Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?

Subject: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Bearheart
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:03 PM

Expect to be in UK teaching the end of April and trying to find out more details of the music at this festival (Jack in the Green), which friends plan to take us to-- I know there is Morris dancing, what about music concerts or performances? The only group I was familiar with that I could find was the Copper Family.

Has anybody been to this one? What did you think?

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 01:23 PM

Jack in the Green is an ancient Hastings custom which was revived by a local Morris side about 25 years ago. This year it takes place over the weekend of 2 - 5 May and culminates in the slaying of Jack on Monday to signifies the start of summer.

The procession through the town and up to the castle for a spectacular dance display is magnificent. Over the weekend there are two ceilidhs, one with Stömp and the other with the Committee Band as well as concerts with the Coppers and Roy Bailey, and sessions in various pubs throughout the weekend.

It is great fun and unmissable . . . except for those with an allergy to green paint.

http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk/

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Bearheart
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 02:40 PM

Thanks!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: GUEST,doc.tom
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:10 PM

Ancient being early 19thC or late 19thC ?
And so not on Mayday either!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 03:21 PM

As I understand it from those involved in the Hastings revival, it is not an attempt to replicate what used to happen (which died out at the end of the 19th century as a result of the prohibition of sending chidren up chimneys), but simply to have a jolly good dance event. So they hold it on the weekend nearest to May Day. This gives rise to the possibility of being able to make it to Padstow as well as Jack in the Green (or the Rochester Sweeps).

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 13 Feb 08 - 07:10 PM

It is also one of the only festivals in the uk to regularly feature Giants(a tradition in England dating to before the 15th century)I'll be there this year. With Nathandriel the colne valley giant. It will be his 20th attendance(I think)

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 05:50 AM

We're hoping to be there too! Looking forward to seeing Nathandriel again, he is a handsome chap!

Khatt, Paul and Harry

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 06:13 AM

To answer the original poster's question - yes, there are concerts and events around the town during that weekend, not just morris dancers.

Most things take place in the Stables theatre but there are other odd locations about the old town. There are sessions in various pubs (Royal Standard is one) for both singers and musicians, and a beer festival in the FILO (First In, Last Out) pub.

It's a great place to come regardless, as it's a fabulous seaside town with lots of things to do.

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: manitas_at_work
Date: 14 Feb 08 - 07:55 AM

And ceilidhs in St Mary-in-the-Rock since the pier started to collapse...

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 03:46 AM

And lots of music in the street...Might bring the Hurdy gurdy!

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: GUEST,LTS pretending to work
Date: 15 Feb 08 - 04:09 AM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Not the bottle of wasps!!!!

If you bring the bottle of wasps, I'm bringing the big drum with the naked man on it!

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Bearheart
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 12:52 AM

Thanks all, for your posts. I'm getting quite excited at the prospect! My first English traditional festival.

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 08 - 05:20 AM

Look for the big hairy giant with the sword and shield - you'll find several Mudcatters nearby - or try the FILO!

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Bearheart
Date: 22 Feb 08 - 07:52 PM

will it be easy to find the FILO? and how will I know the Mudcatters? Do they have tattoos or anything?

big hairy giant-- that would be in the parade?

Bekki

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 02:50 AM

The big hairy giant is indeed in the parade but may be sneaking about town during the weekend. Mudcatters look like many normal people but have a tendancy to gather in groups where alcohol is served and sing a lot.

The FILO is a pub in the Old Town - where most of this takes place - in the High Street.

One of the sessions is usually on Friday in the Royal Standard, that's on the main road, opposite the funfair, not too far from the net sheds, again, in the old town.

If you get lost, just accost a morris dancer in kit or a bogey in green tatter suit.

LTS

Subject: RE: Folklore: Hastings, UK Festival May Day?
From: Ned Ludd
Date: 23 Feb 08 - 06:27 PM

Nathandriel never sneaks! Big drum with a naked man? You gotta voulenteer?