Morris Dancing in Thaxted and surrounding villages in North Essex, Britain, where the Centenary of the Thaxted Morris Festival
Morris Dancing in Thaxted and surrounding villages in North Essex, Britain, where the Centenary of the Thaxted Morris Festival was held over this weekend, 4th-5th june 2011. Seen here: At the village of Finchingfield, north Essex, England. This year is the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Thaxted Morris , the oldest revival Morris side ( in red and white horizontal stripes ). Conrad Noel became vicar of the Thaxted in 1910 and was instrumental with others in the reforms that led to the formation of the Thaxted Morris which originally raised its 'side' from the local sweet factory. The mojority of the early dancers were women and children, nowadays the majority are men who enjoy a dance and a pint of beer. Over 30 sides visited from all over Britain and Holland. During the day the Morris dancing 'sides' tour the local chocolate box villages dancing in pub car parks and enjoying a pint of beer or two or three. In the evening there is a massed dance of over 400 Morris dancers in Town Street Thaxted followed by the haunting Thaxted version of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance. At about The Thaxted side process in the dark through the town carrying Stag horns and Stag Heads to the Wheelright Robinson Tune played by a lone fiddle player. There is no other sound before side vanishes into the night, one of the most chilling of experiences.
Size: 5244px × 3490px
Photo credit: © BRIAN HARRIS / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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