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Brackley Morris uphold May Day tradition in town
01/05/2024
Dancing started just after 5.30am
The ancient tradition of dancing up the sun on May Day morning brought Brackley Market Place to life early this morning, although foggy conditions kept the sun hidden from view.
Brackley Morris Men were joined by their guests Queens Oak – a ladies side from Yardley Gobion.
Dancing began just after 5.30am and despite the time a number of people had risen early to watch the annual spectacle.
Adrian Watts is the Brackley Morris Men’s Squire. He said: “[The tradition] probably goes back to ancient rituals. Dancing May Day is very popular amongst the Morris dancing community and it’s done throughout the country.
“Brackley’s tradition itself has got recorded history to about 400 years old – it’s a long held tradition.”
Both sides performed for around an hour before retiring for breakfast in a local pub, which has opened early for the occasion.
Brackley Morris Men’s plans for the rest of the morning included dancing at two local care homes, so the residents could also join in with the May Day celebrations.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam