AFTER a successful first year, the Green Man Festival is returning to Bovey Tracey.

The event to celebrate the rites of spring will see the town centre transformed once again, and it promises to be an even bigger and better day than last year’s.

Some 18 Morris dancing sides – including the renowned Grimspound Morris troupe – will be coming from all across England to take part in a day of ancient music and dance to mark the arrival of spring.

After an opening ceremony by the mayor of Bovey Tracey, a commemorative staff will be presented to the Green Man by Wendy Beard widow of Widecombe Wag Tony Beard. After that a procession will pass through a town centre packed with food and drinks stalls with the Green Man carrying the staff all day long.

During the day other entertainment will be provided by musical performances by local schoolchildren.

Continuing the ancient theme, at the end of the afternoon the defoliation of the Green man will take place. A spokesman said: ‘At this ceremony the spirit of the Green Man is let loose to bless the surrounding area with fertile and abundant conditions leading to fruitful harvests in summer.’

It all begins at 10am tomorrow.