2008 marks 100 years of Morris Dancing in Suffolk and is East Suffolk Morris Men's Golden Jubilee year.
To celebrate this, an exhibition of photographs of Morris Dancing in Suffolk dating back to the early 1900's will be on display at the Ipswich Tourist Information Centre, St Stephen's Church, St. Stephen's Lane from 30th April to 3rd May.
The exhibition will include photographs of dancing in the early 1900's, the Priory Heath School Morris group (1940's), and the Ipswich Morris Men who performed in the 1950's. More up-to-date displays will also be on show.
For 50 years East Suffolk Morris Men have danced their way around Suffolk, the UK and 14 countries over four continents.
Also on display will be the history of Billy, the side's Hobby Horse. Billy was made at Summerhill School, Leiston, for the Suffolk Morris Men in 1934 but was lost before the last war before returning to Suffolk (from Derbyshire) in 1958.
Coincidently, this anniversary year also includes the birthday of the side's founder Des Herring who is 80 this year and still dancing. Des also wears the Hobby Horse.
Later in the year the group will be holding a Children's Festival introducing Suffolk schoolchildren to this age-old English tradition.
For more information visit the website: www.eastsuffolkmorris.com (opens in a new window) or email esmm@btinternet.com.
Ipswich Tourist Information Centre (TIC) is open Monday to Saturday, from 9.00am – 5.00pm. Entry is free. You can contact the TIC on 01473 258070 or tourist@ipswich.gov.uk.