St. George's Day Celebrated in Oakham Rutland Morris and Mummers, Photos

St. George's Day Celebrated  in Oakham Rutland Morris and Mummers

Yesterday evening as the Rutland Morris officially launched their summer season. In a vibrant celebration of St. George’s Day, the troupe brought a centuries-old English tradition to the heart of the Market Place, drawing a spirited crowd to witness their annual "dance out."

As the sun began to set, the Morris men clad in their traditional Cotswold whites and floral-adorned hats transformed the area outside The George Hotel into a stage for folk history.

The evening wasn’t just about the intricate footwork and the rhythmic clash of sticks. The highlight for many was the performance of the Rutland Mummers' Play. This folk drama, a staple of the group's repertoire, features a cast of archetypal characters including, St. George, the heroic defender of England. The Dragon/Bold Slasher the formidable antagonist. The Doctor a comedic figure who invariably arrives to "cure" the fallen with a dubious potion.

The play, which blends slapstick humor with ancient symbolism, serves as a traditional welcome to the "summer" half of the Morris calendar.

"It's about keeping the heartbeat of the county alive," noted one spectator. "Seeing the Morris men in the Market Place feels like the real start of the season."

If you missed yesterday's festivities, the troupe’s "summer of dance" is only just beginning. 

Residents can look forward to the Dawn Dance in Oakham Market Place on May 1st (at the traditional time of 5:17 AM) and various appearances at local festivals throughout the coming months.

As is tradition with Rutland Morris, the evening also served a charitable purpose, with collections taken to support local Rutland-based causes ensuring that these ancient steps continue to do modern good.

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