Place Feature

Although there are many interpretations of the tradition and numerous ideas of who the Green Man is meant to be, the festivals are used to celebrate spring - and new birth in nature. It's also a great excuse to have a good time.

The Clun Green Man Festival, 30th April-2nd May 2005.

Thousands of people will be in Clun on Monday 2nd May to watch the Green Man battle it out with the Frost Queen on the beautiful and historic Clun bridge. Hopefully Winter will be banished from the Clun Valley for the next few months at least.

The Green Man (by Katherine Soutar)

The Green Man and his entourage will make his way to Clun Bridge at midday on Monday 2nd May.

As well as the display on the bridge, the village mark the festival with a variety of events including concerts, dances, fairs, theatre and even a parade.

Among the highlights of this year's festival is Fairport Accoustic Convention at Clun Memorial Hall on Saturday, a Medieval Street Fair and a concert by the Llanfair Caereinion Male Voice Choir, both on the Sunday.

Clun put their own South Shropshire slant on the myth by clothing him with the branches of Clun's trees and unlike most versions of the tradition, adorn his head with deer antlers.

Sculptures of the Green Man can be found on numerous churches (which historically absorbed many pagan traditions) and in gardens. He is represented by a mysterious, leafy face that is meant to inspire a sense of familiarity in the observer.

Pay a visit to Clun at the beginning of May for some traditional festivities.