The Story Of Pilton Green Man Day

Did you know Pilton has been celebrating markets for almost 700 years? Back in the 1300s, Edward III granted the village a charter to hold an annual market - and that tradition is still very much alive today! Our stalls are a highlight of Green Man Day, where talented craftspeople showcase their work and charity stalls raise funds - all wrapped up in a lively, colourful atmosphere.

The Green Man himself, an ancient symbol of nature, fertility, and renewal, often seen in old churches as a face sprouting leaves and foliage, wasn’t always part of Pilton’s story. Look closely in St Mary the Virgin Church and you’ll spot a magnificent Green Man carving peeking through the foliage on the screen between the Chancel and the Raleigh Chapel. Legend tells of a playful “showdown” between the local Prior and the wild Green Man - eventually welcoming this pagan figure into the heart of the church!

After centuries of quiet, it was Rev. Anthony Geering in 1982 who brought the Green Man Day back to life. The revived Pilton Green Man Day became a month-long celebration in June and July, complete with historic pageants, bustling stalls along Pilton Street, a Flower Festival, and plenty of community fun.

Curious to see how it all looked back then? A short Super8 film of the 1982 day has been converted to DVD and is available through The Pilton Story.