May Day Morris Dancing - A Tradition That Dances On

Brackley’s Market Place came alive in the early hours of 1st May as the town welcomed the return of its traditional May Day celebrations. At 5:30am, the Brackley Morris Dancers took to the piazza to “dance up the sun” – a custom said to have taken place in the town for around 400 years.

Joining them this year were Queen’s Oak Morris, a talented ladies’ side from Yardley Gobion, who brought their own vibrant energy and colourful Border Morris style to the morning.

With bells ringing, sticks clashing and hankies flying, the two groups filled the town square with music, rhythm and a real sense of heritage. A cheerful (and somewhat bleary-eyed) crowd turned out to enjoy the spectacle and mark the start of May in true Brackley fashion.

Our thanks to both teams of dancers for keeping this joyful tradition alive – and for giving those early risers a brilliant start to the day!