A spring in the step

Ledbury Border Morris Side dance at Great Malvern Priory

Spring may not yet be in the air, but it certainly was in the step of the Ledbury Border Morris Side as they showed a fascinated Priory audience ‘Why Morris?’ at today’s Priory Lunchbox.

From Tudor times onwards, Morris Dancers and their bands danced, at festivals and celebrations, often in the hope of a couple of coins in their hat. As busking was not strictly legal, they’d colour their faces in disguise. Ledbury Border Morris are inspired by the beautiful Herefordshire hedgerows, so their chosen face colour is green, with twigs drawn on. Seasonal greenery also adorns their top hats.

The band treated us to joyous foot-tapping folk music, the dancers whacked their hazel sticks together (hazel is a good shock absorber), the bells on their boots tinkled and the multicoloured ‘tatters’ of fabric on their costumes flew as they danced. And there was a spring in the step of the audience, too, as they went out afterwards into the grey January day, inspired by the dancers.

Do come along to the next Priory Lunchbox on 26th January, when pupils from Malvern College will give a concert. Entry is free (and it’s warm!). Bring your lunch to eat from 12.30, tea and coffee will be available and the concert will begin at 1pm.