May Day (First Monday of May) only became a Bank Holiday in 1978, but its origins as a day of celebration go way, way back, back over 2000 years!
The day falls between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice, and was celebrated as the first day of summer by the Celts, who called it Beltane.
The Day would be marked with village folk cavorting round the maypole, the selection of the May Queen and the dancing figure of the Jack-in-the-Green at the head of the procession. Jack is thought to be a relic from those enlightened days when our ancient ancestors worshipped trees.
So now we got that little history lesson out the way, what will be going on this Bank Holiday Monday?…
Note: Keep coming back as we get closer to May Day Weekend, as we find more events and activities to enjoy.
Highworth May Day Celebrations:
As always, Highworth lead the way in showing how May Day celebrations are done! If you have never experienced the ancient market towns May Day, then its a must day out!
Wroughton Annual Duck Race:
Ducks are coming to Wroughton on May 4th, get in now to buy your ducks for race day £1.00 each.
Get your Ducks at The Carters Rest Pub, Wroughton.
Buy 4, and The Carters Rest will give you another Duck FREE!
Millets Farm
Farmer Carter had SO much fun this Easter… he’s decided to throw open the doors to his courtyard of puzzling fun once again this May bank holiday weekend; Saturday 2nd & Monday 4th May!
Located at the Millets Maze complex, it’ll have all the puzzling fun without the maize mazes! A fun way for families to head outdoors together, perfect for little adventurers aged 3–10.
Complete the quiz trails, play the games and enjoy the activities on offer all within our 3 woodlands and multiple courtyard areas. Plus there’s the go karts, ride on vehicles, sand pits, garden games and much more to explore during your session!
ADDRESS: Millets Farm Centre, Kingston Road, Frilford, Oxfordshire, OX13 5HB.
Lechlade Annual Vintage Rally & Country Show
A great family day out on the doorstep of Swindon!… A truly English summer event for all the family. This three day event held over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, this event has…
- Vintage Vehicles: Displays of classic cars, motorbikes, tractors, commercial vehicles, and miniature steam engines.
- Entertainment: Fun fair, trade stands, craft tent, and car boot sales.
- Arena Events: Fun Dog Show (with different hosts for each day, including Angels for Animals on Sunday 5th [note: 2026 dates in search results indicate Sat 2nd-Mon 4th, with 5th likely being a typo in source 0.5.7]), Britannia Majorettes, and Highworth Silver Band.
- Refreshments: Food and drink stalls.
- Admission: Approximately £6.00 for adults, £4.00 for concessions, and under 16s free with a paying adult.
- Camping: Public camping is available on-site
Entertainment Swindon 
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