Merry May Day 2025

Holywood District Community Council organise Merry May Day with support from Ards and North Down Borough Council.

Always a popular family day out, the Merry May Day event has become a long tradition in the bustling gateway town of Holywood.

A day of celebration featuring traditional maypole dancing, live music, entertainment, and bric-a-brac and food stalls creating a carnival atmosphere in this charming town.

Enjoy mini funfair rides, walkabout street theatre, children’s crafts, the annual Bonnie Baby Competition as well as a fantastic Maypole Programme.

Children are encouraged to dress up in 1940's theme in honour of VE Day for the fancy dress competition.

Musical performances will add to the ambience of a great day out, and of course the display of dance by local school children around the Island's only Maypole is a highlight!

Upper High Street (Towards the Library) 

Punch and Judy | Magic Show by Carnival Promotions  12noon – 12:30 – Puppet show 12:45 – 1:15 – Magic Show  1:30 – 2:00 – Puppet Show  2:15 – 2:45 – Magic Show  3:00 – 3:30 – Puppet Show  3:30 – 4:00 – Magic Show 

Plant and PlaySpring themed crafts and planting seeds, and a science experiment table where kids can get their hands dirty making slime gummy worms!

Other activities throughout the town include...

Bonnie Baby competition | Free Presbyterian Church, Holywood

Tea Dance with Ballroom Blitz | Methodist Church Hall

The Rock Choir and Ballykeel Band

Play Bus | 12noon-4pm 

Maypole Programme - coming soon!

Free to attend [Please note: Charges apply for stall purchases and for some attractions].

Please note, details subject to change.

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[Please note, photography and videography may take place at some/all of these events].

Entrance Fee