Thanks Ruth - less than 5 hr to the Night Singing then!

This is one of the most magical parts of May day. In the evening, the pubs are heaving and the noise level is pretty high because of the Mayers' drums and other instruments! But just before midnight a crowd gathers outside the Golden Lion and a hush falls - everybody is waiting for the church clock to strike. Then the crowd (without accompaniment or Oss) sing:

Unite and unite and let us all unite,
For summer is acome unto day,
And whither we are going we will all unite,
In the merry morning of May

Arise up Martin Rickard, and joy you betide
For summer is acome unto day,
And bright is your bride that lies by your side,
In the merry morning of May

Now fare you well, and we bid you all good cheer,
For summer is acome unto day,
We'll call once more unto your house before another year,
In the merry morning of May

The Mayers then go off round Padstow to sing to other fortunate people. The order and number of verses varies according to custom and what the singers feel like singing! I imagine the one asking for some beer may be sung outside the pub...

Anybody know if they they serenade Rick Stein? "And give to us some fish'n'chips and the merrier we will sing" would be a hoot. Sorry, Padstonians.