Derbyshire
Ashbourne has a shrovetide football game in February.
Green Men of Derbyshire
Castleton - Garland Day. Branches of oak, elm and sycamore are tied to the pinnacles of the church tower on the eve of Oakapple Day, May 29th. On the day, flowers are collected, tied in bunches on a beehive shaped frame and a special posy called the Queen is put on top. The Garland King, who represents the Green Man, is covered down to the waist by the garland and rides on horseback with a procession through the town stopping for dancing outside six pubs. They eventually arrive at the May pole for more dancing. The May King then rides to the church where the garland is hauled to the top of the tower where it stays for a week. The ceremony ends with the placing of the Queen posy on the War Memorial and everyone joining the dancing. Contact Sheffield TIC, +44(0)114 221 1900, Mrs P Dale, +44(0)1433 20604.
Kinder Scout - Mass Trespass anniversary, in April. It is now the centrepiece of the National Trust's High Peak Estate but in 1942 access was allowed on only one right of way and access to the summit was denied. On April 24 1932 The British Workers' Sport Federation climbed to the forbidden summit having scuffled with gamekeepers. On their descent five they were arrested and sent to prison for up to six months for riotous assembly and incitement to violence. Their harsh treatment lead to further support and calls for National Parks and access to the moors. Nine years later the Peak District National Park, the first in Britain, was created. In 2002 a 70th anniversary walk was held, with ramblers being joined by National Trust Wardens and National Park Rangers on the 10 mile walk. Contact +44(0)1433 670368.
Alderwasley, Biggin-by-Hartington, Bonsall, Eckington, Measham, Over Haddon, Smalley, Unstone.
Well Dressing in Derbyshire & neighbouring counties from the May Day bank holiday through to September. Wells are decorated with pictures often made of flower petals pressed into clay. As pure sources of water, the wells were venerated in order to propitiate the guardian spirits. This practise was originally banned by the church but many wells and springs were turned into christian holy wells and the custom continued. Contact Bakewell TIC, 01629 813227. Read more about well dressing.
Winster - Pancake Day Races on Shrove Tuesday, February.
Apple Day, October 21st
Find events in Derbyshire and across the country on the APPLE DAY EVENTS LIST
or read about Derbyshire Orchards and Orchard Produce
TELL US about an event you are holding : email info [at] commonground.org.uk