Harrow Council is pleased to announce its annual May Day Festival is back at Headstone Manor on Bank Holiday Monday 5th May from 12-5pm. For a small entry fee there is lots to see and do for all ages.

In the first centenary year of The Great War, Harrow Museum recognises this important event by stepping back 100 years to the optimistic early days of May 1914 – before war broke out – with old time entertainments including donkey rides and Edwardian Music Hall Wagon.

Visitors can meet new WWI recruits (re-enactors) training on the island at Headstone – just as they did in Harrow Weald 100 years ago and visit the Harrow and the Great War exhibition which tells the story of ordinary life in Harrow before the outbreak of WWI, showing fairs, weddings and business going on as usual.

The Vintage Car Show, is back again with the addition of some WWI Military Vehicles and, stepping further back in time, the traditional May Day celebrations will continue with fantastic displays of Falconry, and Morris and Maypole Dancing. Children can ‘make & take’ knights shields and May Queen crowns and join in the Maypole Dancing; and there’ll be games, rides and craft activities for all.

There will also be a Guided Tour of the Medieval Manor House – the oldest parts of which date to the 14th century. Don’t forget that this unique and beautiful building was once owned by King Henry VIII – for 6 days!

For a hands-on medieval experience visitors can take a ‘selfie’ with their children or friend in a replica Pillory and make amends for any wrong-doing! They can also try and hit the target in the Archery arena.

There’ll be plenty of treats to buy on the day such as homemade bread, cakes and jams, speciality foods, handmade crafts and gifts from the May Day market stalls and the opportunity to meet people from local groups such as Harrow Heritage Trust and Harrow in Leaf to find out more about what they do and how to get involved.

Jo Saunders, Harrow’s Heritage and Museum Coordinator said:

“May Day at the Manor has always been a great value family day out with loads to see and do. So come along with family and friends and enjoy an afternoon of fun from donkey rides and falconry to maypole dancing, archery and cream teas.”

Getting there

Nearest Tube/ Train: Harrow & Wealdstone/  Headstone Lane (20 min walk)
Nearest Buses: H9/ H10, H14, H18/ H19
Limited Free Car Parking available