A TRADITION returned to Coventry city centre on Saturday when the Coventry Morris Men performed for the first time in a year.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 0222003MMR3 copyright Bullivant Media
The group, a men’s Cotswold morris and sword dance side, started in 1931 and then – after a gap during the war years – reformed and that was when the sword dance was introduced.
Performances, including the famous sword dance, took place near the fountain, Upper Precinct and at Broadgate.
The group then visited Bull Yard and Shelton Square, finishing back at the fountain.
The Coventry Morris Men’s Bagman Martin Trewinnard told the Observer: “It is important for us to be performing during the UK City of Culture year but that has not always been possible over the past 20 months.
“We managed to perform last summer but this will be the first time since then.”
Picture by Marcus Mingins 0222003MMR1 copyright Bullivant Media
He added the group generally received pretty good feedback.
“There have been some occasions – like in the Republic of Ireland and Sweden – when the Morris dancing did not go down that well but then when we did the sword dance the atmosphere would change – it normally sparks something in people.”
The group is hoping for a busy 2022 after the past year of restrictions and lockdowns.
Martin added: “There is a lot going on this year with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and we want to be part of the celebrations and commemorations.”
The Coventry Morris Men – who meet on Tuesday evenings – are always on the lookout for new members.
Anyone interested in finding out more should visit coventry-morris.org.uk
