Obby Oss festivities fill the streets with colour

MUSIC and dance filled the streets of Padstow on Friday for the annual May Day Obby Oss celebrations.

The town was awash with red, white and blue as hundreds of supporters and visitors lined the streets to see the Old Oss (red) and the Blue Ribbon Oss as they came out of their stables into the town.

The Blue Oss outside the Institute, Jason Olivey inside the Oss being teased by his brother Chris. 0905ID00502MayDay
The Red Oss charging the crowd outside the Golden Lion. 0905ID00505MayDay
Musicians making their way through the town. 0905ID00604MayDay
Master of Ceremonies Mike Green with his grand-daughter Stephanie. 0905ID00704MayDay
Young supporters of the Blue Oss make their way down Middle Street. 0905ID00501MayDay
From left to right: Mo Gamble, Katy Crow and Beth Allen. 0905ID00405mayday.jpg
A children's Red Oss at the Maypole in the early morning sunlight. 0905ID00306mayday.jpg

Even the unpredictable weather did not dampen the atmosphere with bright sunshine in the morning and showers in the afternoon.

Alex Rickard, mayor of Padstow, was out enjoying the festivities and said that the event was fantastic: "It was absolutely brilliant. Everybody was happy and jovial, just as it should be."

Mr Rickard said the Obby Oss tradition was a vital part of the character of Padstow: "You are born into it – it's in your blood.

"It's a tradition that I hope will never ever die."

For the first time in many years police reported that there were no arrests and no crimes recorded.

Wadebridge and Padstow Neighbourhood Sgt Robin Moorcroft said: "The May Day celebrations went extremely well. There was very little disorder.

"This has to be down to a number of things, the increased policing, the way in which PC Andy Spires and PCSO Alan Smith have engaged with the public beforehand, the excellent Pub Watch scheme in the town which has banned all known troublemakers and the revellers themselves.

"This year everyone seemed to be having a lot of fun celebrating the true meaning of the Obby Oss festivities.

"They were having a drink to celebrate rather than drinking to excess for the fun of it.

"This year's event was real credit to the people of Padstow."

To see more pictures from the event visit www.thisiscornwall.co.uk/mayday09