It is with great regret that we announce this will be the last season East Surrey Morris Men will be dancing. 

The Side began at a time when Cecil Sharp was still alive. He took a personal hand in training some of our dancers before they began East Surrey Morris Men, who went on to be one of the founding Sides of the Morris Ring in 1934. In 1958 we held the first of what was to be a truly memorable annual event with a weekend of dancing around the Kent and Sussex borders. Over the years we have also danced as guests in Denmark, France and the Netherlands, and countless beautiful, characterful places in our ‘patch’ and nationwide. 

With decades of happy memories, dedicated dancing, momentous music, fecund hilarity, animated arguments (occasionally) and bloody-minded goodwill; not to mention oceans of distilled malt and fermented barley with a strong aroma of hops. We were hoping these riches would carry us through to celebrate 100 years as a side in 2026. Sadly, the combination of failing health, folk moving away and sad loss has meant the Side no longer has sufficient numbers to see us beyond the end of this season. 

We dance out this season with much pride and a determination to do our best to reflect to the last the traditions within the dances and the customs in our Side. We will strive to honour the memories of those we have lost. And the many friends we have made over the years: we value you. Please come and see us on what will be our Farewell Year. Fill our ears with your memories, our hearts with your warmth and our tankards with a beer. And with your help we will dance out to the sound of laughter! 

We are confident of this though, that when East Surrey Morris Men have danced their last, the dance will continue… Morris On!