Icknield Way Morris Men, an Oxfordshire side from the Vale of White Horse, perform Cotswold Morris dances and are guardians of the Stanton Harcourt tradition

Who Are We?

Icknield Way Morris Men are a nationally known Morris dancing side that perform at festivals, weddings, parties and shows all over the country. We are mainly found dancing in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire, but are usually seen performing outside pubs in the Vale of White Horse.

Wantage Morris

The Morris has been danced in Wantage since at least 1565, where churchwardens accounts show that 16d was paid for 'a dasson morys belles' and, in 1590, 'lyveries' (costumes) were provided by John Eshmond for 4s 6d. The last reference to the Morris locally was in 1885 when it was danced by 'laddes of ye Royal Burgh of Wantage' before the sports began at Lockinge House.  Nothing is known concerning the side who danced, but the dance was referred to Cecil Sharp in 1910.  Unfortunately, there are no records of any Wantage variations of the Morris dance.

What We Dance

The Side performs traditional Morris dances from Oxfordshire villages. We also perform all dances recovered from the Stanton Harcourt tradition for which we are the guardians and sometimes dance out as Stanton Harcourt Morris. The village of Stanton Harcourt also had its own team of dancers active until the mid 19th century. The main Stanton Harcourt 'man of the morris' however, was John Potter (1813 - 1892) who played the pipe & tabor as well, as the fiddle, for the morris all over Oxfordshire. Indeed, his skill with the pipe was legendary that it was said "He could almost make un speak!".

Fortunately, we also have many musicians in The Side today and can provide all round entertainment for many occasions.

We are always pleased to welcome new members.

"They dance for joy. And joy represents the true spirit of England"
... quote from the Daily Mail, 3rd May 2005

Upcoming Events

Dec
20
Wed
20:30 Carols Evening @ The King Alfred's Head
Carols Evening @ The King Alfred's Head
Dec 20 @ 20:30 – 23:30
Carols Evening @ The King Alfred's Head | Wantage | England | United Kingdom
Pub Carols at The King Alfred’s Head on Wednesday 20th December from 20:00 onwards.  With Icknield Way Morris Men and Local Musicians. You will need to get there early if you want a seat. Please scan the QR Code is you Continue reading →

Programme for 2023

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Programme for 2023  PDF logo

Foot-Up Shop

Buy for 2022. Proceeds donated to Vale Community Impact.

 

Lost Morris - Audio album from the English Folk Dance Project

- Audio album from English Folk Dance Project featuring Icknield Musicians

 

The Ancient English Morris Dance

by Michael Heaney

The idea that morris dancing captures the essence of ancient Englishness, inherently carefree and merry, has been present for over 400 years. The Ancient English Morris Dance traces the history of those attitudes.  Click image for more details. or Order Now!The Ancient English Morris Dance

Kindly sponsored by

Renegade Brewery

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Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenTuesday, November 28th, 2023 at 11:18pm
Looking forward to Wantage Dickensian Evening on Friday!

1930: Outside Sainsbury
1955: Outside Waitrose
2015: Market Square
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenSaturday, November 4th, 2023 at 8:34pm
Amazing video from David of AlfredFest last Saturday!
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenWednesday, November 1st, 2023 at 6:52pm
Fab video from Howard!
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenSaturday, October 28th, 2023 at 9:48pm
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenFriday, October 27th, 2023 at 4:51pm
Looking forward to dancing here tomorrow afternoon from 12.30pm....
Icknield Way Morris Men
Icknield Way Morris MenThursday, October 26th, 2023 at 10:48am
We'll be dancing here at 12.30pm and 2.30pm!
We'll also be visting the The Blue Boar at 1.30pm 😉

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Wantage Mummers ....

... have donated £2,300 in 2022 to

 

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