Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair returns with Morris dancers

Copmanthorpe used to dance round the maypole in the community orchard in Low Green every year during its May Day Street Fair.

Acorn Morris dancers at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

But a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant that for some years the fair has not taken place.

Now the organisers of Copmanthorpe Carnival have revived the May Day Street Fair and hundreds of all ages flocked to enjoy traditional and modern music and dance.

Maypole dancing at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

“It’s a great success,” said Copmanthorpe resident Nigel Brown. “Let’s hope it keeps going. Once you resurrect something and it’s successful, you’ve got to keep going.  I hope it will be back next year.”

Families and residents of all ages filled Low Green and some joined in as Acorn Morris Dancers gave lessons on morris dancing before performing themselves.

Copmanthorpe Village Choir then took up the May welcoming baton and sang traditional May folk songs as well as more modern classics before Spark – girl singers Tilly and Beau and boy keyboard/singer Daniel – thrilled the crowd with hits from modern musicals and Abba classics.

Then the crowd moved to the site of the community orchard for the highlight of the MayDay celebration.

The May Queen Lucy Taylor at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

May Queen Lucy Taylor said: “My job is to build a maypole and that I have done. All I need now is 16 dancers.”

Children ran to take the coloured ribbons and she guided her recruits through basic maypole dancing moves. 

Alan Murray of Copmanthorpe Carnival said the event used to be run by St Giles Church, Copmanthorpe, but a lack of volunteers and Covid restrictions meant it stopped being held.

So the carnival organisation took it over and hope to interest more young people in getting involved particularly through the May Day traditions.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said as he looked at the crowds visiting stalls laid out along the street and enjoying the entertainment.  “The community has come out to support it.”

Copmanthorpe Primary School opened its playground to house a Kids Area with a bouncy castle and other children-orientated activities which proved a big attraction.

York  City and District Society of Model Engineers provided a miniature steam train with track which was in constant demand throughout the event.

The miniature steam railway in action at Copmanthorpe May Day Street Fair (Image: Newsquest)

The hot dog stall was so popular it sold out within an hour.

Stalls were manned by local organisations including local scouts and guides, ABC Gardening Club and St Leonard’s Hospice and there was an art exhibition and child art activities.