SPARKWELL revived its traditional May Day celebrations last weekend, with maypole dancing and the crowning of a May King and Queen in the village.

When the old primary school closed in 2008, it brought an end to the maypole dancing. But with the new school being open since 2013, this year saw a return of the May Day celebrations.

Francesca McLoughlin, headteacher at Sparkwell All Saints Primary School said: ‘To prepare, I ran a maypole dancing club for six weeks after school. We had to keep the dancing reasonably simple, as the oldest children at the school are eight years old - there were a lot of tangled ribbons!

‘On the day, we went to church for a service, and following a short delay due to a hail storm, processed down to the old school playground, crowned the May King and Queen, and watched the maypole dancing.’

King William, aged 5, and Queen Abi, aged 8, were crowned by Father Freddy Denman from All Saint’s Sparkwell.

The May King and Queen were chosen by asking children at the school to write a letter explaining why they should be crowned May Day royalty.

One of the eldest girls, and one of the youngest boys were then selected for the important ceremonial roles.

It is now hoped that the Sparkwell May Day celebrations will once again, become an annual event.

Ms McLoughlin said: ‘Despite the weather not being brilliant, the children worked really hard. The girls were wearing old-fashioned pretty dresses, and the boys all dressed smartly.

‘I’d like to thank Father Denman, who suggested that we revive the tradition, and also made the maypole for us.’

The dancers will also be performing at the Sparkwell County Fair on Sunday, July 3, from 12pm on the fields in the village.