Castleton Ancient Garland Ceremony

Castleton Garland

Friday 29th May 2026

CASTLETON GARLAND COMMITTEE INVITE APPLICATIONS TO FILL THE POSITION OF GARLAND KING

Applications to be made, in writing, to the Castleton Garland Secretary at castletongarland@gmail.com by Friday 10th April 2026.

Requirements

● Shall be able to ride a horse, or willing to learn, at their own expense;

● Shall preferably be a resident in the Castleton Parish, at the time of application;

● Shall be physically capable of carrying the Garland;

● Shall wear the traditional male costume, as provided by the Committee.

Selection Process

● All applications will be discussed and voted on by the Garland Committee on Wednesday 15th April 2026.

The successful applicant will be notified in writing and commence the role of Garland King on Friday 29th May 2026.

The Procession through the narrow streets of Castleton

What is the Garland Ceremony

Castleton Garland Day is held on May 29 (unless that date falls on a Sunday, when the custom is transferred to the Saturday or the Monday) in the village of Castleton in the Derbyshire Peak District. The Garland King, on horseback, and covered to the waist in a heavy, bell-shaped floral Garland, leads a procession through the village.

Origins

The date of the custom coincides with Oak Apple Day and it is said to commemorate the restoration of King Charles II in 1660. Presumably the Garland is meant to represent the oak tree in which he hid after the Battle of Worcester. Some folklorists suspect that it is actually a much older custom that transferred from May Day as many May celebrations did after having been banned by the Puritans. The Garland King certainly resembles a kind of Jack in the Green.

Support Castleton Ancient Garland Ceremony

With insurance and running costs for horses rising every year we need your support to help keep this traditional ceremony going.

Please scan our QR code to make a donation.

Garland King and Consort 2024 - John and Sophie

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