John Hayward
Jack in the Green – 2023
This was the 40th anniversary of the Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green annual folk custom that was revived in Hastings in 1983 by Mad Jack’s Morris.
Taking place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, there is traditional dancing from performers from all over the country, captivating concerts from some of the best folk acts, and fantastic ceilidhs and music sessions.
The main event is ‘Jack’ (a Jack-in-the-green), a man completely covered in foliage topped with a floral crown. He bursts onto the streets of Hastings and leads the procession. After a day of fun and merry-making, he is stripped of his leaves to release the spirit of summer.
Catch a leaf, and have a year of good luck!
