Our North-west Morris side, as well as dancing this style, also dance Garland and Stave. North-west Morris developed from the same ancient roots as the Cotswold Morris. However, in the nineteenth century it became associated with the annual rush-bearing ceremonies, when the floors of the churches were relaid with fresh rushes. The day became a holiday for the village and towns-folk and the Morris dancers led the rush cart to the church; thus the dances became mainly processional.

Today, North-west dances are usually done as set dances; they are very much a spectacle with the dancers wearing brightly coloured costumes and dancing to the music of a local band, wherever possible. Within the tradition there are two main types of dances. The ones from Lancashire are danced in clogs, while the Cheshire dances are done with a high skipping step in soft-soled shoes. The dancers use either beribboned sticks, slings, garlands, or shakers to add to the colour and movement.

Our repertoire for this year is on page two; please click here or on the number top right to see it.

English Miscellany North-west section practises regularly throughout the year:
 Sunday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., twice per month
 Wednesday 8:00 to 10:15 p.m., once per month