It’s fun, by George

Traditional music and dancing mark national saint's day as county Morris dancers head off out and about to entertain

by Linzi Watson, News and Star, 25 April 2011

A GROUP of Cumbrian Morris dancers celebrated St George's Day to the sound of bells with a traditional dance display this weekend.

Members of the Solway Morris group took their authentic show on tour on Saturday with performances in pubs around Penrith.

Performing the St George's Day Mummers Play they started at the King's Arms in Stainton then moved on to the Crown Inn at Blencow and the Boot and Shoe, Greystoke.

Dozens turned out to watch the traditional English past time acted out on the day dedicated to the country's patron saint.

Chris Hobson from SiIloth is Solway Morris's foreman. He said: "It was a great day until we got to Greystoke and the rain started but apart from that we enjoyed ourselves."

He added: "A lot of people came to watch us and it was a great way to celebrate St George's Day”

"People are always keen to watch but we need new members to join. We don't want this tradition to die out"

The Solway Morris group,  which started in 2002 and meets at Waverton Village Hall, near Wigton, is appealing for new dancers of all ages to join the 10-strong group. They perform traditional dances from the Cotswolds and Welsh Border and other dances they have created and adapted themselves. The group doesn't take part in competitions but dances for fun.