Holt Morris

EVENTS FOR 2017

BRADFORD ROOTS FESTIVAL, THE WILTSHIRE MUSIC CENTRE.

Evidence of our success in developing the fecundity of the apple orchards of the country has obviously communicated itself far and wide. Once again we have been booked to perform our powerful Wassail programme at this cultural event starting at 5.15. pm. for approximately 45 minutes, in the foyer of the Witshire Music Centre, Bradford-on-Avon. It is the stuff of legend.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON WASSAIL, THE TITHE BARN, BRADFORD-ON-AVON.

And the legend continues, as Bradford-on-Avon establishes itself at the heart and fore-front of cider evolution by inviting us to perform once again at this new prestigious wassail event. It starts at 5.00. pm. and continues exhaustively. Rejoice all ye apple trees!

AVEBURY MAYDAY, AVEBURY, WILTS.

Our Giddy Aunties! The season is upon us, and we shall be performing at The National Trust Mayday celebrations, evoking spirits of times past, in the middle of Avebury between 1.00 pm. and 3.00. pm. Fertility here we come!

ELECTION RESPITE, THE DOG AND FOX, ASHLEY.

Worn out by the rigours of local election decision-making?
Let us do the thinking as we endeavour to remember the products of OUR rehearsal rigours, as we dance away what we are sure will be a balmy Spring evening, from 8.00 pm. onwards. Join us to wind down.

BRADFORD-ON-AVON MORRIS DAY, VENUES THROUGHOUT BRADFORD-ON-AVON

Our beautiful neighbouring town is rapidly becoming a Morris Hot-bed... Thirty or more sides will be dancing throughout the day and throughout the town in this inaugural extravaganza, and we shall be there to lend it our very own brand of dance finesse. Squire for the Day, Tim Yeomans, will be introducing us to his dancing mother. Something to which we are looking very much forward. Join us, and everyone else if you can, for this great Morris celebration.

THE BATH AND WEST SHOW, SHEPTON MALLET SHOWGROUND

The first of our regular Summer spots, this... featuring two half-hour spots morning and afternoon at locations to be confirmed, and ,of course, our regular spot in the Cider Tent, where our wassailing prowess is now becoming the stuff of legend. Join us at the South-West’s leading agricultural and Trade show. Timings to follow.

WIMBORNE FOLK FESTIVAL., WIMBORNE, DORSET

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Another glorioius old faithful this...and one of the finest in the country. We shall be offering our usual exuberant brand of entertainment, especially during the brilliant Saturday afternoon procession. With over fifty sides at this year’s event, dancing all over the town, Wimborne, fortunately is on the UP!

MINNESOTA TRADITIONAL MORRIS VISIT, HOLT, BRADFORD-ON-AVON, VARIOUS.

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We are exceptionally privileged to be hosting this weekend with Minnesota Traditional Morris (M.T.M.), during their English Summer Tour. I say "WE", but both Holt Morris and M.T.M. are being manipulated in the capable hands of our Global Communication Supremo, Jonathan Slack, who for a number of years ranked himself among their number. (See "News" posting to the left. WE shall be dancing with them on Holt Village Green on Friday evening, 23rd. at around 7.30/7.45 ish. And afterwards a spot of aleing and music-making will take place in The Old Ham Tree, courtesy of Sam and Steph.

The MTMers will also be dancing out with "Mr. Wilkins’ Shilling" and "Tatters and Tails" on Sunday evening 25th. at "The Dog and Fox" at Ashley, between 7.00 and 9.00. pm. Whilst members of Holt Morris may well be in attendance in a purely audience-related capacity, it is obvious that through age, infirmity and other debilitating infirmities they will not be performing! One dance-out per weekend is frankly enough for anyone!

PUB DANCE-OUT, THE SOMERSET ARMS, SEMINGTON

Join us if you will at this splendid pub in the locale of our founding squire, Mr Peter Smith, from about 7.45 pm. onwards. The usual dancing fun and jollity, mistakes an’all! Our motto used to be "Holt Morris, The weight is on the Foot in the Air." Now it’s, more appropriately, "Holt Morris, Getting the apologies in pre-emptively"!

PUB DANCE-OUT, THE LONGS ARMS, STEEPLE ASHTON.

Join us if you can here in this beautiful Wiltshire village for the kind of entertainment that you might expect from us from around 7.45. pm. onwards.

PUB DANCE-OUT, THE THREE MAGPIES, SELLS GREEN, SEEND

Our last dance-out spot before our August holiday is at the above extremely popular venue, where, in previous years, we have received an outstanding welcome and appreciative reception from both locals and canal-boat holiday-makers alike. Thursday evening at approx 7.45 pm. will, we are sure be no exception, especially as we will be accompanied by Sarum Morris. See you there for the usual dance frolics and vibrant music-making!

MOUNT PLEASANT CLUB, HOLT MORRIS XMAS EXTRAVAGANZA., MOUNT PLEASANT CLUB, BRADFORD-ON-AVON.

This is the event that, over the many years that we have practiced here, has come to symbolise the happy relationship that is ever -present between us. This year, as usual, it involves are wonderful friends "Hips and Haws" and "Bell’s Angels" joining us for an hour or so of celebratory dancing, a half hour or so of splendid eating, provided by the club catering powers that be, a good deal of Timothy Taylor’s "Landlord" ale consumption, some vigorous community carolling, and, this year a modest, more secular contribution to the evening from John Bond and Jonathan Nibbs a.k.a. "The Lacklustre Brothers."

The whole event kicks off at about 8.00. pm. and the jollity continues until everyone agrees, by common consent, they’ve had enough, often shortly after the, also now traditional, appearance of the "Bathampton Morris Mummers." Christmas starts Right Here and all-comers are welcome.

BOXING-DAY IN HOLT., LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE VILLAGE.

Holt is probably the best place on earth for Boxing-day community celebration. What with us lot and Bell’s Angels joining forces and dancing through the morning and lunchtime, the huge fun of the boules competition on the village green from about 11.30 am, the singing thereafter in both "The Tollgate" and primarily "The Ham Tree."

Half the world has already discovered this day of delight, so come and join in with us all at roughly,

10.00. Little Parks.
10.45. Fir Lawn.
11.30. Outside Holt Superstore.
12.00/12.15. Holt Village Green.