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Jack in the Green

The Jack in the Green procession in the coastal town of Hastings is one of the UK's biggest May Day celebrations. Neil McCarthy goes behind the scenes.

In the south of England, Hastings' traditional Jack in the Green takes place every early May Day weekend and sees a seven foot-tall conical tower of leaves - the Jack - being processed through the old fishing quarters of the town before being led up to a steep hill overlooking the sea where it is 'slain' to release the spirit of summer as the gathered, fervent, crowds take home leaves from him as symbols of luck and fertility. Neil McCarthy goes behind the scenes of one of the biggest celebrations of May Day in the United Kingdom.

Release date:

27 minutes

Broadcasts

  • Tuesday 03:32GMT
  • Tuesday 12:32GMT
  • Tuesday 17:32GMT
  • Tuesday 21:32GMT
  • Tuesday 22:32GMT