Colourful weekend despite the weather

By Country Press reporter

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

 

Colourful weekend despite the weather

Jill Wade-Smith in the May Day Jouvray Parade. Picture by ROBIN CROSSLEY

THE poor weather failed to deter people taking to the streets and greens for the annual May Bank Holiday celebrations.

At Gurnard, youngsters in brightly coloured costumes took to the streets on Monday for the village's annual May Queen procession.

Inspired by the 2012 Olympics, there was a fantastic array of games-themed outfits on show.

Led by the Wight Diamonds Marching Band, the procession wound its way through the village and past the Portland Inn pub, decorated with Union Jack bunting, to All Saints' Church, where the entries were judged and a village fete was held.

However, a planned beer festival and barn dance, due to be held at Spencer's Field, was cancelled due to the weather.

In Yarmouth, there was an explosion of music and colour to mark the May Day Jouvay procession from Fort Victoria to Yarmouth on Sunday.

More than 100 participants were dressed in a variety of Olympic Ring colours as they performed a celebration of the Life of the Universe.

The three-day Mayfest on The Green included workshops, craft and trade stalls and entertainment.

 At Chillerton, residents held a traditional village green May Day celebration on Monday, with singing, dancing, games and competitions.

Children from Chillerton and Rookley Primary School opened the nautical-themed event with a country dancing show, which was followed by a fancy dress parade, belly dancing and singing by sea shanty specialists the Brighstone Barnacles.

For a full report on the Bank Holiday activities and more pictures, see Friday's County Press.

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