Green Man and Lady return to Burley for festival

VILLAGERS welcomed the mythical Green Man and Lady back over the weekend in a historic Forest tradition.

Around 400 people turned out for the parade and festivities in Burley which date back to the 1850s and are said to ensure the Forest will be fruitful and harmonious.

Simon Wood, one of those behind the return of the annual Green Man festival, said: “We had far more people turn up this year compared to last year, it far exceeded our expectations.

“Local people have embraced the event and they really run with it.”

The festivities began with the Green Man leading a parade of people from Burley Manor to the New Forest Cider site, before he coaxed the reclusive Green Lady to appear and dance with him.

This was followed by Morris dancers and musicians performing for families and festival-goers dancing in the sun.

Simon continued: “We had one group of visitors who came along from Plymouth last year, and enjoyed it so much they’ve come back this year.

“We’ve got venues in the village now asking if they can get involved in next year’s festival. To be honest, we’ve all been blown away by the reception.

“I think people like it because it’s not in your face and it has strong links to local history.

“We have to keep this going.

“Next year will be the same but different, we will still have people dancing in the car parks but with a few more people involved.”

Two groups of Morris dancers performed this year but more are expected to join in next year.

Simon said this year’s festival was supported by New Forest Marque, who helped with leaflet distribution, and New Forest Cider, who let the festival use its site.

He added: “It was a really fun day out that encouraged people to enjoy the beauty of Burley.”