Thaxted Morris Weekend

Each spring bank holiday, the historic streets of Thaxted in Essex come alive with bells, ribbons and the rhythm of Morris dancing, as sides from around the country gather for the town’s annual Morris Weekend. Jon Wagstaff spent the Saturday and Sunday covering the event, photographing the dancers, musicians and crowds who turn out to watch.

Between performances, the town’s pubs and market square become as much a part of the show as the dancing itself, with dancers in ribboned waistcoats and flower-trimmed hats taking a well-earned break before the next side steps out. It’s this mix of tradition, performance and community that makes the weekend such a distinctive one to photograph.

If you were part of the weekend and would like a copy of your photograph, or you’re planning an event of your own that could use a photographer with an eye for character and atmosphere, get in touch.