Festival Archive
Celebrating 40 years of community spirit
Take a journey through the history of Pilton Green Man Day, from our humble beginnings in 1985 to the vibrant community celebration we know today.
Green Man Day 2024
Saturday, July 20th, 2024
The 2024 Green Man Day might have been the wettest day of July, but despite that the day was a great community success. The community of Pilton came together under umbrellas and gazebos.
Photo Gallery
Arrival at Pilton House
The procession arriving at Pilton House despite the weather
Community Under Gazebos
Local residents enjoying the festivities despite the rain
Sunday Treasure Hunt
Families enjoying the treasure hunt in better weather on Sunday
Festival Highlights
- •Wettest day of July but still successful
- •Community spirit in the rain
- •Sunday Treasure Hunt held the next day
- •Gazebos and umbrellas provided shelter
- •Local businesses opened doors for shelter
Festival Timeline
Festival Revival
Rev. Anthony Geering instrumental in reviving the historic Festival as part of a month-long programme
First Green Man Day
The first modern Green Man Day was held, with Albert Linacre and his sewing ladies making the distinctive costumes
CIO Formation
Pilton Green Man CIO successfully registered with the Charity Commission
Manning's Pit Saved
On 18th June 2021, Manning's Pit was secured for community and protected forever from development
30th Anniversary
Celebrating 30 years of the modern Green Man Day tradition with continued community spirit
In Loving Memory
We remember those special people who helped create the magic of Pilton Festival and contributed so much to our community. Their legacy lives on in every celebration.
Albert Linacre
Key Pilton Figure
A key figure in Pilton Festival who moved to North Devon in 1977. He started making costumes in 1982 and created the distinctive Green Man Day costumes that characterise the event today.
Key Contributions:
Annie Featherstone
A Beautiful Soul
Pilton lost one of the world's most beautiful souls. A holistic physiotherapist who could effortlessly get to the root of people's problems and heal emotional wounds.
Key Contributions:
Carol Haddrill
Community Organiser
A big contributor to Pilton community life who helped re-start the Friends of Pilton Church and organised wonderful concerts. Instigator of The Big Pilton Quiz and community displays.
Key Contributions:
Dave Butt
Gifted Community Leader
A gifted community leader who was Assistant Headteacher at Braunton Academy and Barnstaple Town Councillor. Huge supporter of rugby and charity work.
Key Contributions:
Hamish Patrick
Pilton Leading Light
A founding member of Pilton Festival who was a huge influence on community events. Directed the Green Man Pageant and organised Rotary Gardens family-friendly haven.
Key Contributions:
Laurie Wedge
The Tall Green Man
The Green Man on stilts who graced Pilton Festival for 15 years. Ten-feet tall in spectacular plant costume, sprinkling rose petals and offering green blessings to thousands.
Key Contributions:
Liz Eveleigh
A Special Friend to Many
Skilled seamstress who made hundreds of costumes for Festival and pantomime. Key contributor to Pilton community spirit, Festival Committee member for many years, and Church Hall Committee member.
Key Contributions:
Margaret Reed
Well-known local historian
Self-taught local historian and author of "Pilton – Its Past and Its People", Margaret was a life member of Pilton Arts Group and historical expert for The Pilton Story heritage archive.
Key Contributions:
Noel Harley
Community Stalwart
A stalwart of community life in Pilton and founder member of the re-incarnation of Pilton Festival. The inspiration behind many community activities with enormous sense of fun.
Key Contributions:
Tom Evans
Town Crier
Barnstaple Town Crier who led the Green Man procession for over 20 years. One of Barnstaple's most recognisable characters as a guide and tourist information officer.
Key Contributions:
Tracy Grant
Made Our Lives Brighter
One of those people that made life brighter to be in her company. A kind and considerate person who always looked out for others, never saying anything unkind about anyone.