Live Morris Dancing

Morris dance is a form of English folk dance usually accompanied by music. It is based on rhythmic stepping and the execution of choreographed figures by a group of dancers, usually wearing bell pads on their shins. Implements such as sticks, swords and handkerchiefs may also be wielded by the dancers. In a small number of dances for one or two people, steps are near and across a pair of clay tobacco pipes laid one across the other on the floor. The earliest known and surviving English written mention of Morris dance is dated to 1448, and records the payment of seven shillings to Morris dancers by the Goldsmiths' Company in London. Further mentions of Morris dancing occur in the late fifteenth century, and there are also early records such as bishops' "Visitation Articles" mention sword dancing, guising and other dancing activities, as well as mumming plays. Join them on an evening of dance and music as they celebrate old traditions of historic England. Morris Dancers will be performing on both May Day and the Queens Birthday Long weekend Holiday Mondays from 1pm.