Some interesting events an anniversaries in the month ahead.
23 April to 21 June
British Asparagus Festival. The Vale of Evesham is the asparagus growing centre of the UK and each year they hold a 2 month-long festival during the asparagus season, starting with the first crop on St George’s Day. English asparagus is the best and has to be enjoyed during its short season, hence the festival. Find out more at www.britishasparagusfestival.org.
1 to 31 May
Local and Community History Month. The aim is to increase awareness of local history and promote history in general. There are activities across the UK which include trips, library exhibitions and local lectures. It is a great way for groups to highlight local history and for local people to get involved. Find a database of events at www.history.org.uk/resources/general_resource_1567_55.html.
1 May
May Day and the ancient Pagan festival of Beltane celebrate Spring in the northern hemisphere. This is a time when there will be ancient festivals taking place around the country, with maypoles, morris men and the like. If you are in London there is the Deptford Jack in the Green. See Wikipedia for a quick introduction to both May Day and Beltane.
4 May
International Dawn Chorus Day . This is a worldwide celebration of the daily miracle of birdsong. More details and a events in your area at www.idcd.info/.
6 May
On this day in 1954 Roger Bannister ran the first sub-4 minute mile.
8 May
Furry Day, Helston, Cornwall is a Spring festival to celebrate the end of winter and mark the arrival of the new vitality and fertility with the trees and flowers bursting into life. The houses and shops of the town are decorated with greenery and floral arrangements to express the spirit of renewal. From 7AM some eighty couples dance through the streets, entering houses and shops to drive out the darkness of winter and bring in the light of spring. Much more detail at www.helstonfloraday.org.uk.
10 & 11 May
National Mills Weekend. The annual festival of our milling heritage which provides great opportunities to visit mills — both windmills and watermills — many of which are not usually open to the public. Find out what’s happening near you at www.nationalmillsweekend.co.uk.
14 to 25 May
Be Nice to Nettles Week. We’re all familiar with the stinging nettle having experienced its ferocity. Unfortunately many see it as only a troublesome weed to be eradicated, whereas it is a valuable wildlife habitat and resource — you can even eat young nettle shoots! Find out more about the humble nettle at www.nettles.org.uk/.
14 May
On this day in 1264 the armies of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, and King Henry III engaged at the Battle of Lewes which de Montfort’s men won and which was he height of his power. There is more about the battle on Wikipedia and at Simon de Montfort 1264.
22 May
World Goth Day is a day where the goth scene gets to celebrate and make its presence known to the rest of the world. Find out everything about the day at www.worldgothday.com.
25 May
Towel Day. The annual celebration of the life and work of Douglas Adams, author of The Hitch-Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. More about the day at towelday.org.

Oak Apple Day celebrations at Castleton, Derbyshire

Parliament had ordered the 29 of May, the King’s birthday, to be for ever kept as a day of thanksgiving for our redemption from tyranny and the King’s return to his Government, he entering London that day.
[Samuel Pepys, Diary, 1 June 1660]

This is another day on which many ancient festivals take place; it is also kept as Founder’s Day by the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. Why is this not still a public holiday?
31 May & 1 June
Asparafest 2014. Held at Ashdown Farm, Evesham this is Worcestershire’s asparagus themed music and food festival and all part of the British Asparagus Festival. Full details at www.asparafest.co.uk.