Tudor Inspired Traditional May Fayre

Laura Wilkinson

1 April 2006

Sunday 30 April and Monday 1 May (unless otherwise indicated):

• The Maypole will form the centrepiece to the Fayre and traditional dance group Tradamis will lead dances and teach various moves to those who want to have a go – visitor participation is encouraged! Tradamis will also demonstrate a variety of traditional Tudor dances in full period costume.
• Elizabeth and Richard York will provide both Tudor and later traditional music, with a range of instruments including harps, bagpipes and a hurdy gurdy.
• Traditional 10ft Green Man stilt walker will spread blessings of flower petals and warm greetings to visitors. The Green Man is an ancient symbol of regeneration, fertility and growth, born in the spring and reaching full maturity in autumn, along with the fruits of the harvest.
• ‘Piers Shonks and the Brent Pelham Dragon’ performed by Perrotts Puppet Players will bring authentic Tudor entertainment to the May Fayre, with folk stories that would also have entertained our ancestors.
• May Queen and May King competition (2pm Monday 1 May only), open to children of all ages in May-themed fancy dress to symbolise springtime. Prizes and flower crowns will be awarded to the two winners.
• A display illustrating the Tudor Palace Chapel archaeological excavations in January including photographs alongside Greenwich Foundation’s handling collection which includes Tudor tiles discovered in earlier excavations. There will also be the opportunity to find our more about the redevelopment of the Visitor Centre.
• Tudor tile-painting workshop for all the family, inspired by the tiled floor uncovered at the heart of the Tudor Palace.
• Traditional arts and craft market in the ORNC grounds to complement the Fayre (an extension to the weekend Greenwich Market held in the town centre).
• Traditional Hog Roast and other refreshments.
• Face painting, donkey rides, Tudor brass rubbing workshop, traditional fairground rides, coconut shy, tombola and hook the duck.

VISITOR INFORMATION
Entrance to the event is free.