History

Pilton Festival's 'Green Man Day' is held annually in Pilton, Barnstaple, Devon, England.

The Green Man is an ancient symbol of nature and fertility, frequently depicted in carvings in old churches as a face sprouting foliage.  A splendid green man carving is present in the ancient Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Pilton.

The Prior of the Benedictine Priory of Pilton lived at Bull House until the Reformation.

The Ritual enacted at the Pilton Festival is believed to represent the initial antagonism of the two characters, Prior and Green Man, and the subsequent inclusion of the pagan figure within the Church.

The Pilton Worm is a monster whose origin must lie among the mythical dragons and sea creatures of old.  It is said that when the Pilton Worm appears in Pilton, travellers to Ilfracombe are inexplicably unable to see the Worm's Head across the channel in Wales.

Pilton was granted a charter to hold an annual market by Edward III.  This is a major feature of the festival and enables craftsmen and women to show and sell their work, and also provides charity workers to raise money for worthy causes, in an atmosphere of fun and spectacle.