MayDay 2026

I really can’t recall a May 1st quite like this, it was an early start but being on home territory meant a simple 30 minute journey from South to North Leicestershire to catch local team Leicester Morris at Bradgate Park for the traditional early morning beltane.

Bradgate Park is located in the Charnwood district of Leicestershire - www.bradgatepark.org - and situated within it is the folly known as Old John that sits atop the highest hill on the park and offers commanding views across the County.

Arriving with ample time to spare for the 7:00am start I made my way up the hill towards Old John, the sun was just peeking above the hilltop at 6:30am which I managed to capture in the image below, a few of Leicester Morris were already ahead of me, most notably the carriers of the ale barrel who I managed to catch up with as they negotiated the winding path that cuts through the rugged terrain.

Once at the top of the hill it became very apparent this was going to be a glorious sunlit location, the sky was a cloudless deep blue and already the views across Leicestershire were clear and obvious, quite stunning if truth be told and possibly something I’d never previously given thought to - home town familiarity perhaps ?

With Leicester Morris all present & correct, and with the ale barrel firmly planted in secure position, dance proceedings started (more or less) on time and what a fantastic sight to see this wonderfully boisterous team bathed in sunlight with the backdrop of Old John occupying my camera viewfinder - as said at the start, I really can’t recall a May 1st this bright & sunny right from the get go.

What a great start to the season, 2 hours of Morris, cobwebs blown off the camera and a cardiovascular workout scaling Old John hillside !

My observations from the morning can be viewed in the projects section of this website.

Old John Folly - Bradgate Park, Leicestershire - May 2026