Obby Oss Festival – Padstow May Day 2026



Description
May Day (or 'Obby 'Oss Day, as it is known) is the biggest day in Padstow's calendar. It is not unusual to see 30,000 people crammed into this little town on the day when Padstonians from all over the world return to their roots. The origins of the Obby Oss are numerous. Some say the celebration has its roots in pagan times; others say it's a rainmaker, a fertility symbol, a deterrent to a possible landing by the French some centuries ago, or perhaps a welcome to the summer.
What happens?
Locals spend the night decorating the town’s streets with flags, flowers, and greenery, complete with a maypole, and the following morning two "osses," one red and one blue, emerge from their stables. The “osses,” swirling and dancing, proceed through Padstow's streets, taunted by a Teazer, who leads the dance with theatrical movements. The accompanying retinue are dressed all in white, with their costumes decorated with ribbons and sprays of cowslips and bluebells. As the procession moves around the town, dancers perform a traditional gyrating dance to the sound of musicians and drummers. Last, but not least, are the followers, young and old, who join the procession every year singing the traditional May Song.
How can you take part?
It gets very busy, and car parks and streets in the old town are closed to traffic. Advice is to get there early. There is a field at the top of the town near the Tesco supermarket where a park and ride service is available. You can also park in the village of Rock across the estuary and take the regular ferry across to Padstow.
Did you know?
The ‘Obby ‘Oss is the inspiration for the song "Padstow" by folk group Steeleye Span. Cowslips, bluebells, sycamore twigs, and forget-me-nots are used to decorate the streets
Info: Padstow May Day takes place annually on 1st May (2nd May if the 1st falls on a Sunday).
Find accommodation near Obby Oss Festival – Padstow May Day 2026
More events

The Armchair Adventure Festival 2025 returns from July 24 to 27 at the stunning Mount Edgcumbe Country Park in Cornwall. Overlooking the coast, this one-of-a-kind outdoor festival celebrates adventure, exploration,…
View Details
The Truro Food Festival 2025 is back at Lemon Quay from September 24 to 28, transforming the heart of Truro into a vibrant celebration of Cornwall’s finest food and drink.…
View Details
The Penzance Food Festival 2025 is a free three-day celebration of Cornish food, culture, and community, happening from September 19 to 21 at Penlee Park. Open daily from 10 am to…
View Details
Welcome to the independent and proudly Cornish music festival located on the beautiful Looe beach. There is nothing ordinary about the Kernowfornia Festival. The festival, which supports grassroots, original music…
View Details
The Wild Gardens Festival 2025 is a four-day celebration of music, wellness, and outdoor adventure, set in the scenic grounds of the Port Eliot Estate in Cornwall. From July 17…
View Details
On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 19, 2025, the Seaside Town will host the Looe Weekender 2025 Festival. As fantastic local bands perform for the crowds, expect the pubs and…
View Details
Falmouth Week is a major attraction for locals and visitors alike. With its origins as a local sailing regatta dating back as far as 1837, the week has evolved into…
View Details
A 4-day celebration of food, music, art & culture.We are very excited to announce that the first NEWQUAY FOOD FESTIVAL will be landing in JULY 2025. You can expect the…
View Details
Experience Cornwall Rocks 2024 at Tencreek Holiday Park, Looe, Oct 4-6. Featuring top UK rock bands like Dare, Collateral, Skam, and more. Unmissable for rock enthusiasts!
View Details
Experience The Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival's eleventh year with big live bands, orchard silent disco, and a diverse lineup of acts. A Cornish party not to be missed!
View Details