors will be discouraged to use the litter bins in the town and instead will be directed to use supervised recycling stations.

These were used for the first time at last year’s May Day event and proved to be very successful with a substantial increase in the amount of recyclable waste being diverted from landfill.

The recycling stations will be located at High Street, Hibernia Street and Church Road.

To facilitate the event, a road closure will be in place from 6am until 6pm on Monday, 6th May. Roads closed include High Street, Church Road and Shore Road. For more information, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com.

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