Many of us will be looking forward to a well-earned day of rest and recuperation next week as May Day approaches.

May Day is, of course, a public holiday usually celebrated on May 1 or the first Monday of May.

So what better time than now to take a look through our archives and take a meander down memory lane to mark the weird and wonderful ways the first day of the month of May has been marked by Cumbrians over the years!

We see a wide range of different events in today’s gallery.

From charity events, heroic selfless individuals to thrill seekers and more, it is clear that many over the years have felt compelled to try something new or make a difference on this day.

In this wide-ranging set of pictures, the fun and sense of community, so often found in Cumbria, is most definitely to the fore.

On one occasion pictured, we see a parade led by Whitehaven Brass band at the May Day celebrations at Nether Wasdale back in 2010.

In wholesome, heartwarming scenes, we also see a coming together of generations when the pupils from Jericho Primary school, Whitehaven joined residents of Johnson House for lunch, back in 2012.

Taking to the airwaves, we also see the stars of the Studio 42 radio station team at Whitehaven School on May Day, 2007.

Alongside this, we also witness a fun day had by all when hundreds of people enjoyed a great day in the hot sunshine at the Whitehaven News and Whitehaven Rotary club fun run in Castle Park on Sunday, May 1, 1988.

Sporty Cumbrians are also featured in the form of champion bodybuilders at Powerhouse Gym, Whitehaven – Sam Meagan, Gareth Southward and Tyler Lewthwaite.

As promised, this gallery really does show the wide range of talents and interests people share.

For those featured, today’s images will be nice reminders of enjoyable events and a memento of some fun times with friends and family.

As ever, we would love to hear your recollections from these days so please get in touch.