The Witchmen

Our 2011 winter solstice dance out (usually the sunday before Xmas) was postponed until February 5th 2012 because 'our glorious leader' Terry had a quad heart by-pass op at the end of November and is still feeling a little sore.

The Other Morris (Sir Terry Pratchett)

A hundred years ago Cecil Sharp wrote:
"When he is dancing, the true morris-man is serious of countenance, yet gay of heart; vigorous, yet restrained; a strong man rejoicing in his strength, yet graceful, controlled, and perfectly dignified withal"
but he'd never seen The Witchmen!

Witchmen border morris dancers
September 2011 - The Mercian Gathering

The Witchmen dance Morris from the Daarkside where pagan ritual dance meets street entertainment. Traditional border morris dances originated in the Welsh border counties, we have mutated that style to create dances which are exciting, entertaining and relevant to 21st century audiences. We preserve the morris tradition and entertain audiences.
The way an old man half remembers performing a dance in 1898 does not define it for all time, that was just a stage the tradition passed through which was relevant to its time. We are part of an ongoing morris tradition which will survive as long as audiences enjoy watching it - The Witchmen are making sure that happens.

Witchmen border morris dancers
Illustration © Karen Cater - Hedingam Fair