Summer brings many traditional events and festivals across the world. In much of England, summer is the theme of several folk celebrations dating back centuries. Far from negative and exclusionary ideas of national identity, the season actually showcases many positives.

Many towns and areas around the UK celebrate the summer, starting in May with “Jack in the Green” – a figure draped in leaves who has been slumbering since the previous year. The event, based on folkloric tales is increasingly important for local businesses to kick off summer trade.

For the past decade, I’ve been researching the significance of festivals for social connection, and for promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. Elsewhere, international research has also demonstrated that multi-day mass gatherings across the year can dramatically change our perspectives of who we are, and where we want our lives to lead.

I have found that mass gatherings can be especially important for those who are marginalised. They can also empower groups seeking social change. In a study that I undertook with colleagues, vegans who attended the Vegan Camp Out festival in Nottinghamshire reported feeling more connected to their vegan identity, and more........

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