Peak District village celebrates age-old garland tradition, in pictures

The rain failed to dampen spirits during the centuries-old Castleton Garland Day celebrations on Wednesday.
The Garland King is processed through the village.The Garland King is processed through the village.
The Garland King is processed through the village.

The first records of Garland day date back to the 1700s and though its true origins are not fully understood it is believed to be an ancient fertility rite with Celtic connections. The celebration also incorporates more recent elements of 'Oak Apple Day' which falls on May 29, and celebrates the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. The garland is a framework of cut flowers which is prepared on the day by villagers before being placed on the head of the 'King', and paraded around the village on horseback with his 'Consort', also on horseback, dressed in Stuart costume.