Would you like to try a centuries-old fit and social hobby in North Devon?

Anyone looking for a new hobby that offers the opportunity to keep fit, socialise and be a part of local heritage is being invited to join a long-standing North Devon Morris outfit.

Bideford Phoenix Morris is on the hunt for new dancers and will be welcoming new recruits from January.

All ages and experience levels are invited to go along and try the tradition at one of the group’s weekly practice sessions every Wednesday from 7pm at Bideford Baptist Church in Mill Street.

Morris dancing is part of an English tradition that has been enjoyed for centuries, bringing communities together through music, movement, rhythm and celebration. A Morris group is known as a ‘side’.

In the summer, Bideford Phoenix Morris will be out every Wednesday evening at local pubs, quays, greens and community events across the region.

To date the side has raised more than £6,500 for North Devon Hospice.

The side says it remains one of the most joyful, sociable and uplifting ways to stay active, make new friends and keep a piece of local heritage alive.

Beginners are welcome to the practice sessions and so are those aged under 18, as long as accompanied by an adult.

Bideford Phoenix Morris Squire Neil Bennion said: “You are all welcome to come along to a practice session this January to watch, have a go at dancing and meet everyone. If you play an instrument, do bring it along and play.

“We are very proud to be dancing and playing in and around Bideford and North Devon to raise money for a local charity. Come along and join in the fun!”

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Morris dancing emerged in England by the mid-15th century, with the earliest record from 1448, evolving from European court dances influenced by ‘Moorish’ spectacle and eventually becoming a rural folk tradition, characterised by bells, sticks and handkerchiefs, later revived by folklorists like Cecil Sharp in the late 19th century.

Its origins aren't definitive but linked to 15th-century English courtly ‘Moorish’ dances, possibly symbolising cultural exchange or resistance, then popularised by figures such as Will Kemp and eventually preserved by folk revivalists.

A Morris Side is led by a ’Squire’ and administrated by a volunteer known as ‘The Bag’.

Bideford Phoenix Morris was founded in 1989 when it rose from the ashes of Barnstaple Morris and Barum Ladies Morris when they closed down. Barnstaple Morris only allowed male dancers and Bideford Phoenix was pleased to form a mixed side and today welcomes women and men alike. 

Bideford Phoenix is a Morris side which dances in the Cotswold tradition as opposed to the border tradition.

Cotswold dancing is known for its attention to lines and precision in steps and is rather regal in style. The side dances a wide range of stick and waiver dances and is famous for its dances such as Bideford Bridge, Sweet Jenny Jones, Fanny Frail, Vandals of Hammerwich and Fanny Frail.

Anyone who doesn’t fancy the dancing but wishes to become a Friend of Bideford Phoenix Morris or would like to find out more, is welcome to email info@bidefordphoenix.co.uk