Root and Branch Out CIC joined with Rutland Morris, Oakham Castle and Oakham Town Council to welcome the joy of Spring with a sunny seasonal celebration.

This year was the first Oakham May Fayre Dance, joining autumn's Magical Lantern Walk to mark the changing of the seasons. Without entering through the castle gates, you could here the sounds of the celebration from Market Place with the Rutland Morris band and dancers bells creating a beautiful spring soundscape mixed with birdsong and the sound of laughter.

The sound of bells and the Morris Band welcomed visitors through the gates of Oakham Castle (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Rutland Morris led the dancing, having marked 'Beltane' by dancing at dawn on 1st May. They performed a mix of traditional Morris and May Pole dancing and invited onlookers to join in.

Rutland Morris performed and welcomed others to join in (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Everyone was welcome to try May Pole dancing, creating a beautiful (and slightly chaotic) dance by Rutlanders from all generations.

Lots of spectators joined Rutland Morris in the May Pole Dance (Photo: Grace Kennington)

The dancing was accompanied by a craft table run by Claire Caro from Root and Branch Out CIC, who originally came up with the idea for the event.

"It's an idea I've had for a long time," said Claire. "We wanted a companion to the Magical Lantern Walk, which welcomes in the longer nights in November. So, this [May Fayre Dance] is the day time companion. It's about tapping into the tradition of the land and the seasons."

Attendees could also make their own bells and flower crowns with Root and Branch Out CIC (Photo: Grace Kennington)

Claire was happy with the success of the event, especially how it bought together different parts of the community: "It's about bringing people out in the sunshine and connecting with the seasonal flowers, nature and enjoying Spring."