Hastings Jack in the Green

The annual Jack in the Green celebrations are taking place in Hastings today.

The colourful procession of morris dancers, giants and people dressed in spring time fancy dress will make it's way through the Old Town from 10am until 12pm. Then celebrations will continue at Hastings Castle in the afternoon.

The 'Jack in the Green' is a man in a cage covered in leaves, and he dances and cavorts around the picturesque Old Town of Hastings on the May Day Bank holiday Monday.

Organisers of the event went to Parliament last year dressed in their finery to protest at proposals to scrap the May Day bank holiday. It will therefore be an even bigger celebration as the government have this week decided to maintain the holiday.

Chairman Keith Leech said 'At a time of austerity it is good to continue these old customs. It roots us with the past and reminds us of the seasons. So many good things in the country are currently coming to an end as the funding rug is pulled from them. We are very pleased that Hastings Borough Council continues to fund this important event for the town.'

Here's how Hastings has celebrated Jack in the Green in previous years.