A DANCE around the maypole was one of the highlights of a May Day event at Worcestershire County Museum.

A traditional May Day festival took place at Worcestershire County Museum in Hartlebury on Bank Holiday Monday, May 2.

Visitors, not put off by mixed weather which included some heavy downpours, flocked to the museum for the event which was also held to celebrate 50 years of the County Museum.

As well as maypole dancing, the event included performances from the Cast Off Appalachian dance group and singers, craft activities, ferret racing, and a selection of stalls selling gifts and vintage items.

The May Queen, the Green Man and Ice Queen characters entertained children, while Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust opened the Bishop's Chapel to visitors.

Pippa Ashmore, museum events officer, said: "This was the first time in a long time we have run a May day event on this Bank Holiday, and we wanted to see how popular it would be.

"We have had a really good turnout - we have been busy all day.

"Families have come along with children, and they were not put off by the forecast, as we had indoor and outdoor activities."

For more on the museum visit museumsworcestershire.org.uk.