If you’ve ever found yourself sprinting down a village high street while trying not to get flattened by a vintage tractor, camera in hand, you might have a taste of what it was like photographing the 2025 Haddenham Maypole celebrations.

The day kicked off at Haddenham Village Hall, where children gathered in bright floral dresses and sharp shirts, clutching handmade bouquets and buzzing with excitement. From there, the annual procession began — a community parade of smiling families, colourful flowers, and local pride, all led by an extremely cheerful man atop a blue tractor proudly flying Union Jack flags. My job? Keep up, keep out of the way, and capture the spirit of the event without becoming a road safety statistic.

A bit of background: What is the Haddenham Maypole tradition?

Haddenham’s Maypole Festival is a cherished village tradition dating back over 100 years. Rooted in the old English celebration of May Day, it’s all about welcoming the arrival of spring and showcasing the heart of the community. In Haddenham, the event combines music, dancing, and parades with a uniquely local twist — including crowning a May Queen and, of course, the beautifully choreographed Maypole dance itself on the village green.

It’s more than just ribbons and reels — it’s a proud moment for local children and families, and a highlight of the year for the village.

Photographing community events like this? Pure joy.

As a freelance photographer based in Haddenham, Buckinghamshire events like these remind me why I love what I do. There’s nothing staged, nothing forced — just genuine, unscripted moments. From the shy smiles of the flower carriers to the pride on parents’ faces lining the route, it’s these little snapshots that tell the real story.

After the procession, the celebrations continued with traditional Maypole dancing, live performances, and a chance for everyone to catch up over cake, music, and (thankfully) some much-needed shade.

Why I photograph local events

As the person behind Photography, Full Stop., I’m proud to be part of the Haddenham community. Capturing local events — from Maypole festivals and village fetes to school plays and parkruns — helps preserve the moments that make this place feel like home. It also gives families the chance to revisit memories through images that don’t just document the day, but celebrate it.

You can check out a few highlights from this year’s Maypole event below, and if you're running a local event and need it professionally captured without the fuss — I’m just around the corner.

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