Hastings Jack in the Green 2014 - Monday

I decided to head off to Hastings for the Jack in the Green procession for the first time.  Last year I did the much quieter Sunday.  Was taken aback by the sheer volume of people thronging the streets during the parade. 

I wasn't able to get down to Hastings as early as I'd have like and arrived with the procession in full flow.  Fortunately it stopped regularly for various performers to do their thing.

This is a great fun event and I loved it.  Will certainly be back next year.



Hastings Jack in the Green 2014 (475 pics)

Hastings Jack in the Green Festival 2013, Sunday

Decided to chase the sun after a day of gloom and chilly winds in Rochester at the Sweeps.  Hastings didn't disappoint and was sunny and very warm most of the day.  Things were fairly low key, with mostly just morris dancing and a bit of drumming.  The big procession takes place on the Monday but I knew it would be packed solid for that, with the added presence in Hastings of thousands of bikes for the May Day Run.



Hastings Jack in the Green (175 pics)

Rochester Sweeps Festival 2013, Monday

After spending the Sunday in Hastings, I returned on bank holiday Monday to the Sweeps.  Despite the forecast of unbroken sunshine, it managed to be cloudy a fair bit of the day, but at least it was nice and warm.  The parade was bigger than the previous year.  The high street was absolutely packed to the point where you could barely move at times.



Rochester Sweeps Festival (122 pics)

Rochester Sweeps Festival 2013, Saturday

It's that time again when dozens of morris dancers and folkies descend on Rochester for the annual Sweeps Festival.  It was certainly a bit warmer than last year.



Rochester Sweeps Festival pt1 (130 pics)