Morris dancers return to Shoreham

Around 150 people came to watch the Morris dancers’ procession through Shoreham, as they were led by a Green Man and Hooden Orse.

The event kicked off from Coronation Green at 7am, after which there was a procession, followed by dancing at the War Memorial in East Street, where the May Queen was crowned.

Later in the morning the Sompting Village Morris dancers could be seen dancing at various locations around the town.

Jane Gilbert, who organised the event and is a Sompting Village Morris dancer, said: “The event was great! The weather was really good and we had a great crowd turn up to watch us.

“We met at 6.45am, and we performed on the Coronation Green for about half an hour before moving onto the War Memorial at East Street and hosting a procession around the church.

“Our May Queen, 10-year-old Eve deJersey, was crowned by Cllr Carson Albury.

“After a few more dances, we went off for breakfast. We danced at the Old Star pub in Church Street, before heading off to the Beer Festival, which was held at the Duke of Wellington.

“We had speeches and singing during our breakfast, so it was great to have this musical interlude while we ate!

“We had around 50 dancers, musicians and relatives attend the event.

“We were lucky to have a much bigger crowd than we’ve had before – and hopefully we’ll be back next year to perform again!

“Shoreham’s got a strong folk element, so it means a lot to perform here.

“The area in Shoreham has also been pedestrianised since we were last here, which meant we could perform throughout town.

“We also carried on our own tradition of a boiled egg breakfast!”

Sompting Village Morris is an organisation which is more than 30 years old, and it incorporates a mens’ and womens’ side with over 50 performers.

The group work towards keeping this ancient tradition alive, and Sompting Village Morris welcome new members whether they are experienced or not.

The team dances at many festivals as well as a range of pubs in the area. They regularly travel abroad, having performed in many European cities and festivals.

They practice every Wednesday from October through to April at St Georges Hall on St Georges Road, Worthing.

For more information about joining the Sompting Village Morris dancers, contact Lesley Card on [email protected] or call 01273 441840.

Find out more about the group by visiting the website at www.somptingvillagemorris.org.uk.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage

2) Like our Facebook page

3) Follow us on Twitter

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.