In pictures: 24 colourful photos of the 152nd annual Gawthorpe Maypole Procession

The 152nd Gawthorpe Maypole Procession and Feast took place on Saturday, May 2.

This year’s event once again drew in large crowds and participants from across the village and surrounding areas.

May Queen, Maddie Ferdinand with her maids of honour, and preceded by the Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, led a mile-long procession of fancy dress and colourful decorated floats along a four and a half mile route through the streets Gawthorpe and Ossett.

It is a tradition that has been at the heart of the Gawthorpe community for over 150 years.

When the Procession reached the maypole green in Gawthorpe, there was the crowning of the new May Queen, a performance of traditional maypole dancing from the Gawthorpe Community Academy Maypole dancers, who performed some of the most complex plaiting sequences in the world, as well as fairground rides and stalls.

Duncan Smith, president of the Gawthorpe Maypole Committee, which organises the event, said: “There was a great sense of community and joy and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time. There was a lot of smiling and waving from participants and spectators alike.”

“Our celebrations are more than just a tradition - they bring the whole community together. Community traditions like these are special occasions, which need and deserve our support. "Families from far and wide return to their roots to join in the festivities.”

The event also raised money for a special afternoon tea and entertainment event for around 100 elderly people on May Bank Holiday Monday.