Wetherden near Stowmarket celebrates May Day with Morris dancers and market stalls

More than 100 people went to a village’s May Day fayre to support independent stallholders and watch some traditional Morris dancing.

The event was in the car park opposite The Maypole pub in Stowmarket Road, Wetherden on Monday from 10am to 3pm.

It was hosted by the Wetherden Townlands Trust and saw the Bury Fair Women’s Morris dancers take to the street to kick off the fayre.

Trustee and organiser Valmay Young said: “It went very well and all the stallholders seemed very happy.

“I think some of them had to pop home to get more stock, so that must be a good thing.

“The Morris dancers were fantastic and they very kindly came and danced for us - a lot of people in the village joined in the dancing towards the end too.

“It’s really all about helping local businesses and putting on an event for the community to enjoy.”

The fayre’s market showcased small businesses offering locally supplied crafts and produce and there was also a tombola.

The Maypole Pub, named after the May Day tradition, supported the fayre by providing facilities and hot drinks for the stallholders.

The newly opened pub has recently celebrated a year since reopening and owner Chris Mapey is pleased to see the village thriving once again.

“It was brilliant,” he said.

“It was a very well attended event for such an early start - but it was great, really nice to see most of the village turn out for it and enjoy the bank holiday and get involved with the community spirit.

“The village has been so supportive of the Maypole pub and it’s been going very well since reopening.”

The pub holds a rich history with the May Day celebrations and although there is not currently a Maypole at the site, Chris said the pub is planning to put up a new pole in the near future - ready for next year’s celebrations.