May Day Festival 4 – 6 May
Celebrate May Day at Hever Castle & Gardens over the early May Bank Holiday. The May Day Festival runs from 4 to 6 May with a host of customs and activities for you and your family to enjoy.
Join Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn and dance around the Maypole with brightly coloured ribbons intertwined. This age old custom is followed by demonstrations of May Day Dancing accompanied by 16th century music and a playlet about Robin Hood to herald the arrival of summer.
Meet the mythical Jack-in-the-Green and follow him in a traditional May Day procession through the gardens as he wakes up the plants for summer with the help of children and their magical May bells. There’s a Green Man trail through the grounds and a bee and ladybird trail in the Castle, plus children can have their face painted* (*additional charge).
At this time of year, the award-winning gardens and grounds are a feast for the eyes, with the delicate blossom of pear, apple and cherry trees to lift the spirits. Stroll through the Pergola Walk where the walls are bedecked with an array of Wisteria and admire the colourful bedding plants in the Italian Garden.
ACTIVITIES
King’s Musicians – FREE
Listen to 16th century music in front of the Castle.
Times: 10:30 – 17:00
Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn arrive at the Castle – FREE
Time: 11:30
Morris Dancing – FREE
Join us for traditional dancing in front of the Castle.
Times: 11:35, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00
Maypole Dancing – FREE
Take part in a spot of maypole dancing and watch as the coloured ribbons create beautiful patterns.
Times: 12:00, 13:30, 15:30
Playlet: Robin Hood – FREE
Watch a performance of Robin Hood, a playlet to herald the arrival of spring.
Times: 12:30
Jack in the Green Procession – FREE
Join Jack as he visits the gardens to wake up the flowers and plants for spring.
Times: 14:30
Green Man Trail – FREE
See if you can spot the Green Man hidden in the gardens.
Times: 10:30 – 16:00
Bee and Ladybird Trail – FREE (Castle ticket required)
See if you can find the cute Jellycat bees and ladybirds that have been hidden around the Castle.
Times: 12:00 – 17:00
Face Painting – £4.00
Come and get your face painted by the fabulous Betty and her team (Sunday and Monday only).
Times: 11:00 – 16:00
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Always check details before travelling. Hever Castle reserves the right to close all or part of the Castle, grounds, catering outlets and activities, and to change or cancel and events. Please note that use of partner offers may be restricted or not valid on event days.