May Day Activities

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Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Always a popular family day out, the Merry May Day celebrations have become a long tradition in the bustling gateway town of Holywood.

The town will be transformed into a pedestrianised hub of activity. Expect delicious savoury and sweet treats on offer from a food stall market and browse and buy from the bric-a-brac stalls.

Enjoy mini funfair rides, walkabout street theatre, children’s crafts, the annual Bonnie Baby Competition as well as a fantastic Maypole Programme.

Musical performances will add to the ambience of a great day out, and of course the display of dance by local school children around the Island's only Maypole is a highlight!

Fancy Dress Competition 

Children are encouraged to dress up in 1940’s style, in honour of the 80th Anniversary of VE Day for the fancy dress competition.

Fancy Dress Registration at Holywood District Community Council stall on High Street from 11am - 12.15pm. Judging begins at 12.30pm.

Upper High Street (Towards the Library) 

Punch and Judy | Magic Show by Carnival Promotions 

12noon – 12:30 – Puppet show 
12:45 – 1:15 – Magic Show  
1:30 – 2:00 – Puppet Show  
2:15 – 2:45 – Magic Show  
3:00 – 3:30 – Puppet Show  
3:30 – 4:00 – Magic Show 

Plant and Play

Spring themed crafts and planting seeds, and a science experiment table where kids can get their hands dirty making slime gummy worms!

Other activities throughout the town include...

Bonnie Baby competition | Registration from 10.30am |  Free Presbyterian Church, Holywood. Judging from 11.30am

Tea Dance with Ballroom Blitz | Methodist Church Hall 2pm - 4pm
Refreshments provided, tea/coffee, sandwiches/traybakes. The dance is for adults only, no children or pets allowed in the hall. Tickets are free but must be pre-booked in advance - Book now

Ballykeel Band | 12noon 
The Rock Choir | 2.30pm
Play Bus | 12noon-4pm 

Go on the Holywood Mystery Trail
Have fun exploring the town - look out for the May Day Mystery Trail posters
There are 10 to find along the street, answer all 10 questions for a surprise treat!
Pick up a sheet from the Holywood and District Community Council stall located on High Street on the day.

Maypole Programme 

10.00am | Fair opens with Mayor of Ards & North Down, Cllr Alistair Cathcart
10:30am | Crowning of May Queen
11.00am | Maypole Dancers accompanied by Maypole Minstrels
11:45am | McElhiney School of Dance 
12:30pm | Fancy Dress Competition & Prize Giving
1.00pm   | Holywood Primary School Choir
1:30pm   | Maypole Dancers accompanied by Maypole Minstrels
2:15pm   | Sullivan Junior Choir

Set Dancing Workshop for Adult Beginners

Organised by the Holywood Set Dancing Class.

Holywood Yacht Club | 2.30pm - 4.30pm | Adults - £5 | Under 21 - £3
This form of country dancing danced to Irish dance tunes - usually in groups of eight dancers. It provides a great way to get fit while having fun. Note that this is group dancing but there is no need to come with a partner. 

Find out more and reserve a place 

Free to attend [Please note: Charges apply for stall purchases and for some attractions].

Stay a while

Why not make a break of it? Relax in the beauty of this place, offering everything from 5 star luxury to cosy guest houses or unique self-catering options, maybe camping and caravanning is more your thing, let us help you plan your perfect getaway.  With help from these sections plan your perfect break:  Plan Your Trip | Things to do | What's On | Experience Ards and North Down | Food and Drink

Details subject to change. Keep checking back to our website, follow our facebook page or sign up to our ezine for updates.

[Please note, photography and videography may take place at some/all of these events].