Saddleworth Morris Men are set to kick off their 2025 season with the ever-popular Easter Tour, as the side dances out across Saddleworth’s villages for two days of traditional performance. The annual event, a proud fixture in the local calendar, gets underway on Maundy Thursday, April 17, and continues into Good Friday, with the team pulling on their clogs, bells, and hats for the first time this year.

The tour begins on Thursday evening at the King William IV pub in Greenfield, where the Morris Men will perform at 7.30pm and again at 8.30pm. The historic pub on Chew Valley Road provides a fitting backdrop for the age-old tradition, which sees crowds gather to mark the start of the Easter weekend. The following day, Good Friday, the side will take their dances to other villages across the Saddleworth area, bringing music and movement to the heart of the community.

This year’s Easter Tour follows a particularly special milestone for the group. The side last danced on December 27, when they closed out the year with their traditional annual performance of the Lordsmere Longsword dance. That occasion was extra special as it marked 50 years since the Saddleworth Morris Men first performed the iconic dance. The anniversary added a deeper sense of history to a team that continues to uphold local customs and folklore in Oldham’s most scenic parish.

The Easter Tour has long been a highlight of the Morris dancing calendar, and for Saddleworth Morris Men it represents a chance to celebrate the season with residents and visitors alike. The group’s lively performances, often accompanied by accordion music and the distinctive clatter of clogs, draw families and onlookers to the village streets, keeping a centuries-old tradition alive in a modern setting. For many in Oldham and beyond, the sight of the Morris Men is a sign that spring has truly arrived.

Local communities in Greenfield, Delph, Uppermill, and other Saddleworth villages look forward to the tour each year, with the performances often serving as a social gathering point. The side’s commitment to heritage has earned it a loyal following, and the Easter Tour is a chance for old friends and new spectators to enjoy a shared piece of Oldham’s identity. The Road End Fair in Greenfield, a historic spot often included in the tour, adds further depth to the occasion.

The Morris Men welcome all to come along and watch, with no charge for the displays. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the tradition, the Easter Tour offers a glimpse into the rich cultural fabric of the area. With the 50th anniversary of the Lordsmere Longsword dance still fresh in the memory, there is a particular sense of continuity and pride about this year’s events.

So, mark your calendars for April 17 and 18. Head to Greenfield on Maundy Thursday evening, or catch the side across Saddleworth on Good Friday. The dances are a great way to celebrate Easter with a touch of local flavour, and the team is ready to step out once more for the community they serve.