Do any parishes still crown a May queen? If so, how is she chosen?

Your answer: My parish of Slaidburn with Tosside (Leeds diocese) has an annual May Queen festival dating back to 1931. The original was held on Whit Monday and its successor, Spring Bank Holiday, but was moved to a Sunday before the bank holiday for the first time this year.

Four village areas of the upper Hodder valley take it in turns to select the queen from those girls who are in their last year of primary education. The day begins with a festival service at church. The queen is crowned here if the weather is wet, otherwise, there is a procession led by Slaidburn Silver Band to the village green, where the crowning takes place. There are maypole dancing and various races and football matches for the children. More can be found at mayqueenfestival.com.

(The Revd) Jonathan Oldfield (Rector)

Slaidburn, Clitheroe


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