Morris Men Welcome May on the Commons

The Commons gave a traditional welcome to summer on May 1st with a sunrise performance of ancient folk dances by the Greensleeves Morris Men, Wimbledon’s own Morris dancing side.

A surprising number of local residents and visitors witnessed the 5.30am dawn show of ancient folk dances, with clashing sticks and handkerchief waving, accompanied by  a traditional accordian. The Greensleeves men perform every May Day, celebrating  fertility, community and the renewal of life.

May Day, believed to originate from pagan festivals, marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

Founded in 1926, the Greensleeves Morris Men celebrate their centenary this year and the accolade of being London’s longest-established Morris dancing club, and have been based in Wimbledon since 1980.

The first surviving records of Morris dancing in London date from 1448.