Padstow May Day

Why not come and join us for Mayday

May Day (or ‘Obby ‘Oss Day as it is known outside of Padstow) is the biggest day in Padstow’s calendar, it takes place annually on 1st May (2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday). There have been many conflicting theories about the origins of the Obby Oss. Some say its roots are in pagan times, others that it’s a rain maker or a fertility symbol. The Obby Oss proceeds through Padstow’s streets, swirling and dancing and accompanied by a Teazer, who leads the dance with theatrical movements and the use of the Teazer’s club, a leather pad colourfully painted and mounted on the end of a wooden rod. The Teazer’s accompanying retinue are dressed in white their costumes decorated with blue or red ribbons and sprays of cowlips and bluebells. As the procession moves around the town dancing to the sound of the accompanying accordion’s and drummers. Last, but not least, are the followers, young and old who follow the procession every year and join in the singing of the traditional May Song

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 Mr. —- I know you well afine,    For summer is acome unto day, You have a shilling in your purse and I wish it was in mine    In the merry morning of May.

All out of your beds,    For summer is acome unto day, Your chamber shall be strewed with the white rose and the red,    In the merry morning of May.

Where are the young men that here now should dance,    For summer is acome unto day, Some they are in England and some they are in France    In the merry morning of May.