Glastonbury Beltane 2025: Dragons, drummers and Morris dancers to take over town for spectacular May Fayre

By Laura Linham 2nd May 2025

 Red and White Dragons parade through the High Street during the annual May Fayre celebrations (All photos: Glastonbury Dragons)
Red and White Dragons parade through the High Street during the annual May Fayre celebrations (All photos: Glastonbury Dragons)

Glastonbury's famous Beltane celebrations roar to their climax this Sunday, 4 May 2025, with the return of the beloved Dragons May Fayre—an all-day spectacle of fire, folklore and community spirit set to bring the town centre to life.

The day begins at 10am at Tor Leisure Field, near Morrisons Garage, where the May Fayre officially opens. Visitors can expect a full family-friendly offering including miniature steam train rides, fairground games, handmade arts and crafts, toffee apples, face painting, and plenty of refreshments. The town's legendary Red and White Dragons will be in attendance throughout.

Meanwhile at Market Cross, the festivities kick off with the Glastonbury Dragon Drummers from 10am, followed by performances from Morris dance sides including Glastonbury Border Morris, Wild Moon Morris, and Boudica Rocks between 10.30am and 11.30am. The Pentacle Drummers will then lead a walk back to Tor Leisure to join the main parade.

At 12.30pm, those chosen to be the "Dragon Legs"—who carry the Dragons through the parade—assemble at Tor Leisure. Due to the long route to the Fairfield, only participants over four feet tall can carry the Dragons this year. For younger or less mobile participants, a new Glastonbury Dragon Guardians role has been introduced.

The main procession starts at 1pm from Tor Leisure, winding its way through the Market Cross area and up the High Street. At around 1.30–1.45pm, the iconic "Battle of the Season" takes place as the Red and White Dragons clash in a dramatic display. The winning dragon will be crowned by Deputy Mayor before the procession continues to the Fairfield Blossom Circle on the lower slopes of Glastonbury Tor.

The Dragons are expected to arrive at the Blossom Circle by 2.40pm, where Drummers of Avalon will have prepared the space for the seasonal Beltane ceremony at 3pm. Led by the ceremonial group, the ritual will include the traditional battle of the Summer and Winter Kings, marking the shift from the dark half to the light half of the year. The ceremony concludes around 3.30pm.

Back at Tor Leisure, those not venturing to the Tor can enjoy more Morris dancing between 2–3pm, followed by a rousing drum-off at 4.30pm featuring the Dragon Drummers and Pentacle Drummers. The Fayre officially ends at 5pm, though the celebrations will likely continue in true Glastonbury fashion.

Organisers remind visitors to use official car parks and avoid parking in residential streets. Full directions to the venues—including Tor Leisure, Market Cross, and the Fairfield Blossom Circle—are available via event signage and community social media pages.

Whether you're a Beltane regular or a curious newcomer, Sunday promises a fiery, family-friendly mix of myth, music and magic—only in Glastonbury.

For updates and full event details, visit the Glastonbury Dragons on Facebook.

     

Please Support Us Glastonbury and Street. Your Town. Your News. Your Support Matters.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
By becoming a monthly supporter, you’ll help us continue delivering reliable local stories and events.
Your support makes a real difference to Glastonbury and Street.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide glastonbury with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Glastonbury and Street. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience