Hastings Jack in the Green
Jack in the Green | image: Mike Harding |www.mikeharding.co.uk
Hastings atmospheric old town is the setting for this yearly gathering, which spans the entire bank holiday weekend and culminates in a spirited May Day procession. Its origins date back to 16th and 17th century work guilds, who every year would make increasingly inventive garlands for the annual May Day celebrations. Jack in the Green, the name given to both the garland-wearer and the garland itself. The “Jack” is covered from head to toe in green and foliage.
The custom died out in the early 20th century before being revived by Mad Jacks Morris Dancers in 1983, the celebration has become one of the South Coast’s most colourful celebrations, with a procession including a multitude of Jack’s along with their followers and drumming bands.
Michelham Priory – Ancient Crafts Festival
Fllint Knapping
The Ancient Crafts Festival – a unique opportunity to get hands on with a fabulous range of early craft techniques.
Welcome to the 28th Ancient Crafts Festival. The Ancient Crafts Festival showcases a range of craft techniques throughout the centuries. This is your opportunity to make and take away with you copies of a range of early artefacts. Try your hand at making a prehistoric pot, turn your hand to Iron Age wood turning, have ago at the earliest craft of all – flint knapping, try using a reconstruction Iron age loom and learn about early dyeing.
The centerpiece of this year’s activities will be the unique opportunity to have a go at helping to make a small Bronze Age building out of a mixture of oak, hazel and willow.
Our award winning blacksmith will be giving demonstrations and there will be displays of Saxon and Roman crafts. There is something for everyone and a unique opportunity for you to join in and get hands on working with some our experts and specialists across a range of areas.
We will also be showcasing local archaeological discoveries – you will be able to handle a range of original local material which has been found in Sussex over the recent period.
Activities, fun and real learning for all ages.
Normal admission applies. – There is no extra charge for all of the activities; once you have paid to enter the Priory the activities are free.