Things to do on May Day

Tomorrow is May Day - or Beltane.

If you haven't yet planned what you'll be doing on the First of May to welcome summer in, here are a few ideas. Some of these were listed on my weekly events page last Monday, but some I've only just found out about: 

Beltane on the Beach with Coven of the Bright Isle, Broadstairs, Kent. The Coven of the Bright Isle, a normally closed Wiccan group based in Thanet, is holding an open Beltane Ritual. The ritual is timed to coincide with May Morning sunrise. Meet before the start of the ritual at 5am, on the beach by Broadstairs pier, on Viking Bay in the heart of the town. There is plenty of parking by the pier, which is at the bottom of Harbour Street.

Sarsen Trail Neolithic Marathon 2011; A 26-mile walk across Wiltshire linking the ancient stone circles of Avebury and Stonehenge. This is being organised by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. The walk starts at 11am, but you will need to check in at 8.30am if you are doing a full marathon or 10am if you are doing a half-marathon. Pre-registration is now closed, but walkers can still register on the day. It costs £26 to do the full marathon, lower costs if you are doing a shorter walk. For full details, visit http://newsite.wiltshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/WhatsOn/SarsenTrail/EmailForm.aspx

Fowlers Troop and the Deptford Jack in the Green will be out and about in Greenwich, London, this May Day.  Jack will start from the Ashburnham Arms, Greenwich, at 12 midday, leaving the pub at 12.30pm sharp. From there the troop will make tour of Greenwich and return to the Ash later in the afternoon.  Everyone is welcome to come along. Details of the route are on the Deptford Jack in the Green web page at http://www.deptford-jack.org.uk/mayday2011.htm

Understanding Beltane: Intensive One-Day Course on Symbolism, Folklore, Custom, Magic. Workshop with Suzanne Corbie at Treadwells, 33 Store Street, Bloomsbury, London WC1E 7BS. Price: £45 (£25 deposit, balance due on the day). Time: 11 am to 6pm. Tel: 020 7240 8906 or email: info@treadwells-london.com. www.treadwells-london.com/lectures.asp

Anderida Gorsedd Imbolc open ritual at the Long Man of Wilmington, Sussex. Meet near the car park between 1.30pm and 2pm for a walk up to the chalk hill figure at 2pm. Afterwards back to the Giants Rest pub in Wilmington for a social drink together.

Cauldron of Cerridwen Open Beltane Ritual. Open ritual to celebrate the Sabbat. Meet in the Golden Grove pub, Ruxbury Rd, St Annes Hill, Chertsey, at 8.30pm to travel to the ritual site. Bring food and drink to share, a torch and suitable clothing for an evening in the woods.