THE first day of May means only one thing, Obby Oss in Padstow.

This year’s event brought its traditional fare of colour and joy as the Obby Oss celebrations were enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.

Marking the traditional Celtic feast of Beltane, the annual event, which is said to be one of the United Kingdom’s oldest surviving festivals pays tribute to the ‘fast approach of summer’.

Ben Maguire, Liberal Democrat MP for North Cornwall, said it had been a “privilege” to visit Padstow’s Obby Oss festival and join in with the May Day celebrations on Thursday.

He said: “I accompanied the town mayor James O’Keefe and spoke to so many locals. It’s such a brilliant reminder of deep-rooted Cornish tradition being celebrated to this day, and it certainly seemed that everyone who spent time out in the streets thoroughly enjoyed themselves! Thanks to all of those who stopped to say hello.”

Sisters together Annabelle along with 14 month old Bobbie and Lydia with 10 month old Ruby. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Heading to the Padstow Social Club are the Blue Oss supporters. (Picture: Adrian Jasper) John Bealing of the Red Oss on his accordion. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Oldest member of the Red Oss family aged 87 is Owen who made the trip from Wiltshire making sure not to miss the special day. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Master of Ceremonies for the Red Oss Matthew Chown teases the Oss. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Girls just want have fun - pictured are Mable, GJ, Boo and Florie. (Picture: Adrian Jasper) Blue Oss heads for the Padstow Social Club. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Just happy the day as finally arrived and the sun is out. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Good together are Lilly, Ellie, Alice and Hollie. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Dressed in style for the day are Helen and Jane. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)William and Olivia with the Padstow May Song sheets. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)Big smiles from Red Oss supporters Jack and Lily. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)The Maypole in all its glory. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Sisters together Annabelle along with 14 month old Bobbie and Lydia with 10 month old Ruby. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Heading to the Padstow Social Club are the Blue Oss supporters. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

John Bealing of the Red Oss on his accordion. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Oldest member of the Red Oss family aged 87 is Owen who made the trip from Wiltshire making sure not to miss the special day. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Master of Ceremonies for the Red Oss Matthew Chown teases the Oss. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Girls just want have fun - pictured are Mable, GJ, Boo and Florie. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Blue Oss heads for the Padstow Social Club. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Just happy the day as finally arrived and the sun is out. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Good together are Lilly, Ellie, Alice and Hollie. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Dressed in style for the day are Helen and Jane. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

William and Olivia with the Padstow May Song sheets. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Big smiles from Red Oss supporters Jack and Lily. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

The Maypole in all its glory. (Picture: Adrian Jasper)

Processions of dancers, music makers and drums are among the traditional fare, along with the two Obby Oss wooden hobby horse costumes paraded through the town.

Two Oss costumes are worn through the town coloured red and blue, with those in attendance cheering for one or the other, although, there’s a possibility some in attendance cheered for both.