Oxford News
The best pictures of maypole dancing in Oxfordshire
Maypole dancing is a time-honoured tradition featuring a group of children dancing round a pole erected on a village green, often holding colourful ribbons.
Typically performed on May 1, May Day, or at other spring festivals in May, it has long been a tradition which brings together communities.
May pole dancing in 1964 (Image: Oxford Mail archive)
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It’s also frequently combined with games and fun, like choosing a May Queen, playing games and other festivities.
The origins of May Day are not known, though the earliest records date to the 13th century and the event is thought to predate even that.
This archive picture gallery features maypole dancing from 1908 to the 1980s, in villages across Oxfordshire.