The annual May Fayre will take place on the Village Green on Sunday 3rd May 2026.

 

A long standing village tradition, the May Fayre welcomes the arrival of Spring. The highlight of the event is the crowning of the May Queen, who will open the fair and commence the Maypole dancing!

There are local village stalls and games, music and entertainment, face painting, cakes, BBQ and beer tent. 

Opening at 12.30pm with Alton Morris Dancers, followed by crowning of the May Queen and maypole dancing from 1pm.  

Hope to see you there!

 

 

The May Queen

Historically, like many other festivals, May Day was a topsy-turvy affair when a ‘lord and lady’ would be chosen from among the ordinary people of the community to preside over the day. Eventually the focus shifted completely onto the woman and she became known as the May Queen.

This figure reached the height of her importance in the late Victorian and Edwardian periods, by which time she was embodied by a young girl decorously dressed in white and crowned with flowers. Accompanied by a ‘court’ of other girls, the May Queen had become a symbol of purity and the promise of spring.

The Oakhanger May Queen is crowned with flowers at the May Fayre. Her duties include drawing raffle prizes and presenting prizes at the summer Flower Show. 

Around the maypole

The quintessential image of May Day is of dancers weaving the long ribbons of a maypole into intricate patterns. This practice was first recorded in mid-14th-century Wales but eventually spread far and wide.

Boys and girls are very welcome to join in the May Pole dancing. Please attend some practice sessions beforehand - check the village Facebook group for practice times!