- This event has passed.
Lunchtime Talk: ‘Oxfordshire at the Heart of Morris Dancing’
16 April 2025 @ 1.00pm to 2.00pm
About Lunchtime Talk: ‘Oxfordshire at the Heart of Morris Dancing’
Delve into the centuries-old history of this traditional art form, and discover how Oxfordshire dancers inspired its revival. With local historian and Morris expert Mike Heaney.
Why are Oxford’s streets full of Morris dancers on May Morning? What’s the history of this centuries-old art form? And how did a momentous 1899 Boxing Day meeting in snowy Headington spark renewed interest in this ancient tradition?
Morris dancing has been a feature of Oxfordshire life for nearly half a millennium. This talk looks at some of the ups and downs of Oxfordshire’s Morris history, how its dancers inspired the folk revival, and how to spot the different styles of the teams you might see on the streets of Oxford today, from men dressed in white to women in clogs and masked dervishes with whirling and clattering sticks.
Complimentary tea and coffee will be available to enjoy during the talk. We recommend arriving before the start of the talk if you would like to grab a refreshment.
Sales from tickets help support our work to deliver fun and accessible family activities, community engagement projects, school workshops, exhibitions, and special events for Oxford’s people in our Museum spaces.
Mike Heaney spent over forty years of his professional career at the Bodleian Library, at the same time pursuing his interests in folk customs and local history. He’s a musician for the Eynsham Morris, having lived in the village for over 25 years, and is an authority on Morris dancing. His book The Ancient English Morris Dance was published in 2023 and has rapidly been acknowledged as the definitive history of the Morris.
Access
The doors at the step-free accessible entrance to Oxford Town Hall are undergoing essential maintenance work on Wednesday 16 April 2025. During this time, there will be limited access to the Town Hall and the Museum of Oxford via the step-free accessible entrance. Unfortunately, there are no other step-free access options to the Town Hall and Museum of Oxford. On Wednesday 16 April, there will be intermittent access for Disabled users to be able to access the Town Hall and Museum. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused during this time. If you wish to discuss any access requirements ahead of the event, please email museum@oxford.gov.uk.
Inside the Museum, Museum Makers is accessible via a platform lift to the Galleries and then stairs or a second lift to the basement level.
Accessible toilets are available in the Museum (close to Museum Makers) and in the Town Hall on the ground floor, before entering the Museum. Please contact the Museum team if you’d like to talk to a member of staff about your access requirements. Further access information can be found on our page dedicated to access at the museum.
Photo consent
Please be aware that photographs will be taken at this event for use in marketing. If you (or a member of your group) would prefer not to be photographed, please let a member of staff know during the event.
Tickets
Please see important booking information below.
Booking information
Ticket prices:
From £5.00
Tickets can be purchased online via Eventbrite (booking fee of £1.13 applies) or at the Museum Shop.
Dates & times:
Wednesday 16 April 2025 at 1.00pm
Running time:
1 hour
About Museum of Oxford
The Museum of Oxford is the only museum dedicated to telling the story of Oxford and its people. Located inside the Oxford Town Hall, it explores the city’s rich history beyond the university, focusing on the lives, industries, and communities that have shaped Oxford over time.
The museum features interactive exhibits, local artefacts, and personal stories, covering topics such as Oxford’s medieval origins, its diverse communities, and key moments in its development. It also hosts temporary exhibitions, events, and activities for all ages.
