Brighton, May 1, 2025 — As dusk fell over Southover Street, the air outside the Sir Charles Napier pub filled with the jingle of bells, rhythmic sticks, and the laughter of a gathering crowd. Brighton Morris Men, accompanied by the vibrant Cuckoo’s Nest Women’s Morris, ushered in May Day with a rousing performance that transformed this quiet corner of Hanover into a living tapestry of English folk tradition.
With the clock just striking 7:30 PM, the dancers—resplendent in sashes, rosettes, and traditional regalia—stepped into formation to the cheer of onlookers spilling from the pub and neighboring houses. The music of fiddle, accordion, and pipe set the pace for the lively sequences of steps, turns, and stick clashing that define this centuries-old custom.
“We’ve danced here for decades,” said Steve Huxley, Squire of Brighton Morris Men. “The Sir Charles Napier isn’t just a venue—it’s our spiritual home. There’s something special about sharing the joy of Morris right where our roots are deepest.”
The evening’s performances included crowd favorites like “Bean Setting” and “Shepherd’s Hey,” with moments of spontaneous audience participation that blurred the line between performer and spectator. Cuckoo’s Nest, Brighton’s accomplished women’s side, brought their signature grace and fire to the lineup, their floral crowns and bold steps a striking counterpoint to the men’s more traditional style.
“This is more than performance—it’s living heritage,” said Sarah Bell, a dancer with Cuckoo’s Nest. “For us, May Day isn’t just about marking the season. It’s about connecting with each other, with the community, and with the generations that danced before us.”
The Sir Charles Napier pub—steeped in character and draped with bunting—offered the perfect backdrop. Inside, regulars and newcomers alike toasted the season with locally brewed ales and hearty cheers, while musicians continued the revelry with folk tunes long into the evening.
For Brighton, a city known for its eclectic cultural fabric, the Morris tradition provides a thread that is both ancient and remarkably alive. In an age of fast entertainment and digital distraction, these dancers remind us that some of the most meaningful celebrations are still found on the streets, face to face, under an open sky.
As twilight gave way to starlight and the last bells jangled into the night, one thing was certain: Morris dancing in Brighton is no museum piece—it’s a spirited, stomping celebration of community, culture, and the enduring joy of dance.
