Possible May Day parade

circa 1917

This lively street scene from around 1917 captures what appears to be a May Day parade or village gathering in Sturminster Newton, a picturesque market town nestled in the heart of Dorset. Men, women, and children walk together, dressed in early 20th-century attire — flat caps, cloche hats, and long coats — reflecting the fashions of wartime Britain.

Behind the crowd, we glimpse local cottages and early motorcars, adding a layer of everyday life to the celebration. The mood seems festive despite the ongoing First World War, and the strong sense of community is palpable. It’s a rare image of unity, resilience and tradition in rural England.

📸 Do you have an old photo of your town or village? Share it on Oldpik.com and help build a global archive of everyday history.

SEO Tags:
Old photos Sturminster Newton, Dorset 1917, May Day parade vintage UK, historical Dorset towns, Edwardian village life, early 20th-century street scenes England, Oldpik British history images

Contributed by OldPik on January 7, 2024

Image

Possible May Day parade
You must be logged in to comment on the photos.
Log in

No comment yet, be the first to comment...

Nearby photos

High St Queens Jubilee

6 km away

Church Hill celebration

6 km away

High St and fiddler

6 km away