Castleton Garland Day (Oak Apple Day) 2011
Channel: Somewhereintheworl
Date: 2011-06-05

Castleton Garland Day is a custom that has been celebrated in Castleton for hundreds of years and it is held on Oak Apple Day (May 29th) unless it falls on a Sunday, when it takes place on the Saturday or Bank holiday Monday instead.

A three foot (1m) high King Garland is made from a wooden frame to which small bunches of wild flowers and leaves are bound. A smaller Queen wreath sits on top. This heavy flower tower is then lifted onto the shoulders of the "King." After touring the village pubs on horseback accompanied by his Queen, the King is relieved of his floral encumbrance which is then hoisted to the top of St Edmunds Church tower, where it is left to wither.