Jack is back! Ilfracombe’s May celebrations return

Ilfracombe’s Jack-in-the-Green May Day celebrations are back following a four year absence and just in time to mark its 20th anniversary too.

The popular May Day procession of colourful costumed characters, accompanied by music and maypole dancing had to be cancelled in 2020 due to the Covid lockdown.

It has taken a huge effort from local volunteers to reinstate it, but on Sunday, May 5, ‘Jack’ will be back, alongside the leafy lads and lasses, musicians and much May merriment in the celebration of an old English tradition.

Above: Jack in the Green makes his way along the seafront as part of a previous Ilfracombe May celebration.

The parade will set off from Wilder Road car park at 11am and then make its way along the High Street, down Fore Street and around St James Place before heading along the seafront to the ‘clapping circle’ by Capstone.

New for this year is a storytelling session to let people know more about the traditional side of May Day celebrations, which will be followed by maypole dancing from local children.

Above: Ilfracombe’s May celebrations are back for 2024. Credit: Debbie Soden

There will be belly dancers from Shimmy Fit too and music from Ilfracombe’s original maypole teacher, Garry Thompson.

Finally, ‘Jack’ will be led to the beach where his green leaves will be stripped away and – we all hope – the spirit of summer will be released.

This year’s celebrations have been sponsored by Ilfracombe Markets and there will be a market on the seafront on the day, which it is hoped will add more atmosphere to the occasion and give visitors more things to see and enjoy.

Above: Volunteers working on the costumes for Ilfracombe May celebrations’ ‘leafy lads and lasses’.

Ilfracombe’s Jack-in-the-Green Celebrations were started in 2000 by Lisa Sture and current organiser Kelly Raveney took on the mantle in 2016.

It has always been organised entirely by volunteers and after a four-year break is back due to public demand, as well as the 20th anniversary instalment of the festivities.

Above: Maypole dancers practice for the return of Ilfracombe’s May celebrations on Sunday, May 5.

Kelly said: “People have really missed it so much and many of them wanted to support it his year.

“We have had a massive response from the public this year, people have come forward with offers of help and supplies and we are just so grateful to them, as well as our volunteers.

“We’ve had a lot of volunteers but we always need more, so if anyone would like to help in any way, please do contact us via the Jack in the Green Ilfracombe Facebook page.