'Morris dancing is not just for old men'

Grimsby Morris was formed in 1967 and performs a range of traditional dances

A Morris dancing group has called for more people under the age of 30 to take up the pastime after seeing "very little interest" in recent years.

Grimsby Morris formed 57-years ago as an all-male side, but said it is "desperately" in need of more members to keep going.

The group said it relaxed its membership rules in 2020 to allow more people, including women, to sign up and has since recruited two female dancers.

Trevor Jones, who dances with the group, said: "It's not just for old men and it's not just sticks and what have you. It's about keeping a tradition alive."

The group said, in recent years, it has struggled to attract younger members

Mr Jones said the group only had around seven or eight dancers, not all of whom are fully fit, which has caused problems with their performances.

"We desperately need new blood. We've been trying to recruit for the past three or four years, we've had a bit of interest, but really we need more," he said.

"I wish I had a crystal ball because I don't know why we haven't attracted anybody.

"The under-30s have very little, if no interest. The people who have come in, have been in their mid to late-40s or early-50s."

The group said dance troupes in other parts of the country had attracted members as young as eight, and highlighted the health benefits as a reason for people to try the pastime.

"It’s an exciting and energetic thing to do, it keeps you fit and you go out and enjoy yourself", said Mr Jones.

Members of the group said they would like to attract "new blood" to help safeguard the future

Grimsby Morris, which will celebrate its 60th birthday in 2027, performs Border and Cotswold dances, using different costumes, depending on the time of year.

Mr Jones concluded: "We don’t want to think about closing the group, we’re staying positive and we’re hoping we can get more people interested."

The group is holding a taster session for potential dancers on 26 October at the Park Congregational Church Hall on Humberstone Road in Grimsby.

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