Don't just visit - be part of the event!

May Day was the most popular holiday in Tudor times with lots of merrymaking. It is also one of our most popular events of the year, expect processions, plays and pageantry with lots of music and dancing.

At Kentwell, we hold traditional May Day celebrations - music, dancing, plays and processions with over 100 of our costumed 'Tudors'. We have a host of activities for families to join in with - don't just visit, be part of the event.

May Day

The May Day celebrations in Tudor times were pre-Christian in concept and were based upon ancient fertility rites. Everything centred upon making noise to wake-up spring so as to encourage crops to grow. In addition most of the activities had an underlying fertility theme.

Kentwell Tudors over May Day Weekend

Missing Wolf Hall? Come to Kentwell Hall!

Our event is based at the Barns Sward on the Farm to create a village atmosphere.

Every day of the weekend there are processions - bringing in the tree, usually led by a Jack O'Green, covered in Greenery, and processing the May Queen (selected from one of the young girls on the manor).

Traditional Mummers' plays of the time are performed (in which good always ultimately overcomes evil!). There is much music and dance as well as revelry and ribaldry.

Apart from the Tudors at the Barns area, there are also Tudors at the House: Cooks, Retainers & Gentry; and also the Dairy, Bakehouse, Stillroom & Needlewomen.

This year we expect to have over 100 of our Tudors taking part. Come early and spend the day at Kentwell and enjoy all the fun.