Lyme Regis is preparing to welcome hundreds of dancers and musicians to the town as Lyme Morris Day of Dance returns.
The event, organised by Lyme Morris, takes place on Saturday 11 July and this year will be the biggest yet.
A record-breaking 29 morris sides from across the country will descend on Lyme Regis, surpassing last year’s previous record of 25 sides.
With more than 300 performers expected to take part, visitors can look forward to a vibrant day of tradition and entertainment along the seafront and throughout the town.
To accommodate the growing popularity of the event, organisers have introduced additional performance locations, giving visitors even more opportunities to experience the energy and spectacle of morris dancing throughout the day.
Lyme Morris is led by squire Peter Morton, who has helped guide the side for the past 17 years.
Peter first became involved through the Talbot Arms in Uplyme, where a shared love of skittles, cricket and community eventually sparked a revival of the local morris side.
What began in 2008 with just seven dancers, three musicians and a repertoire of only three dances, has grown into a thriving mixed side that performs regularly across the region and proudly hosts one of the south west’s most popular morris gatherings.
Peter said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming a record number of sides to Lyme Regis this year.
“The Day of Dance is a fantastic celebration of traditional dance, music and community. Whether you’ve seen morris dancing before or not, it’s a wonderful spectacle and a great day out for all ages.”
Morris dancing is one of England’s oldest folk traditions, with records dating back to the 15th century.
Characterised by the rhythmic stepping, handkerchiefs, sticks and live folk music, it has evolved into a variety of regional styles including Cotswold, Border and North West Morris.
While its exact origins remain the subject of debate, morris dancing has long been associated with community celebrations, seasonal festivals and local customs, and it continues to thrive thanks to dedicated groups across the country who preserve and share the tradition.
The Lyme Morris Day of Dance has become a firm fixture in the town’s summer calendar, attracting visitors from across the country while showcasing the unique atmosphere here in Lyme Regis.
Performances will take place throughout the day at locations across the town, with dancers creating a lively festival atmosphere from morning through to late afternoon.