Folk Talks – Jack in the Green

JACK IN THE GREEN The Revival of an Old May Day Tradition In 2015 an attempt was made to revive one of England’s oldest folk customs. Some say The Jack in the Green dates back to pagan times, no-one knows for sure. What is certain was that this colourful custom accompanied by a parade of extravagantly dressed chimney sweeps was alive and flourishing in England in the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Through video and song we follow the story of this audacious attempt to bring this peculiar British custom back to the streets of Gloucestershire whilst learning about other strange English customs that continue to this very day.