April 2009
Make sure you pay a visit Holywood this year and celebrate a Medieval May Day on Monday May 4th. Take a step back in time and fully enjoy a fun filled medieval themed family fun day being held in the town centre.
The Maypole area will be transformed into a medieval arena and will be packed with things to see starting from 12.30pm straight through to 4pm. Be mesmerised by the fire shows, laugh along with the jesters and cheer out loud as the medieval Knights battle it out.
Bring all the family along and get into the spirit of the era which will be brought to life with Knights, Dragons and Maiden Stilt Walkers as they mingle with medieval peasants entertaining everyone with their unique style of street theatre.
May Day would not be complete without the Crowning of the May Queen which will take place at 10am at the Maypole followed by dancing around Ireland’s only Maypole at 10.15am and 11am by the local school children.
Children are encouraged to dress up as their favourite medieval character, knight or fair maiden and join in the fancy dress competition to be held in the Medieval Arena at 11.45am.
Be sure to browse through the charity fundraising stalls along the High Street and why not treat yourself at the speciality market on Church Road which opens from 10am.
Alison Stobie, Marketing Officer for North Down Tourism explains, “ It will be a great day out for all the family with something for everyone. Watch out for everyone’s favourite radio presenter, BBC Radio Ulster’s Hugo Duncan, and his road show which will be broadcasting live from 1.30pm.”
There will be lots of different activities taking place throughout the day at the Queens Leisure Complex including a Bonny Baby competition, a traditional tea dance and a children’s disco.
May Day Programme
10am Crowning of the May Queen - Maypole
10am-4pm Charity stalls - High Street
10am-3pm Craft activities – High Street
10am-4pm Speciality market - Church Road
10.15am-10.45am Maypole Dancing
10.30am-11am Bonny Baby Competition – Queens Leisure Complex
11am-11.45am Maypole Dancing
11.45am Fancy Dress Competition - Arena
12noon Presentation of prizes
12.30 – 4pm Medieval arena programme - High Street
Fire Show - Jesters - Fighting Knights
Queens Leisure Complex
1pm-2pm Junior Disco - Primary school age P1 to P3
1pm-3pm Tea Dance for 55 yr olds & over
2.30pm-3.30pm Junior Disco - Primary school age P4 to P7
*£1 charge & limited numbers apply to all
Maypole Bar
1.30pm – 3pm Celtic Lyres – Upstairs in Maypole Bar
For further information please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre, Quay Street, Bangor. Tel: 028 9127 0069
www.northdowntourism.com
(Pictured Hayley McDonald and Nathan Pinkerton 5yrs)