About
Dark
Morris
Welcome to the wild, high-energy world of Oswestry Dark Morris.
Border Morris is a rowdy English folk tradition from the Welsh borders, famous for thunderous stick-clashing, vibrant tattered rag coats and disguised faces with masks or make-up. Originating in Tudor times, agricultural labourers painted their faces for anonymity while dancing in the winter to earn extra income.
Today, our lively mixed-gender team keeps this mysterious, atmospheric tradition alive across local pubs, folk festivals and community gatherings. (And yes, a pint of local ale is also traditional!)
We are members of the UK Morris Federation.
What's Great About Dark Morris?
It Keeps You Fit
Morris dancing is a fantastic, highly energetic form of cardiovascular and strength exercise. A single one-hour practice session can burn up to 300 calories or more. It engages your whole body through intricate footwork, jumping, and arm movements.
It's Great for your Mental Health
Morris dancing is excellent for mental health. It combines cardiovascular exercise, which releases mood-boosting endorphins, with a strong sense of community that combats isolation. Learning the routines also provides an engaging mental workout that improves cognitive function and co-ordination
But Most of All, It's Very Social and FUN!
Morris dancing is a fantastic social outlet. It offers a strong sense of community, with a welcoming atmosphere where members often become close friends. Regular weekly practices and “après-Morris” pub visits mean the social aspect is often just as important as the dancing itself.
Introducing Oswestry Dark Morris
The newly formed Dark Morris is keeping our traditional local ‘Border style’ Morris alive. Our traditional ‘Border Morris’ tatter jacket’s reflect various aspects of the Oswestry history.
What do the colours of the jacket mean?
This is the typical ‘Border Morris’ tattter jacket originally made from rags. The black is to reflect our ‘dark’ side and the colour of the Raven associated with the history of Oswestry, whist the red and yellow glimpsed underneath the black tatters is a nod to the red and yellow in the Oswestry coat of arms.
What's the context of the Raven?
The Legend of St. Oswald
In 642 AD, the Christian King Oswald of Northumbria was killed and dismembered by the pagan King Penda of Mercia at the Battle of Maserfield, which took place in the local area. According to 12th-century historical accounts by Reginald of Durham, a great bird (widely believed to be a Raven) swooped down and carried off King Oswald’s severed right arm.
The Raven flew to a nearby ancient ash tree. The legendary bird dropped the holy arm from its beak, and two major town landmarks were born from this spot:
Oswestry’s Name: The tree became known as “Oswald’s Tree,” which eventually evolved over centuries into the name Oswestry. In Welsh, the town is called Croesoswallt, meaning “Oswald’s Cross”.
Oswald’s Well: Where the raven dropped the arm onto the ground, a miraculous healing spring gushed forth. This spring, known as Oswald’s Well, is still a historic landmark you can visit in the town today.
Why the Horse skull ?
At our public performances you may well see Epona!
The Epona Stone is an Iron Age artifact depicting the Celtic horse goddess Epona, discovered in 2008 at the Old Oswestry Hillfort.
Epona Stone most commonly refers to ancient stone carvings, reliefs, or modern garden sculptures dedicated to Epona, the Celtic and Gallo-Roman goddess of horses, fertility, and protection.
It’s also a tradition closely tied to Mari Lwyd, a Welsh custom featuring a decorated horse skull on a pole.
What People Think
Linda. L
Beth. R
Sheila. W
W. S
Frequently asked questions
What ages is this for?
Anyone over the age of 16 to what ever age, bearing in mind that Morris dancing is a physical thing so if you are older or more infirmed – you do what you can and sit down for a rest when you want. Just participate and enjoy it.
What is the dress code for meetings and practice sessions ?
Probably trainers and light clothing you are comfortable in. Some of the members will actually practice in their home made tatter suits and hats.
What will I be doing?
Musicians obviously playing the music. The physically able can be dancing under instruction. Anyone else that can’t or don’t want to dance are called followers and just enjoy the fun and laugh at everyone else when the dance goes wrong!
When we are performing in public then the followers will be very useful in keeping the watching public clear of the dancing area, maybe bucket shaking for donations and generally helping out.
Do I have to be in costume at gigs?
Its very much hopped that all involved will be in a costume compatible with the Dark theme. Its important to feel part off what’s going and also from the spectacle point of view with the public.
What is the costume theme?
As long as the costume is predominantly black with under colours of red and yellow in(red and yellow are in the colours of the Oswestry coat of arms) any way then that fits with the Border Morris style. Black boots are good, short skirts, long skirts, black tights, fishnet tights. (note: in some sides the men also wear fishnet tights!). The look we are going for is Goth meets Steam Punk! So just about anything goes.
One key feature are the Tatter jackets that are covered in strips of material or ribbon.
Face make up is also a major feature. Black and white makeup. Black designs, red or yellow with black eyes, yellow and red half and half or quartered. Just about anything goes but we will NOT be all black. Even wearing a suitable mask if there are skin sensitivities.
Black hats if you have them. Bowler, top hat, half top hat or similar and these are decorated with feathers, ribbons etc – just check out images of Border Morris on the internet for ideas.
Where do I get all the dress gear from?
Everything is easily and cheaply sourced from charity shops. The basis can be an old jacket with the lining taken out, old shirts, waist coats. The cut or torn strips are then just sown into position.
Hats can be found in charity shops, vintage shops or on Vinted.
Just ask any of the members and they will advise.
Upcoming Events
Friday 4th December 2026 – Oswestry Live! Cross Street @18.00
Saturday 5th December 2026 – Oswestry Christmas Parade from 11.00
Sunday 20th December 2026 – Oswestry Wren Revival
Monday 11th January 2027 – Oswestry Plough Monday
Saturday 12th June 2027 – RJAH Fete
Saturday 21st August 2027 – Ellesmere Carnival
Monday 30th August 2027 – Whittington Castle
Saturday 11th September 2027 – Oswestry Heritage Open Day
Saturday 2nd October 2027 – Oswestry Apple Day
