May Day Celebrations at Kentwell Hall
Location
Kentwell Hall, Long Melford, Suffolk CO10 9BA
Telephone
01787 310207- Next Event
- 4th May 11:00am - 4th May 5:00pm
- Following 2 Events
05/05/24 11:00
-05/05/24 17:00
06/05/24 11:00
-06/05/24 17:00
About this event
For May Day Villagers cavorted round a May Tree. Our costumed volunteers as if in the 16th Century do likewise. Come and join them.
They'll choose a May Queen and attendants. They’ll decorate the Village with garlands. There’ll be noisy processions, dancing and plays in which St George tries to prevail against anyone set against him. Be that the Devil, a Dragon, a Turk, a Spaniard or whosoever. Good down-to-earth playing of a type which survives in pantomime today. Join in, barrack, boo or cheer or just watch and enjoy!
All activity takes place against the background of everyday Tudor life with about 100 of our Living Historians present daily life as it was then Visitors meet workers, villagers, cooks and crafters up to Gentry folk, all going about their everyday lives.
Entrance to the House (only the parts used for the Event) and Gardens is included. The Gardens at this time of year rich in spring bulbs and blossom. On the farm, this year's lambs will be gambolling in the paddocks.
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About the Venue
Kentwell Hall is Suffolk’s hidden gem and one of England’s finest Tudor houses that stands within the most extensive moat in the county and nearly 30 acres of formal gardens and grounds.
The house offers the visitor a journey through time from the Great Tudor Kitchen, the Gothic centre block to the State bedroom that was created by Thomas Hopper in the 1820s for a visit from the then Duke of York.
The house offers a relaxed environment, mixed with an individuality that is not often seen these days in great historic venues.
Kentwell Hall’s organic gardens are a combination of ancient features, elements of the substantial alterations of Lady Guthrie, tenant during the 1930s, and the recent landscaping and planting by the current owners.
Particular areas of interest include the formal walled garden with its glorious borders providing seasonal displays of colour, the wildlife meadows and the Pied Piper Topiary hedge.
Whilst the magnificent Cedar Trees that date back to the late 18th century provide a lovely backdrop and The Sculpted Tree, based on the theme of the Tower of Babel, is the UK's biggest single wood carving.
The house and gardens are described as “magical with a surprise around every corner” and are to be enjoyed at your leisure.
The Stable Yard Tea Rooms serve light lunches and afternoon tea using seasonal produce from the gardens and farm.
Kentwell Hall is famous for producing some of the countries largest Re-creations and family events that run throughout the year.
Kentwell is available to hire for weddings, corporate functions, events and filming.
