General Features

Lots of stalls and exhibits

Aston-on-Clun in the south of the county is one of the few villages in the UK that still celebrates Arbor Day. The festival is held every May in the centre of the little village, where a black poplar tree stands.

This poplar becomes the focus of attention when villagers come together for a unique tree dressing ceremony. On the last Sunday in May the poplar is freshly dressed with flags, which then remain on the tree throughout the year.

Tree dressing used to be a popular event in many of Britain's villages. In 1660, Charles II declared 29 May a public holiday, known as Oak Apple Day.

The holiday was abolished in 1859 and the tradition was largely lost with it. But not in the small Shropshire village of Aston-on-Clun. Thanks to hard work by local people, the festival thrives, attracting visitors from around the world.

The wedding procession by local children

These days Arbor Day festivities include a variety of events in a carnival atmosphere. Concerts, displays, morris dancing, stalls, an 18th Century procession, and much more mean that there's plenty for all the family to enjoy from 1pm on Sunday 25 May.