Celebrations to mark the beginning of May have taken place in Kent.

Revellers have flocked to the lost village of Dode near Luddesdown, Gravesend where a celebration of Beltane, the traditional pagan festival that marks the end of winter, is taking place.

The festivities officially kicked off yesterday (April 30) at 6.30pm with displays of drumming and dancing from the Wolf’s head and Vixen Morris side and ended with the symbolic extinguishing of the Bale Fires.

The second part of the celebration continues tonight at 7pm where the fires will be relit at a ceremony known as Walking the Bounds.

In times past this helped to establish and maintain areas of land that once sheltered those who worked the land.

Led by Dode’s celebrant Paul Mannering, other elements include the recital of traditional poetry and songs, the wearing of head garlands made from willow and the tying of ribbons to a wishing tree in honour of friends and loved ones.

The church and barrow have been decorated with the leaves and flowers of the hawthorn, the traditional May Day tree, overlooked by the Green Man, a symbol of seasonal renewal.

Doug Chapman, the keeper of the site, said: “Beltane is one of the eight pagan sabbats celebrated during the Celtic ‘Wheel of the Year’, marking the end of winter and the beginning of summer.

“In the past, we have marked the occasion almost privately, by holding a ceremony called ‘Waking the Jack.’

“Dode is an atmospheric place of myth and legend where nature rules and many agree time has stood still. We’re looking forward to welcoming people along to be part of the celebration.

“Beltane is more than a mark on the calendar. It’s a spiritual journey that connects us to the earth, to each other and the fire within that drives us all forward.

“As we gather together, we’ll be creating a space that’s both spiritual and joyous, blending ancient traditions with the heartfelt connections of today.”

Finding the mysterious village of Dode, tucked away somewhere at the back of Holly Hill, down a track near Luddesdown, down a country lane from Cuxton, has always been something of a challenge, not least because - technically speaking - doesn't exist anymore.

Its reputation is now established as a preserved historic landmark and wedding venue. Click here to read an in-depth feature about the history of the site.

Both events are free to the public, although a small donation to this year’s charity, The Wisdom Hospice is being asked for.