Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men (HPMMM) welcomed a great turnout of over 120 dancers and musicians for the annual event marking St George's Day.
The weather was very kind for the eight teams from various parts of England, all dancing in the north west tradition of morris.
From the start at the Crown through the streets of Horwich to the Bank Top and the Bridge, there was great support for the teams.
The lunchtime spot at the Saddle attracted the biggest crowd before the teams moved on to the Bowling Green and the Blackedge Brewery.
David Barnes, one of the HPMMM dancers, said: “We are so pleased to keep this tradition going and we know Horwich people appreciate it with many telling us how much they look forward to it each year.”
Horwich RMI brass band appeared at the Day for St George for the first time, leading the procession with musical gusto and charm.
The Horwich team had a great 2017 with notable performances at Sidmouth Folk Festival and the Dance England event in Sheffield, which has put the team firmly back on the morris dancing map and the invites have poured in for the team to do events in 2018.
It has also made the Day for St George even more of an iconic must-go-to event for other teams which came this year from as far afield as Berkshire, Burnley, Bacup and Wakefield to join the regulars of Wrigley Head, Saddleworth and our own local Rivington Morris who were as elegant as ever.
HPMMM are now looking forward to appearances this summer at top notch events such as Whitby and Chippenham folk festivals as well as the Horwich Carnival in June.
The team has a nice balance of younger and older dancers and is always keen to welcome new members who can call in any Wednesday evening at 8.30pm for the practice sessions at Horwich Community Centre.
Alternatively, contact the secretary, Stuart Hall at secretary@horwichmorris.org