About Peterborough Morris

The side was formed in October 1979 by a dozen men with an interest in morris dancing, and the commitment to give up their Tuesday evenings to practice. Half the members had danced before at some time, the others were complete beginners with no morris experience at all. When they started their ages ranged from 19 to 40 with occupations as diverse as librarian, machinist and headmaster being represented. These dancers continue to show a common enjoyment of tradition of English morris dance and music. Peterborough Morris have learnt the traditions (styles) of many Oxfordshire villages. Several of the experienced dancers will demonstate their ability and understanding of a tradition by dancing a special type of one-man dance known as a jig. The costume of Peterborough Morris is straw hats decorated with flowers around the brim with short blue and yellow ribbons dangling from brim at the back. White shirts are worn with crossed blue and yellow baldricks, proudly displaying the City of Peterborough's shield of cross keys on the front. Black knee-breeches, white socks and black shoes complete the costume.

Peterborough Morris dance out during the summer and from September to May, each Tuesday evening at 8 pm, we practice at the Peterborough Sports and Leisure Centre, 651 Lincoln Road, Peterborough. Any man interested in the dance or music of the Morris will be welcomed at the Practice-sessions. Subscriptions are £5 per year, due only when a man is judged proficient to dance in public. Our Annual General Meeting is held in September at which the Officers (Squire, Bagman and Treasurer) are elected. The side are full members of the Morris Ring. Whilst we are an all-male ritual dance Organisation, we are family-oriented and our families regularly join us and support the events at which we perform. We do have friends who dance with local mixed sides and we can pass on details to any women who wish to take up the Morris. Monies collected and fees are divided between our expenses and a charity nominated by the Squire (the leader of the side).