Speaker: Tim Healey

Tim Healey is a freelance writer and broadcaster who has presented many programmes on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4. He has been a frequent contributor to the Oxford Times colour magazine, Limited Edition and is director of the 17th-century costume band, The Oxford Waits, with whom he appears in period attire.

Pagans & Puritans – the story of May Morning in Oxfordshire. A vibrant account of how May Day celebrations evolved over the centuries, including the riotous revels of Tudor and Stuart times, the Puritan backlash, the decorous innovations of the Victorians and the pageantry of celebrations today. The origins of maypoles, morris dancing and may garlanding are all explored with a wealth of visual images.