May 4th 2024. The Guildford Summerpole Festival took place in the town centre today. The annual event run by the Guildford Pilgrim Morris dancers involves a procession up the High Street, displays of morris dancing by Pilgrim morris and several guest dance groups, followed by erecting the summerpole (instead of a traditional maypole) in Guildford Castle grounds, and further dancing. The Fleur de Lys morris dancers from Godalming performing outside Abbot's Hospital.

May 4th 2024. The Guildford Summerpole Festival took place in the town centre today. The annual event run by the Guildford Pilgrim Morris dancers involves a procession up the High Street, displays of morris dancing by Pilgrim morris and several guest dance groups, followed by erecting the summerpole (instead of a traditional maypole) in Guildford Castle grounds, and further dancing. The Fleur de Lys morris dancers from Godalming performing outside Abbot's Hospital. Stock Photo

RMID:2X4NADK

Image details

Contributor:

Gillian Pullinger / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

2X4NADK

File size:

51.1 MB (3.2 MB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

5176 x 3451 px | 43.8 x 29.2 cm | 17.3 x 11.5 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

4 May 2024

Location:

Guildford, Surrey, England, UK

More information:

This image could have imperfections as it’s either historical or reportage.

Guildford’s Summer Games are first recorded in the early 16th Century and the record of the Court Leet held at the Guildhall in 1611 refers to ‘the Sommer Pole being found by his long standing over against the parish church of St Mary in Guldeforde‘ The festival is celebrated by a procession led by the Summer Court to Abbot’s Hospital at the top of the High Street where, at the behest of the Summer Court, games in the form of Morris dancing are provided for the entertainment of the Court and assembled multitudes. The Summerpole is then borne to the castle green and erected where there is more dancing and merriment until the Court retires for lunch. A second session in the afternoon concludes with the Summerpole being taken down for another year. The Summerpole Procession consists of: Sword Bearer: to clear the way The Summer Court: The Queen (and/or King), Princes, Princesses; Barker: loitering alongside with his fertility cake; The Garland: a wreath of spring shoots to welcome the summer; The Summerpole: borne in procession by Guildford’s own Pilgrim Morris; The Entertainment: Pilgrim Morris Men and their invited guests; and Jack in the Green.

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