PICTURES: Ickwell May Day

Ickwell’s traditional May Day celebrations were enjoyed by all on Friday (May 18), despite the festivities being postponed from Bank Holiday Monday because the green was waterlogged.

Thankfully the rain held off, although the temperature remained chilly.

The procession was held from the playgroup and across the green, instead of the usual longer walk from The Crown in Northill. It was led by the retiring May Queen, Laura Spencer, followed by the new May Queen, Amelia Murray. Beatrice Rix handed over the garland in the crowning ceremony while Katie Bryant presented the sceptre.

Committee member, Louisa Rix, said that although there were not as many people as usual there was a pleasantly close community atmosphere.

She said: “It was a really lovely atmosphere and it didn’t lose anything. We were a bit concerned that it would be not as good but it was just different.

“If anything they were all pulling together for Amelia because she’d had one disappointment. Everybody made sure she had a special day. There was a sense of solidarity from other may queens who have been rained on.

“We had to move a few bits around due to the boggy ground but in the true British spirit we made the best of it.”

She added that although the event will not be held on a Friday evening on a regular basis she is confident that this will be a suitable alternative if the event ever has to be postponed again.

The dancing, both by children and adults, was enjoyed by everyone but there were no stalls and there was no decorated hoop contest.

Many of the sideshows, such as the fairground and pony rides, were held on the rainy Bank Holiday Monday at The Crown.

Click on the link on the right to see more pictures.