West Midlands May Day weekend from morris dancers to tiger cubs
Morris dancing, markets and Sumatran tiger cubs are among the attractions drawing visitors to the West Midlands this weekend.Nova, Nadirah and Naresh were born at West Midlands Safari Park in January and can be seen on selected dates in May, including Bank Holiday Monday.The Shrewsbury Morris Dancers celebrated May Day on 1 May, according to tradition, and on Monday will hold a "dance out" in the town.The bank holiday also sees the start of celebrations for the 80th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, which continue throughout the week.
Bev Langton, leader of Shrewsbury Morris Dancers, said the team would be in the Dingle at the Quarry on Monday.The group is getting ready for its 50th anniversary celebrations next year as well as a free day of dance in The Square on 5 July, and Ms Langton said the tradition was "growing apace"."More and more teams are springing up all over the country," she said. "There are older dancers and younger people coming along."It's good exercise. It keeps tradition alive. It's also very good fun. There's camaraderie and friendship - everyone works as a team."
At West Midlands Safari Park, keepers described the birth of the three "adorable" cubs as a "milestone in tiger conservation" and significant achievement.The Tiger Takeover is being held on weekends from 3 to 18 May, including the Bank Holiday, and daily from 24 May to 1 June.Visitors will be able to glimpse the playful cubs through peepholes and take part in activities including a trail, performances, crafts and a photo contest.
Parties are starting for the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the ending of the European phase of World War Two with the unconditional surrender of all Nazi German forces to the Allies on 8 May 1945.A family celebration at Wolverhampton's Bantock House will have live music from The Bluebird Belles, crafts and afternoon tea.Haden Hill House Museum and Park in Cradley Heath, Sandwell, is celebrating the anniversary at its annual Fabulous 40s day with historic vehicles, live music and replica objects from World War Two.
Other Bank Holiday listings include a family fun day at Warwick Racecourse, with not just horse racing, but also a silent disco, craft tent and circus skills.The FAB food fest at the Hopton Court Estate, near Kidderminster, will have artisan traders, tribute acts and local bands.In Burton-upon-Trent, a three-day floating market has been organised, with traders selling art, crafts, food, artisan goods and gifts from their boats, on the canals at Shobnall Fields.
Back in Shropshire, Blists Hill Victorian Town is holding a Victorian Spring Fair.Activities include a tug of war, sack race and spud and spoon race, and a chance to try country dancing.Visitor engagement manager Ross Davidson said it was "a British tradition to celebrate the beginning of spring in early May", and children and adults would be able to take part in events Victorian families would have enjoyed.
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