Hundreds see triumph of Green Man on Clun Bridge
Hundreds of people lined the banks of a river in a Shropshire town to see the Green Man topple the Frost Queen – bringing the prospect of continued glorious sunshine in the county.
The staged battle on Clun Bridge was the highlight of the popular Green Man Festival, a weekend of activities played out in the sun.
The event was one of dozens across the county that basked in Bank Holiday sun, with temperatures rising to 22C (72F).
The festival has been running since the 1970s, with legend stating summer sunshine is a write-off if the Frost Queen is victorious. A spokesman for the event said the weather had made it a fantastic day and ensured a bumper turnout.
"A huge crowd gathered at noon to witness the battle between the Frost Queen, with her entourage of Icicles, and the Green Man with his faithful May Queen," he said.
"His leafy face represents nature, fertility and the cycle of death and rebirth – a pagan symbol that adorns many a pub sign and village church. The crowd cheered and jeered as battle commenced and, of course, the Green Man won. In celebration he led a garland-festooned parade to the grounds of Clun Castle, where he declared the craft fair and festivities open."
