Folk festival at risk as organisers need volunteers

Morris dancers are seen across Bradford-on-Avon during its Green Man Festival

A popular event inspired by English folklore could be no more unless volunteers step forward to support it.

Green Man Festival in Bradford-on-Avon sees the Wiltshire town taken over by folk dancers, market traders and up to 10,000 visitors.

But its organisers say it has grown "like a monster" since its launch in 2017 and Jan and Alfie Windsor, the husband-and-wife team behind it, need extra pairs of hands.

"It's a full-time job from the beginning of October until the beginning of May," said Mr Windsor. "To be brutally honest, we simply cannot cope with what we've created so we need some help."

Now in its eighth year, the festival initially began with organisers inviting groups of Morris dancers to Bradford-on-Avon.

They then incorporated the Green Man mythical figure, an ancient symbol of nature and rebirth, to the proceedings. A highlight of the festival is a parade led by a three metre (10ft) tall Jack in the Green figure.

The festival takes place on a day in May each year and Mr Windsor said the numbers of attendees has increased substantially.

The Jack in the Green procession leaving the Tithe Barn in Bradford-on-Avon

He said: "The festival keeps getting more popular and, without a doubt, it's Bradford-on-Avon's biggest event.

"We fill every available space in the town centre and down by the riverside. People absolutely love it, it's such a tremendous atmosphere.

"We had about 10,000 people this year. I don't know what it is we're doing, but we're obviously doing something right."

An open meeting will be held at Bradford-on-Avon's United Church on Friday to discuss the festival's future.

Mr Windsor said he hoped a committee could be formed so key people can oversee performers, market traders and a pop-up campsite.

A decision will be made regarding the festival's future by November and will be based on the number of volunteers who come forward.

"If we don't fill these [volunteer] vacancies then we are really are up against it," Mr Windsor said.

"We don't think the festival would be able to continue any longer, as we need to produce something which is safe and enjoyable. And we can't do that on a shoestring anymore."