May Day at Bradgate Park

Leicester Morris Greets the Dawn on May Day at Bradgate Park!

7.00am Friday 1st May, brought a spectacle of bells, sticks, and energetic dancing as Leicester Morris celebrated the ancient tradition of May Day at the breathtaking Bradgate Park.

In what has become a cherished Leicester Morris annual ritual, our intrepid dancers and musicians gathered to welcome the summer with traditional Morris dances. The sounds of melodian, fiddle, pipe and Tabor and the rhythmic clash of sticks echoed across the historic parkland.

This year’s celebration was particularly vibrant, drawing not only our dedicated members but also 80+ early-rising visitors and dog walkers. The atmosphere was one of joyful camaraderie and deep respect for tradition, as we performed a selection of our favourite dances, culminating in a powerful set as the sun fully crested the horizon.

May Day is more than just a date on the calendar for Morris dancers. Dancing at Bradgate Park, amidst its ancient trees and stunning natural beauty, perfectly encapsulates this connection to nature and the turning of the seasons.

Leicester Morris extends a huge thank you to everyone who participated, supported, or simply woke up early enough to share in this magical morning. We collected £159.00 for Rainbows Hospice.It was a fantastic start to what promises to be a busy and exciting summer of dancing!

Keep an eye on our events page for details of our upcoming performances. If you're inspired to join in the fun, whether as a dancer or musician, we'd love to hear from you!