From the Suffragettes demanding the vote for women to Remain activists calling for a second referendum the Mother of Parliaments has seen a fair number of protests in its day.

But few are likely to be as colourful, noisy and frankly eccentric as the one set to descend on the Palace of Westminster later this month.

With a lusty “Hey Nonny Nonny” and a thwack of their sticks, Morris dancers from all over Britain will gather in full costume to protest against the Government’s decision to scrap the early May Bank Holiday in favour of holding one the following Friday, to mark next year’s 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Morris men and women say the move will force the cancellation of hundreds of festivals and events across the country which traditionally take place over May's first Bank Holiday weekend, bringing in millions for local economies.

They are now calling for the early May Bank Holiday to be retained on Monday, May 4, in addition to the extra one planned to mark VE Day, so that traditional festivals can go ahead.