Gawthorpe Maypole is celebrated in style

A mile-long procession of fancy dress and decorated floats paraded through the streets during Saturday’s event, which dates back to 1874.

May queen Samantha Shelton led the procession in a horse-drawn carriage with her maids of honour, Alison Ackroyd, Georgie Cullerton, Sinead McGroggan and Jordan Nestor.

The procession wound its way through Gawthorpe and Ossett before Maypole plaiters from Gawthorpe Community Academy performed on the Maypole field.

The celebrations continued on Sunday, when the May Queen and dancers took part in a service at Trinity Church, on Church Street.

And on Monday around 100 pensioners gathered for food and entertainment at Gawthorpe’s Darby and Joan Club.

Gawthorpe Maypole committee member Duncan Smith said: “The procession was very well supported. Around 20 vehicles took part, which is pretty good compared to previous years. There was a lot of colour and variety in the procession.

“The Maypole dancing was really good and continued a 140-year-old tradition, thanks to the involvement of Gawthorpe Academy. Many people came and watched it.

“We were blessed with good weather, which always makes a difference to the number of people who come along.