Kingsbury May Festival 2026
The festival is an annual FREE event that celebrates the arrival of spring in the beautiful village of Kingsbury Episcopi which is located in South Somerset, England.
It is a fun-filled day of music, dancing, food, and traditional May Day festivities that have been observed for centuries, which typically takes place on the May Day Bank Holiday and is organised by an amazing team of volunteers from the local community.
STALL HOLDER APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
Click the link below to register and apply. Closing date is 28th February 2026
Plan Your Visit:
Kingsbury May Festival is a traditional village event held in a rural countryside setting.
Bring Cash On The Day: Cash is preferred for stalls, food & activities and usually the quickest way to pay.
Why: Mobile signal can be limited, especially when the village is busy, so card payments can take longer at times.
Parking: Card and cash accepted at the Main & Blue Badge car parks
Road Closure: The main road through Kingsbury Episcopi will be closed to traffic on the day between 10am and 5pm. See our 'Getting Here' page for more information.
Bring Cash On The Day: Cash is preferred for stalls, food & activities and usually the quickest way to pay.
Why: Mobile signal can be limited, especially when the village is busy, so card payments can take longer at times.
Parking: Card and cash accepted at the Main & Blue Badge car parks
Road Closure: The main road through Kingsbury Episcopi will be closed to traffic on the day between 10am and 5pm. See our 'Getting Here' page for more information.
On Monday 4th May 2026, at 12 noon to the sound of the church bells and traditional piped music, the floral procession headed by the famous Green Man will be paraded from the “Cabbage Patch” into Church street to the top, where the tradition of Maypole dancing will be performed by the local school children.
After the procession, the festival moves to the village green and fields, where there are stalls selling local produce and crafts, as well as games for the children.
There will be a wide selection of food outlets offering everything from pizza, Thai, Mexican, Tacos, hog roast, vegan food… waffles crepes shakes and ice creams.
With a wide mix of stalls, food vendors, and activities across the festival, we recommend bringing some cash with you on the day.
As we’re a rural event, mobile signal can be limited, especially when the village is busy, so cash is often the quickest and easiest way to pay.
While some stallholders do offer contactless payments, this can be slower at times, so having cash to hand helps keep things moving and makes the day easier for everyone.
Using cash also helps support our local stallholders by reducing their costs and allowing them to keep more of what they earn.
Throughout the day, there are a variety of traditional May Day activities taking place, such as Morris dancing and Maypole dancing.
We have many exhibitors attending the festival and we are so excited to share the details with you nearer the event.
There are also 2 music stages which are host to live music performances, including local bands and choirs, as well as visiting acts from around the country.
Also, due to popular demand, the St Giles Animal Centre Dog Show makes it’s return this year as well as the renowned Classic Car show. There really is something for everyone!
The festival is a wonderful opportunity to experience the traditions and community spirit of Kingsbury Episcopi. It is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone, from the youngest children to the oldest adults.
So, if you’re in South Somerset this May Day, make sure to put the Kingsbury Episcopi May Festival in your calendar!
Classic Car Owners: If you would like to display your classic car at the festival, then please contact Mike English at kingsburyclassicsshow@gmail.com to find out more information
Do you have a question about the festival?
The Year of the River Parrett
We are pleased to announce that this year’s Festival theme is ‘Year of the River Parrett‘.
The River Parrett is part of what makes our area special, shaping the Somerset Levels and supporting local wildlife.
Did you know? The River Parrett and the smaller streams and ditches that feed into it drain a huge part of Somerset, around half the county’s land area, so what happens here matters downstream too!
We would love you to join us in supporting this important part of our ecosystem. So don’t forget to checkout the ‘River Zone’ which you’ll find in the Church car park at the end of Church Street
The Year of the River Parrett
We are pleased to announce that this year’s Festival theme is ‘Year of the River Parrett‘.
The River Parrett is part of what makes our area special, shaping the Somerset Levels and supporting local wildlife.
Did you know? The River Parrett and the smaller streams and ditches that feed into it drain a huge part of Somerset, around half the county’s land area, so what happens here matters downstream too!
We would love you to join us in supporting this important part of our ecosystem. So don’t forget to checkout the ‘River Zone’ which you’ll find in the Church car park at the end of Church Street
What's on at The Festival
The Kingsbury May Festival is set to be a fantastic day for all ages, with something happening across every corner of the village.
Here’s a look at what you can expect across the 4 different areas of the festival:
The Street
Where it all began over 30 years ago, The Street remains at the heart of the festival.
This is where the Green Man Procession makes its way through the village, followed by traditional Maypole dancing and a full afternoon of live performances at the top of Church Street.
Throughout the day you can enjoy:
- Ukulele musicians
- Morris dancers
- Choir performances
- The Langport Mummers
- Acoustic music and local acts
Along the street, you’ll find a wide range of traditional craft stalls including:
- Handmade gifts, jewellery and ceramics
- Clothing, accessories and artisan goods
- Local artwork, prints and homeware
- Sweet treats, preserves and baked goods
- Games, raffles and activities
Cabbage Patch
The central hub of the festival, where everything comes together.
The Cabbage Patch takes its name from a small pond that once sat in the middle of the field, said to resemble a cabbage when viewed from above. The name has stuck ever since.
This is the place to stop, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy some of the day’s main attractions.
Highlights include:
- The Green Man Stage featuring live music from:
- Flo + Escape Lane
- Swamp Stomp Puppies
- Razamo
- Sovereign Nature’s Giant Storyteller
- Gizmo’s Circus Workshop
It’s also one of the main areas for food and drink, with a wide selection including:
- Burgers, hotdogs and hog roast
- Pizza and world cuisine
- Sweet treats like churros, ice cream and candy floss
- Hot and cold refreshments
Harry’s Field
Named after Harry Osmond, who helped expand the festival to include more activities for older children and families, this area has grown into one of the busiest and most varied parts of the day.
Here you’ll find a mix of entertainment, activities and space to relax:
- Funtasia inflatables including assault courses and slides
- Townsends fairground attractions
- St Giles Dog Show
- Classic Car Show
- Live music stage featuring bands and performances
- Punch & Judy shows
There’s also plenty of food, drink and places to sit, including:
- Burrow Hill Cider Bus
- Pizza and coffee stalls
- Ice cream vendors
- Village green seating area for picnics
Plus over 40 artisan and craft stalls to explore.
Theme Zone – The River Parrett
This year’s theme, The Year of the River Parrett, comes to life in our dedicated Theme Zone.
Located around the Church Rooms and St Martin’s Church, this area is designed especially for children and families, with a focus on fun, learning and interaction.
You can expect:
- Hands-on activities and interactive displays
- Wildlife and river-based exhibits
- The Somerset Eel Recovery Project
- Storytelling sessions including Tales of the River Bank
- Children’s creative work inspired by the River Parrett
This is a space to explore, learn and get involved, while bringing this year’s theme to life in a fun and engaging way.
Around the Churches
The festival also extends into both local churches, offering a mix of music, history and quieter moments throughout the day.
At St Martin’s Church and Churchyard:
- Kingsbury Band performing under a marquee
- Rock Choir performances
- Church tower tours
- Storytelling and themed exhibitions
At the Methodist Church:
- Live performances from local choirs and musicians
And There’s More…
Across the whole festival, you’ll also find:
- Music and performances throughout the day
- Activities for children and families
- A wide variety of food and drink
- The May Festival Raffle
- Friendly local stalls and community groups
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about this year’s event? We’ve collated all our commonly asked questions (and more!).
Just click on the link below and fingers crossed you’ll find the answer there.
Don’t forget if you’re a stall holder, you can email stalls@kingsburymayfestival.co.uk if your question isn’t answered here.
And for everyone else, feel free to use the Facebook Messenger option or the Facebook group if there’s anything you would like to know.
A 'birds eye' view of the previous 2023 Kingsbury May Festival
Experience the awe-inspiring drone footage capturing the essence of the 2023 festival, with heartfelt gratitude extended to Sam Jordanne for her exceptional contribution.
Explore more of Sam’s captivating work and connect with her through her Vimeo Profile page.
Stall Holders, do you need help?
If you are a stallholder who is attending this year and has a question, then please get in touch with us.
Please email us at stalls@kingsburymayfestival.co.uk
Also, check out our FAQs page as your question may already be answered here.
Classic Car Owners
If you would to display your Classic Car at the festival, then you will need to book in advance and get your entry pass.
Please send an email to Mike English at kingsburyclassicsshow@gmail.com to find out more information and to reserve your space!
Stallholder applications are now closed
We have received more applications than available space this year and are unable to accept any further registrations.
If you are an existing stallholder and have a query, please email: stalls@kingsburymayfestival.co.uk
Also, check out our FAQs page as your question may already be answered here.
Classic Car Owners
If you would to display your Classic Car at the festival, then you will need to book in advance and get your entry pass.
Please send an email to Mike English at kingsburyclassicsshow@gmail.com to find out more information and to reserve your space!
A huge THANK YOU to our sponsors...
Supporting your wellbeing from the inside out
Jody Parks at ML Roofing and Building
Many thanks to Yandles for supplying us with their refuse sacks
Back Support Cushion For Your Sofa – Handmade in Somerset.