Lustleigh's Magical May Queen

In a world that's increasingly screen-based and fast-paced, local customs and traditions provide a grounding force - a reminder of who we are, where we've come from, and the deep roots that sustain our communities. Among the many ancient customs of the British Isles, May Day stands out as a vibrant, joyful celebration that blends history, nature, and human connection. It’s a moment to honour the Earth’s reawakening after the long winter.

The picturesque Dartmoor village of Lustleigh is famous for its May Day celebrations, and this year marks the 125th anniversary of the event, the ancient tradition having been revived in 1905 by noted antiquarian and author, Cecil Torr who lived locally. Lustleigh’s May Day tradition even continued with an online version during the Covid lockdown.

The celebration is held in Lustleigh's village orchard, a magical space which includes a giant granite boulder topped by a throne for the May Queen, wondrously carved with names of former May Queens, some of whom now organise this much-loved event with a new generation of their own children dancing around the maypole.

The magic begins with the children of Lustleigh processing with the May Queen around the village enhanced by traditional songs, folk music, a welcome from the Town Crier and a blessing from the Rector. The procession continues to the orchard for the crowning of the May Queen and the maypole dancing. Festivities then expand into a delightful afternoon of morris dancing, brass bands, old-fashioned fairground stalls, face painting, and cream teas.

This year’s May Queen – who will also have her name forever engraved on the May Queen boulder – is Eve Whitehead. Eve has danced around the maypole since she was three years old! She says: “Back in 2013, I was so excited to join my older siblings in this magical village tradition. All of us children in the village really look forward to May Day – not just the day itself but the sunny evenings spent in the orchard practising our dances and having fun. May Day really brings the village together and I am thrilled to be this year’s May Queen.”

The Chair of the Lustleigh May Day Committee, Harry Knowles adds: “As a former May Queen and part of a large family who all loved the shared camaraderie and excitement of May Day, I feel so proud to be part of its future. In an age in which the simple joys of childhood can be so easily eclipsed by technology and the relentless pace of modern family life, May Day is a moment to take stock of what matters.”

Lustleigh May Day reminds us that magic doesn’t only live in myths or fairy tales - it can be found in flower wreaths woven by hand, in fluttering ribbons, music, and the laughter of a community coming together. It’s a celebration of life in its most elemental form: joyful, wild, and rooted in the earth. It brings us back to each other, to the land, and to the stories that still sing in the wind. 

Lustleigh May Day, Saturday 3rd May, 1.00pm, Lustleigh Community Orchard, Free to attend. Parking: £5.00

lustleighmayday.com