MAY Day celebrations are returning for a fifth year in Halstead.

The annual May Day festival is being held in Halstead Public Gardens where it will sport a safari theme this year.

The event, organised by the Friends of Halstead Public Gardens, takes place this bank holiday Monday.

A safari fancy dress parade will be open to children of all ages to take part in.

It is free to enter and youngsters will a treat for taking part.

Children are also invited to enter a competition to create safari animals made from fruit and vegetables.

The contest is open to all school-aged children and costs 50p.

The safari themed fun doesn’t stop there – there is also a children’s safari model competition giving children a chance to get creative.

Children are challenged to create their models out of anything they can think of, from toilet rolls to empty bottles.

Entry is 50p.

All children will receive a treat for entering the competitions.

The May Day celebration takes place between 2pm and 4.30pm, but competition entries should be taken along before 2pm so they can be displayed under the gazebo.

The event attracts more than 1,000 people each year and organisers hope this year will be no different.

As well as competitions, visitors will also be entertained by live music and a classic car display, and there will be refreshments and stalls.

There will also be traditional maypole dancing which was the reason for the event’s launch in 2015.

For more information call Linda Hilton on 07936 141592.