THE spring sun shone something spectacular at this year's May Day celebrations in Lustleigh, which was rather fitting given this year's May Queen was the 'golden one'.

Saturday (May 13) saw Lustleigh celebrate May Day, a festival widely believed to have originated in Roman times with their 'Festival of Flora'.

Lustleigh crowned Aurelia to be their May Queen for 2023 - a name of Latin origin meaning 'the golden one'.

The name can be traced back to the ancient Roman surname, and is most closely associated with Rome's philosopher emperor, Marcus Aurelius.

And Aurelia certainly brought a majestic quality to the event.

Lustleigh May Day, which was revived in earnest by Cecil Tor in 1905, saw Aurelia and her accompanying dancers traverse around the village, before the procession returned to the Orchard where Aurelia was crowned.

Elsewhere, Grimspound Border Morris entertained crowds with their signature style, and there was much in the way of games and stalls as well.

Organisers of Lustleigh May Day expressed their thanks to everyone who helped make the event possible on the festival's Facebook page.

Thanks went to the Town Crier, canopy flower dressers, stall and car park volunteers, as well as the Cleave Inn, Primrose Tea Rooms, The Dairy and the tea room volunteers for keeping everyone refreshed.

'A very big thank you to those that have put so much time and effort in behind the scenes, starting in January, to make this happen' organisers said.

'Thank you to everyone who came out to support us, what a fantastic day.

'And finally the biggest thank you of all to our May Queen Aurelia and her dancers, you were all amazing.'