Bank Holiday Hijinks: From Morris Dancers to Tiger Cubs

C Morris dancing, markets, and Sumatran tiger cubs are some of the draws bringing tourists to the West Midlands over this weekend.

Nova, Nadirah and Naresh
were born at West Midlands Safari Park in January and they can
be seen
On specific days in May, including Bank Holiday Monday.

The Shrewsbury Morris Dancers marked May Day on May 1st as per custom, and they plan to have a “dance out” event in the town this coming Monday.

The bank holiday marks the beginning of festivities commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, with events continuing all week long.

Bev Langton, who leads the Shrewsbury Morris Dancers, mentioned that the group will perform in the Dingle at the Quarry on Monday.

The organization is preparing for its 50th-anniversary celebrations set for next year along with a complimentary dancing event at The Square scheduled for July 5th. Ms. Langton mentioned that this custom “is rapidly gaining momentum.”

She mentioned that increasingly, groups are forming nationwide, with both seasoned performers and newer participants joining in.

This serves as excellent exercise. It maintains traditions. Additionally, it is immensely enjoyable. You experience a sense of fellowship and bonding—everyone collaborates as a unit.

At the West Midlands Safari Park, staff referred to the birth of the trio of “charming” cubs as a “landmark moment for tiger preservation” and a notable accomplishment.

The Tiger Takeover will take place on weekends between May 3rd and 18th, which includes the Bank Holiday, and every day from May 24th through June 1st.

Guests will have the opportunity to view the curious bear cubs via viewing holes and can engage in various activities such as a nature path, shows, crafting sessions, and a photography competition.

Events are beginning for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, commemorating the conclusion of the European theater of World War II when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allied powers on May 8, 1945.

A family gathering in Wolverhampton’s
Bantock House
will feature live performances by The Bluebird Belles, craft activities, and an afternoon tea service.

The Haden Hill House Museum and Park located in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, is
celebrating the anniversary
at its annual
Fabulous 40s day
With vintage vehicles, live musical performances, and authentic World War II replicas.

Other bank holiday lists also feature a
family fun day
At Warwick Racecourse, you can enjoy more than just horse racing; there’s also a silent disco, a craft tent, and circus skill activities.

The
FAB food fest
At the Hopton Court Estate, close to Kidderminster, visitors can expect to find artisans selling their goods, tribute acts performing, and local bands playing music.

In Burton-upon-Trent,
a three-day floating market
has been arranged, where vendors peddle artwork, handicrafts, cuisine, handcrafted items, and presents directly from their vessels,
in the waterways at Shobnall Fields
.

In Shropshire, at Blists Hill Victorian Town, they’re hosting a Victorian Spring Fair.

The activities encompass a tug of war, sack race, and potato-on-a-spoon race, along with an opportunity to experience country dancing.

Ross Davidson, who serves as the visitor engagement manager, mentioned that it is “an age-old custom in Britain to mark the arrival of spring at the start of May.” He added that both kids and grown-ups could participate in activities reminiscent of what Victorian households would have experienced during this time.

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