RADSTOCK Morris Dancers are putting out a call for new dancers or musicians to come along and get involved.

Experienced Morris dancers Phil Preen and Julie Palmer from Kilmersdon teamed up with Radstock local Liam Kirby in March 2025 to start a new Cotswold Morris side in the town.

They have just completed their first season of dance outs at local pubs including performing at Chippenham Folk Festival, Lacock and Warminster.

With the new practice season about to begin, it is the ideal time to get involved.

Radstock Morris dance the vigorous Cotswold traditions of Oddington, Badby and Bledington, leavened with some of the more graceful Fieldtown dances.

A spokesperson said: “You might be forgiven for thinking that Morris dancers are usually elderly men with beards, but go to any of the many folk festivals around the country and you will see Morris dancing being performed by people of all ages and genders.

“Some of our members were completely new to Morris dancing, others had previous experience and this has helped the novice dancers to quickly build their skill and confidence with the dances.

“Some dances contain quite intricate and challenging steps but this is what makes it so interesting. It’s a work out for both body and mind!"

Music is an integral part of Morris and the dances are usually named after the tunes they are danced to. Radstock Morris are lucky to have the benefit of both an experienced Morris musician and the enthusiasm of a musician who is learning how to play for Morris dancing.

Anyone interested in dancing or playing for Cotswold Morris can join the side practice from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday evenings at the Connections Day Centre on Frome Road starting on September, 16.

Contact Liam Kirkby at [email protected] or Phil on 07784 838 268 for more information.