A Colourful Celebration in the Heart of Exeter
Exeter city centre came alive on Saturday as Exeter Morris celebrated an impressive 75 years of dance, music and community with a vibrant Day of Dance that attracted performers and spectators from across the South West.
With Cathedral Green serving as the main hub, 16 Morris sides performed throughout the city, bringing traditional music, energetic dancing and plenty of colour to Exeter’s streets.
As someone who regularly updates our Exeter Events Calendar, I had spotted the event beforehand and made sure to head into the city to see some of the performances for myself.
Morris Dancing Across Exeter City Centre
One of the things that made the event so special was that it wasn’t confined to a single location.
Throughout the day, performers could be found entertaining crowds at a variety of locations across the city centre, including:
- Cathedral Green
- Princesshay
- Guildhall Shopping Centre
- Exeter Central Station
- High Street locations
This meant visitors were often treated to unexpected performances as they moved around the city, creating a fantastic atmosphere throughout Exeter.
The Group That Captured Everyone’s Attention
Of all the performances I saw during the day, one group seemed to generate a particularly strong reaction from onlookers.
Beltane Border Morris, dressed in black and performing with powerful rhythms and striking energy, were fascinating to watch. Their performance began with an almost hypnotic beat that drew people in before exploding into a lively display of movement and sound.
Judging by the reactions on social media and the comments shared by readers, they certainly left a lasting impression on many visitors.
Watch: Beltane Border Morris Performance
More Than Just Dancing
While Morris dancing is often associated with English tradition, events like this show how varied and engaging the different styles can be.
Throughout the day, spectators were able to enjoy a mix of:
- Cotswold Morris
- Border Morris
- North West Clog Dancing
- Appalachian Dance Traditions
Each group brought its own character, costumes and musical style, ensuring there was always something different to discover.
Community Spirit on Display
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the day was seeing so many people stopping to watch, take photographs and share the experience with family and friends.
One reader commented that they and their children loved watching the performances, reflecting the family-friendly atmosphere that was present throughout the event.
The celebration highlighted the important role that community events play in bringing people into the city centre and showcasing Exeter’s rich cultural heritage.
Exeter Should See More Events Like This
Although I managed to visit several locations during the day, I know there were many performances that I missed.
The scale of the event and the number of participating groups meant there was always something happening somewhere in the city.
If anything, the day demonstrated how successful these types of cultural events can be. The atmosphere was positive, engaging and genuinely entertaining for visitors of all ages.
It’s certainly the sort of event many people would welcome seeing more often in Exeter.
Planning Your Next Visit to Exeter
If you’re looking for upcoming events, don’t forget to check our Exeter Events Calendar:
You may also enjoy our guide to:
Both pages feature attractions, events and ideas for exploring Exeter and the surrounding area, with new listings added as they are submitted.
Share Your Photos
Were you at Exeter Morris’ 75th anniversary celebrations?
Feel free to share your photos, videos and memories on the 👉 Love Exeter 📸 photo and video Facebook group. We’d also love to hear which performances you enjoyed most?