We have two bank holidays to look forward to this month and for some people it will mean three day weekends and so here are some ideas what you could do to make the most of the time you may have off.
The first Bank Holiday is May Day which this year is on Monday 7th May. Traditionally this date sums up visions of youngsters skipping round a Maypole, the crowning of a May Queen, Morris Dancers and the odd pagan feast.However, as these events have died out in some parts of the country, instead we are left with a bank holiday which often is celebrated with village fairs, picnics or a visit to a garden centre to kickstart our gardens into waking up for summer.
However, if none of the above float your boat then how about some of the following events that are going on in and around Hertford and Ware over May Day.
Hertford Art Society 66th Open Exhibition - May 6th - 19th 2018 Open exhibition for local and national artists.
Hertford Art Society is fast approaching its 66th Open Exhibition, it welcomes amateurs and professionals alike. The exhibition takes place at Cowbridge Halls, Cowbridge, Hertford SG14 1PG.
Call for entries: To enter, you will need to pay £5 on handing-in day to become an Associate Member (temporary member for the duration of the exhibition). You can then submit up to 6 pieces of work at £3 per entry. All works will be judged and selected by an independent panel. Handing in day is Saturday, April 28th between 8.30 a.m. and 10 a.m. only. Artists across all mediums can submit their work.
Alternatively if you’re more interested in viewing the artwork than submitting your own then the exhibition runs from Sunday 6th May to Saturday 19th May 2017 (closing at 2.30pm).
For more information phone 07720 292172 or visit www.hertfordartsociety.co.uk
Kimpton May Festival weekend 4th – 7th May
As this is a three day event there are far too many things planned to mention here but to give you a taster there will be:
An open air cinema, an art show, wine tasting, history exhibition, variety show, cream teas, Pimms, live music playing traditional and Dixieland jazz music, quiz, music night, a fun run, car boot sale and a hog roast and much more.
For more information for dates, opening times, entrance fees and parking http://www.kimptonmayfestival.co.uk/
Standon May Day (7th May) – A traditional village celebration.
You can expect a childrens entertainer, a fairground, the opportunity for children and adults to learn circus skills and for adults to try archery. Of course there will be Morris dancing, the May Queen procession and live music, Zumba, ice cream vans and many many stalls selling a great range of goodies and fun things.
The high street will be closed to traffic from 11am to 5.30pm and please note parking is limited.
Entrance fee is 50p per person. Gates open at 1pm and the event finishes between 5pm – 5.30pm.
For more information http://standon-may-day.myfreesites.net/
Stapleford Flower Festival - 6th and 7th May from 12.00 noon until 4.30 p.m
This year is a special celebration as the Stapleford Flower Festival has been running for 50 years! To mark this occasion this year’s theme is ‘celebration’. As well as the beautiful flowers there will be refreshments including tea, coffee and homemade cakes. Also there will be an exhibition of the history of St. Mary’s Church where the festival is held. Outside will be many stalls including a raffle and bottle stall etc. and at the local school an art market. On Monday there will also be a Maypole dancing and a scarecrow trail round the village.
Parking and entrance is free.
For more information telephone: 01992 302501 Call to check latest times or cancellations.
Final suggestion is for adults only – a May Pole Punch. This particular punch seems very appropriate considering the origin of May Day was to mark the end of the winter half of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and the Romans celebrated with a festival called Floralia, the Festival of Flora which involved dancing, flower-gathering, a sacrifice to Flora and much drinking.
May Pole Punch
Recipe courtesy of Sandra Lee
Prep: 2 hr 10 min
12 servings
Ingredients (approx.. as converted from cups to millilitres)
Directions
Special equipment: small flower shaped biscuit cutter
Arrange a double-layer of peaches, whole strawberries, and mint leaves in the bottom of a Bundt tin. Add enough pineapple juice to cover the fruit. Freeze for at least 2 hours, or until set.
In a large punch bowl, combine remaining pineapple juice, orange juice concentrate, sliced strawberries, peach nectar, and lemonade. Stir to mix thoroughly.
With a small flower biscuit cutter, cut out flowers from melons. Place the melon flowers in the punch along with the frozen cranberries or raspberries.
To serve, remove Bundt tin from freezer and invert over the centre of the punch bowl. Ladle into glasses.
Top punch with sparkling wine.
