LICHFIELD Bower organisers say a group of Morris dancers were prevented from leading the annual procession over fears they could cause delays.
The Three Spires Morris group said they had been “disappointed” to be told they would not be needed for this year’s event.
Morris dancers have traditionally led at the front of the procession, but were notably absent this time around.
The group – Lichfield’s home side – said they were “informed they were not required” ahead of the event, leading to two members opting to walk the route.
A spokesperson added:
“We picnicked on Stowe Fields and danced for the crowds at Speakers’ Corner – and the Mayor danced with us – instead.
“We look forward to dancing out in Lichfield again soon.”
But Bower bosses said they were keen to set the record straight over why the Morris dancing group had not been asked to step up again, blaming “disruptive” actions last time out.
In a statement posted online, organisers said:
“Last year and in the previous Bower, the Morris dancers delayed the procession by not following the directions of the chief marshall.
“In 2025 this was particularly disruptive.
“While we appreciate the contribution of Three Spires in recent years, we could not allow this to continue. The committee therefore had to make the difficult decision to find an alternative side.
“Unfortunately, the side that undertook to lead the procession this year pulled out at short notice and we were unable to find a replacement in time. We are already actively looking for a Morris side to lead next year’s procession.
“The Morris is an integral part of the Bower procession, but we cannot allow it to detract from the smooth running of the procession as a whole.”
Sounds a bit like a plot line for Midsummer Murders. I hope the ladies will be allowed back next year and all will be forgiven.
Good on the Morris Dancers we need, unruliness, recalcitrance, intractability and obstreperousness. For we are British.
What the hell has happened to this city, whether it was sanctioned by the local council or the Bower committee, it must be considered to be the most ridiculous decision ever made. Another nail in the coffin for the Bower and the wonderful ladies who perform there traditional dancing which could affect the precision timing of the procession. Utter rot
I didn’t realise the procession was a timed event!
Disruptive Morris Dancers? Absolutely pathetic
with all the problems in this world from homeless people prolific across our local major city to child poverty, why is it the elderly of Lichfield spend their time bickering over things that don’t really matter? Instead of sticking bells on your legs or digging a pointless canal why not go and give back to the world that has given you more than your fair share? I’d say grow up but you are meant to have already done this.
Another chunk of Lichfield’s history put in a box to be quietly forgotten like our historical items of the past ( I last saw in the St Mary’s library )
Running this procession is not rocket science either let the Morris Dancers + musicians go early or last. The word BOWER origns means branch of tree which is what they hold up in a semi circle above their heads whist dancing. Maybe the decision makers are not aware of this? seems a bizarre decision which was noticed by many people watching, leading to negative comments by bystanders.