Thousands Flock to Stockport as 1,000 Morris Dancers Fill Streets for Day of Dance

Stockport was swept up in a whirlwind of bells, sticks, and folk music over the last weekend of April, as the town hosted A Day of Dance — a vibrant celebration that brought together 1,000 Morris dancers from across the country.

Crowds gathered at key spots including the Underbanks, Merseyway, Prince’s Street, Suffragette Square, and Market Place to enjoy a packed programme of performances, from traditional Morris jigs and high-energy folk jam sessions to impromptu dance-offs and lively street displays.

Organised by the Joint Morris Organisation (JMO), A Day of Dance is a yearly nationwide event that rotates between host towns, drawing Morris sides from major cities across the UK to take part in the festivities.

This year, Stockport played host to a rich and colourful display of Morris traditions. Each group, known as a “side”, brought its own unique style and character to the festivities.

Morris dancing is a form of traditional English folk dance with roots dating back over 500 years and varies widely by region.

North West Morris, rooted in the industrial towns of Lancashire and Cheshire, features clog dancing and a rhythmic, processional style often backed by drums and brass. Border Morris, from the English-Welsh border, is bold and theatrical, with painted faces, ragged costumes, and stick-clashing energy. Rapper Morris, developed in the North East, involves fast-paced, tightly choreographed sword dances performed by small teams in close quarters.

Historically, the dance was associated with fertility rites, agricultural festivals, and community celebration, often performed in the spring to mark new growth and good fortune.

By the 19th century, the tradition had begun to fade in many areas, but it was revived during the early 20th century thanks to the efforts of folklorists like Cecil Sharp, who collected and documented dances from rural communities.

Though often labelled a “dying tradition”, Matt, 45, who dances with Thelwall Morris, stressed the importance of showing just how much joy the dancers get from it.

“We need to be positive and sell what Morris really is: great exercise, a brilliant way to socialise, fantastic for both mental and physical wellbeing – and it’s genuinely fun”.

Spotted laughing with friends in the pub and enjoying a pint between dances, the Morris dancing community is made up of all kinds of people full of personality, warmth, and the occasional delightful eccentricity.

Matt said: “I needed something that was purely for pleasure. Life was a bit stressful, and I wanted something just for relaxation. Morris dancing fit that really well – and it’s been great for my wellbeing”.

While Morris has long been associated with an older generation, this year’s event showed clear signs of change. Many sides featured a mix of ages and genders, bridging the gap between tradition and the next generation.

The diverse lineup of dancers didn’t just enrich the performances but also captured the attention of the crowd. Spectators of all ages gathered along the streets, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

It was clear that the event not only celebrated the Morris tradition but also brought the community together, inspiring a new generation to appreciate the lively, inclusive spirit of folk dance.