Ilfracombe Jack-in-the-Green

I am very happy to report that the Ilfracombe Jack in the Green went out today in a fantastic procession through the streets of Ilfracombe. My thanks to Kelly Raveney and everyone involved for putting up with me getting in the way with my camera today. Jack in the Green was accompanied by spectacular giants, Humdrumconundrum drummers and a host of wonderful characters.  The parade ended at the clapping circle overlooking the sea. Maypole dancing ensued and then Jack was ritually stripped of his greenery to help usher in the summer. Much liquid sunshine was evident but it didn’t put a dampener on a magical day.

Ilfracombe’s Jack-in-the-Green procession was started in 2000 by Lisa Sture. Local children were involved and it was supported by local morris teams. Another descendant of the Hastings Jack, the Ilfracombe Jack event also finished with the release of the spirit of summer and the distribution  of leaves often on Ilfracombe beach. The Ilfracombe Jack did not appear in 2015 after the previous committee were unable to continue. Kelly Raveney stepped in to help and Ilfracombe’s May Day Celebrations returned in 2016