Visitors welcomed the arrival of spring this weekend with a lively May Day celebration in Castle Bromwich Hall gardens, filled with traditional crafts, music, and outdoor fun.
The orchards, bursting with blossom, set the scene for a day packed with seasonal cheer.
Festivities began with peaceful morning strolls before giving way to vibrant crown-making sessions using willow and fresh flowers. A falconry display by Mercer Falconry captivated onlookers as birds of prey soared above the lawns.
Read more: Beautiful hidden garden near Birmingham Airport is perfect for spring walks and plane-spotting
In the afternoon, the Morris dancers brought high energy to the orchards, accompanied by the mythical Green Man, who entertained guests with stories of the woods and changing seasons. Folk music drifted from the Music Room and across the gardens, while children and adults alike created noise with tambourines, bells, and pans to symbolically drive out the last of winter.
Guests, many dressed in white, participated in drop-in crafts and seasonal games, culminating in the crowning of the May Monarchs—an annual tradition celebrating the spirit of the season.
The event, free with regular garden admission, offered a joyful farewell to winter and a festive embrace of spring’s arrival.
1. Morris into May at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Saying goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring at hidden gardens near Birmingham Airport | Jack Babington
2. Morris into May at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Saying goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring at hidden gardens near Birmingham Airport | Jack Babington
3. Morris into May at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Saying goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring at hidden gardens near Birmingham Airport | Jack Babington
4. Morris into May at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Saying goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring at hidden gardens near Birmingham Airport | Jack Babington