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‘Kooky dancing bush’ Jack in the Green welcomes in summer
The annual Jack in the Green procession kicked off outside M Shed on Saturday morning as the folk character began his mission of bringing in the summer.
The nine-foot-tall figure travels through the city streets each year on the first Saturday of May, accompanied by dancers and musicians in green tatter coats.
At the end of the journey on Horfield Common, Jack symbolically dies as a metaphor for spring giving way to summer. Watchers strip him of his leaves, taking home some greenery as a remembrance of the day.
The tradition happens in early May each year
Crowds gathered next to the docks to witness the start of the procession, and were greeted by a display of morris dancing, singing and a poem.
“This is the third year I’ve been,” said audience member Kelda, describing Jack as “a really fun dancing hedge that welcomes in summer”.
“The way that it wobbles,” she laughed. “It’s very kooky!”
Dancers with green faces daubed green paint on the noses of delighted bystanders as the procession started off along Prince Street towards St Nick’s Market.
Morris dancers and musicians accompany Jack on his journey
The route this year also visited Broadmead, St Michael’s Hill and the back streets around Gloucester Road, before ending up at Horfield Common where Jack meets his end.
Saturday’s event was part of a number of traditions at the start of May to mark the turn of the seasons.
Friday saw morris teams turn out at dawn on Brandon Hill to dance up the sun, and Sunday will see a May Day party hosted at Bridge Farm in Eastville.
All photos: Molly Pipe
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