Art of Protest May Day Festival and procession
Hundreds of people flocked to Battersea Park on Monday to enjoy traditional celebrations combined with socialist protests, at the Art of Protest May Day Festival and Procession.
The event, staged by the Pump House Gallery, brought together the day’s dual historic meanings, albeit a week late.
Long established as a day to commemorate the labour movement, the gallery put on a number of workshops, incorporating a speakers’ corner, making protest banners and even a humorous apathy workshop.
But centre stage was May Day’s other popular meaning, its celebration as the first day of summer since the times of pre-Christian pagans.
As our pictures show, children danced around the Maypole, while clowns and dancers entertained the crowds.
The festivities came to a conclusion with a procession, in which a giant Jack-in-the-Green led his flock of artists, clowns and musicians, all in costumes celebrating nature, on a merry dance across the park.
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Signs
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Demo
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Drawn
High jinks at the May Day Festival
High jinks
High jinks at the May Day Festival
In the spirit
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Festival
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Joy
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Hats
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Fun
High jinks at the May Day Festival
May Day
High jinks at the May Day Festival
March in May
High jinks at the May Day Festival
Making music
High jinks at the May Day Festival
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