THIS weekend sees an exciting spectacle of Morris Dancing in West Devon when Dartmoor Border Morris play host to eight hanky waving, stick bashing, clog stomping teams from across Devon.
Look out for Grimspound Border, Plymouth Morris Men, Winkleigh Morris, Cogs and Wheels and North West clog dancing sides: Plymouth Maids, Raddon Hill and Heather & Gorse.
The sides will tour the area throughout Saturday on two coaches appearing at differing times at venues which include: Red Lion Yard, Okehampton (10am) Bedford Square, Tavistock (10am) outside the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown (11.30am) and Buckland Abbey.
The weekend of music and dance will end on Sunday with a Mass Stand at Castle Drogo, near Drewsteignton from 11am.
'We are still relatively a young side, now into our third season,' said Steve Bussey of Dartmoor Border Morris,
'But after attending several events throughout the last few years we decided we could bring something similar to the western fringes of Dartmoor. It's also a way of saying thank you to other sides we have danced out with.'
Popular theories abound over the origins of Morris Dancing, from ancient fertility rites to celebratory victory dances from Spain. What is certain is that it has been a documented part of English life for at least six hundred years.
The majority of Morris sides dancing today are 'revival' clubs, formed after a resurgence of interest in traditional music in the late 1960s. They meet regularly for practice and to give public shows and have fun. There are now over 800 Morris sides in the UK.
There will be a collection for the Childrens Hospice SW throughout the weekend.
Dartmoor Border have a full summer programme.
If you are a musician, or interested in learning to dance Morris, contact Steve Bussey for details: 01822 853085. Check out the website for latest details: http://www.dartmoorbordermorris.internet-today.co.uk">www.dartmoorbordermorris.internet-today.co.uk