May Day festivals probably originated from the worship of Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers, though the Druids of Ancient Britain also celebrated the return of Spring during the pagan festival of Beltaine. These  festivals  evolved  and  became  our  May  Day,  and  are  traditionally celebrated with dancing around a garlanded and beribboned pole called a maypole,  from  which  hang  streamers  held  by  the  dancers,  celebrating  the

return of life and fruitfulness after the winter months. One of the most important factors of the maypole dancing is the music! The English Folk Dance and Song Society is a national education charity, which for over a hundred years has worked to promote and encourage, document and develop the folk music dance and song tradition within England. 

Orpington May Queen Group

The Orpington May Queen has been in existence for 69 years now and is a member of the ‘Merrie England and London May Queen Festival’

The main aims of the group are:

• To maintain the established tradition of the May Queen and protect its heritage for future generations.
• To foster links within the local community between the young and old through shared experience.
• To encourage charitable support from members of the group within the local community through the                adoption of a local charity by the incumbent May Queen.
• To provide a fun activity and an enjoyable experience for both children and their parents/carers

Join Us

We are looking for new recruits to join the May Queen Retinue in 2023.

Rehearsals take place during the Easter Holidays with Crowning Day on Saturday 29th April 2023 in Priory Gardens.

If you like dancing, are aged between 5 and 14 years old and would like to take part in this wonderful tradition, please call Amy on 07809 725184 or email orpmayqueen@gmail.com.