The best pictures of maypole dancing in Oxfordshire

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Maypole dancing might seem like a thing of the past, but the tradition is being kept alive in villages across England and in Oxfordshire - here are some of the best pictures of it in the archive.

Maypole dancing is a time-honoured tradition featuring a group of children dancing round a pole erected on a village green, often holding colourful ribbons.

Typically performed on May 1, May Day, or at other spring festivals in May, it has long been a tradition which brings together communities.

Maypole dancing Oxford Mail archiveMay pole dancing in 1964 (Image: Oxford Mail archive)

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It's also frequently combined with games and fun, like choosing a May Queen, playing games and other festivities.

The origins of May Day are not known, though the earliest records date to the 13th century and the event is thought to predate even that.

This archive picture gallery features maypole dancing from 1908 to the 1980s, in villages across Oxfordshire.

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