Corfe Castle will celebrate early May with three days of family-friendly festivities from May 2 to May 4.
Events include traditional blacksmithing, a castle-building activity with LEGO bricks, live music and a playful Disco Maypole.
The National Trust at Corfe Castle is inviting visitors to step into the spirit of May Day this Early May Bank Holiday, Saturday May 2 to Monday May 4, with a weekend of medieval craftsmanship, relaxed live music and traditional seasonal celebrations. (Image: National Trust Images)
Danielle Wootton, Senior Visitor Experience Officer at Corfe Castle, said: “The beginning of May marks the midpoint between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice and has been celebrated for over 2,000 years.
“From the Roman festival of Floralia to medieval feasting, dancing and games, May Day has long signalled the arrival of summer.
“These celebrations would almost certainly have taken place at Corfe Castle, as depicted in an undated drawing held at neighbouring National Trust property Kingston Lacy showing maypole dancing here.
“We look forward to continuing this tradition and welcoming visitors to this modern-day celebration at Corfe Castle.”
The schedule includes archery, medieval costume displays and the opportunity to try on period outfits.
Visitors can also book a one-to-one blacksmithing session with Alistair Butcher of AB Forgeworks.
A May Queen flower selfie-station will feature representations of local wildflowers such as wild carrot, harebell and common mallow.
Corfe Castle is open daily from 10am to 4:30pm.
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