Sussex Day of Dance

06/04/2024

With only 70 days to go until the 2nd Annual Sussex Day of Dance, we'd like to introduce you to BLACK SWAN Morris!

Based in Carshalton, Surrey; their name and colours come from the black swans that were historically bred in the area, and the lavender fields that were once abundant and now making a comeback locally.

They dance an energetic border style, dancing traditional dances alongside some of their own. They dance all year with a very full calendar, anything from community events, festivals, and celebrations of the ritual year.

We simply can't wait!

17/03/2024

The Sussex Day of Dance is going international!

We are absolutely delighted that Eken Morris will be joining us all the way from Sweden this year!

Eken Morris was formed in Stockholm in 1979. The formation was a result of a growing interest in English folk music in the 1970’s. Today Eken Morris Dancers have a side of about 15 mixed male & female dancers/musicians including melodeon, concertina and fiddle.

The basic repertoire and dance technique was taught to them by English morris dancers who have visited them in Stockholm. They'll perform morris dances from Southern Midlands, ”Cotswold Morris”, mainly from villages of Bampton, Adderbury, Oddington, Bledington and Headington in Oxfordshire.

03/03/2024

Back by exceptionally popular demand; The Sussex Day of Dance will return to the streets of Lewes on Saturday 15th June 2024!

Once again, the sound of bells and clashing sticks will reach out to every corner of the town.

More details to follow 🎩 🔔

20/06/2023

Well that was jolly good fun wasn't it!

Such a buzz, such excitement - we are looking to do it all over again next year!

A big thank you to all of the wonderful morris sides that joined us for the day, it was great to bask in the sunshine with kindred spirits.

Roz Bassford captured the day so beautifully.

Photo collection by Roz Bassford

17/06/2023

It’s today!!

The First Ever Sussex Day of Dance kicks off TODAY at 11am - will we see you all there?

Dancing locations throughout the day are:
- The Precinct
- The John Harvey Tavern
- The Snowdrop
- The Dorset
- Harvey’s Rear Brewery Yard from 4pm

16/06/2023

Did you know... 16 June is ! 💙

Sussex Day takes place on St Richard's Day, the feast day of Sussex's patron saint and has been celebrated since 2006. And, tomorrow - 17 June - will see the very first Sussex Day of Dance in Lewes.

16/06/2023

SUSSEX DAY! 💙 💛 a day to celebrate all that we love about our beloved County.

Celebrate with us TOMORROW in Lewes Town Centre from 11am-4pm! 15 spectacular morris sides are busy preparing their kit… for tomorrow, the town will ring with the sound of drums, bells, sticks and music!

14/06/2023

The countdown continues... only 3 days to go!

Here is the full list of wonderful sides joining us this weekend to celebrate the first annual, Sussex Day of Dance.

- Mythago Morris
- Roses are Red
- Temporary Measured
- Mad Jack's Morris
- Devizes Jubilee Morris
- Brighton Morris
- Knots of May
- Cuckoo's Nest Morris
- Long Man Morris
- BLACK SWAN Morris
- Ditchling Morris
- Rheda's Dream Morris Side
- Winterbourne Morris

and your hosts - Blackpowder Morris

Dancing starts at 11am at The Snowdrop, John Harvey Tavern, The Dorset and The Precinct... and culminates in a mass dance with all the above sides in Harvey's Brewery rear yard (Dorset side) at 4pm!

13/06/2023

Only 4 days to go!

💙💛 Sussex Day of Dance Badges - £1 each 💙💛
Remember to bring cash for a limited edition badge. Once they’re gone, they're gone!

12/06/2023

5 days to go!
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30/05/2023

We are very much looking forward to welcoming you to the first annual Sussex Day of Dance on Saturday 17th June!

Please find attached the Stands List and a map of Lewes, with key locations marked.

You'll find between 3 and 4 Morris sides per location at any one time, and dancing will be at four venues within the Cliffe area of Lewes.

Dancing will start at 11am.
Please do all join us at 4pm in Harvey’s Brewery Rear Yard, where all sides will join together for a final mass stand! Harvey’s will also be running a Taproom at the Yard for you to enjoy whilst watching the spectacle unfold before your very eyes!

We will be collecting for the Sussex Wildlife Trust on the day, so if you do see a bucket being vigorously shook in your general direction, please dig deep and give anything that you can!

We simply can't wait to see you... we can almost hear the bells in the distance.