Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend brings joy to town

The Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend saw Morris dancers from 36 different sides dance throughout Evesham and the Vale from June 21 to June 23. 

The dancers took buses to nearby towns on Saturday (June 22) and danced through Evesham on Sunday.

They stopped in The Market Square, Abbey Park and at The Fleece Inn to name a few locations. 

Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend (Image: Mark Goodge)

Nigel Dunn, events lead at Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend, said: "We had 36 sides from across the UK and we even had a couple of Morris dancers who came all the way from New York.

"The two local Morris sides, Pebworth Morris Men and Belle D'Vain Northwest Morris both attended and we danced throughout the vale, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire.

"On Sunday, 25 sides had a procession from Abbey Gardens to the Market Square."

Each year one side is awarded the Evesham Stick which is specially made for the event. 

Liberty Hill Northwest Morris was awarded the stick by Evesham mayor Robert Raphael. 

Liberty Hill Northwest Morris (Image: Mark Goodge)

Mr Dunn continued: "The Evesham Stick is made specially every year and given to the side that best demonstrates the spirit of the Morris. 

"It's judged on their interaction with the public and other sides as well as their dances amongst other things.

"It was presented by the mayor of Evesham and it's always an honour to be involved in the event. 

"We have a very hardworking team of volunteers. 

"It went very smoothly, we had great feedback, lots of people watched and the weather was superb."

The Morris dancers visited The Fleece Inn in Bretforton on the Saturday. 

Nigel Smith, landlord of The Fleece Inn, said: "It was great to see the place so alive with colour and movement throughout the day. 

"It was a beautiful and sunny day and there was a lot of excitement. 

"We are always pleased to welcome our Morris friends who celebrated their traditions with great dancing and music."

This is the 21st time that the Vale of Evesham National Morris Weekend has taken place.

Ledbury Border Morris visited Stratford and Bidford on Avon on Saturday (Image: Ledbury Morris)

Robert Raphael, mayor of Evesham said: "I awarded the Evesham Stick to Liberty Hill. 

"It was a beautiful stick with a bone handle and the bell tower painted on. 

"Pure joy is the word to describe what happened at the weekend. 

"People were having a whale of a time dancing around Evesham. 

"It was filled with fun, entertainment and joy for the town."