Local Area Guide

The Obby Oss Festival takes place on the 1st of May each year when Padstow celebrates the coming of summer.

The first greenery of the year; blue bells and hazel twigs are used to decorate the town.

The procession of the Oss, teasers, singers, dancers and musicians playing a hypnotic tune, parade through the narrow streets. The dance’s origins are believed to be pagan and it is one of the oldest remaining customs in England.

The whole town comes alive with drums and a party atmosphere which lasts from dawn until dusk.