Evesham in morris

No, it’s not a new or renamed place. It’s actually the National Morris Weekend, (19th – 21st June) to which the town plays host to every year. Phoenix were once again participating in this, along with many other sides of all traditions, and is one the largest Morris gatherings within the UK. This year around 22 sides were gathered together for the event. It was another very warm weekend.

Things started off in the Marquee next to the Evesham Rowing Club on Friday evening with a ceilidh with “Banter” a well-known & respected band.

On Saturday (20th June) all sides mustered to their designated points next to the campsite, for separate coach tours around the nearby towns & villages.

Phoenix were on tour 8 (there was 9 in total) The first stop was Droitwich, were we danced near a large supermarket. Taking our turn with the other sides on our tour (see the list in the pictures) Next stop was the village of Feckenham where it was time for lunch at very nice pub. After lunch, it was a short stroll over the road, to dance at Feckenham village fete. A VERY short procession (about a hundred years or so) took us into to this, where we again took turns with the other sides on our designated tour. After dancing, there was time for a stroll around the fete. Live music with a very good rock & roll band, & various other side stalls (including a welcome ice cream). Soon it was time to reboard the coach for the return to Evesham.

Once back, all sides gathered in Abbey Gardens for a final performance from each side, to finish an excellent day.

Saturday evening, again at the Rowing Club marquee, entertainment was provided by “Club Debris” with their own style of music & dance.

Sunday was a more relaxed day, with a later start. After a service at the church, all sides gathered near the bandstand in Abbey Gardens in readiness for the procession up to the town & high street to “The Square” Here, each side danced a quick figure in turn on arrival into the “arena” whilst being announced by the MC. It was then a case of waiting for your turn to perform a show dance for the audience, to round off the final proceedings of the weekend.

Phoenix must also extend a huge thank you to Sam, from Uttoxeter Heart Of Oak Morris for joining us along with his Stewarding duties. He not only helped out when we were two dancers down on Saturday due to a tenting accident (luckily not too serious) He also came back again on Sunday to assist even further. On top of that, also helping out the otherwise sole Phoenix musician. Once again, thank you Sam.

All fun & games over for this year, and it’s time to pack up & go home. A lovely time was had by everyone Here’s to next year!

(All pictures following, are via Phoenix Members or their family. Also with thanks to any uncredited sources)