1961: Children's Newsreel - May Day in Devon

This mute Children's Newsreel item records the crowning ceremony of a May Queen in the Devonshire village of Lustleigh, a tradition which continues today. Dating back to Roman times, the ceremony involves a procession through the streets, the crowning of a young May Queen beneath a canopy of flowers and, finally, some traditional maypole dancing. Miss Mabel Bunclark who was the May Queen in 1905, also joins the celebrations.

Originally broadcast 29 May 1961