Date: Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2026
Time: 11:00am – 4:00pm
Where: Newent Lake & Park
Address: By Lewell Street Car Park, Newent, GL18 1AR
What: Maypole dancing, music and family fun in the park
Event Details
Newent Celebrates is hosting the May Day Festivities in Newent Park. Bring the family for Maypole dancing, music and family fun.
2026 is Newent’s 800th birthday as a market town and throughout the summer Newent Celebrates is hosting an event each month. The May Day Festivities is just the first with more to come in June, July, August and September.
Check out The Shambles – The Museum of Boardgames will open, as will The Secret Gallery across the road behind the Cobblers. Other shops and cafes may well be open too (though perhaps with reduced hours).
May Day is one of those quietly enduring English traditions—rooted in the arrival of spring and the turning of the seasons. Celebrated on the 1st of May, it has its origins in ancient festivals that marked new growth, fertility and the return of warmer, longer days. Over time, it became woven into village life across the country, with communities gathering to welcome the season together.
Traditionally, May Day festivities might include dancing around the maypole, Morris dancing, crowning a May Queen, and general outdoor celebration. While each place marks it in its own way, the spirit remains the same: a chance to come together, enjoy the fresh air, and celebrate the optimism that spring brings.
Today is also Star Wars Day – May the Fourth be with you!
For more information, visit newentonionfayre.net or find them on Facebook.
