May Day welcomed by Morris men dancing in Hitchin Market Place - gallery and video

By Steve Biggs

1st May 2024 | Local News

Hitchin town centre played host to a traditional May Day celebration by Morris dancers today, (Wednesday, May 1)

Morris men gathered in Hitchin's historic Market Place at lunchtime to take part in traditional dancing on the day commonly seen as the start of summer.

May Day is an age-old festival dating back a millennia that involves performers, often wearing hats and bells on their legs, waving handkerchiefs, sticks or swords, to the accompaniment of folk music.

Nub News spoke to Chancellor Alan Creamer from the Letchworth Morris group dancing in the market square.

"Today is the first of May and this is the beginning of our season," explained Alan, adding: "We celebrate the beginning of the growing season.

"We should be praying for the crops to grow because if we don't dance properly the crops won't grow properly."

The group performed a number of dances to an intrigued lunchtime audience.

If you would like to learn more about the Letchworth Morris dancers email Bagman Andrew Harper [email protected]

May Day welcomed by Morris men dancing in Hitchin Market Place - gallery and video. PICTURE CREDIT: Steve Biggs / Nub News

     

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