Open Morris Member Sides

Happenstance is a mixed Border Morris side dancing to live music. We were formed in 2011 and are based in Winchcombe, Gloucestershire, nestling in the shadow of Cleeve Hill.  We aim to be a community group and often perform in and around the town of Winchcombe, but we have also danced in folk festivals and other events.  On Thursdays during the summer, we dance out at selected local hostelries, often dancing out with other local sides.  We dance a mixture of traditional border dances as collected and newly-coined dances, some written by members of the group.  Our lively music features accordeon, melodeon, banjo, shawm, percussion and sometimes soprano saxophone or whistle.  Our costume is tatter coats, bowler hats with pheasant feathers and face paint (but not full black).  Happenstance welcomes both men and women of all ages as dancers and musicians. We meet to practice at Winchcombe Secondary School, Greet Road,  GL54 5LB  every Thursday night in the winter months (September–April) between 7.30 to 9.00 p.m. then repair to a local hostelry.  On the 4th Thursday of each month, we go to the Corner Cupboard pub for a singaround.