The Isca Morrismen, Traditional Morris Dancers from South Wales performing Welsh Border and Cotswold Morris dances together with local Mumming Plays, Wassailing ceremonies and the Mari Lwyd custom.

Welcome to the Isca Morrismen Website - Home of the Traditional Morris Dancers from South Wales performing Welsh Border and Cotswold Morris dances together with local Mumming Plays, Wassailing ceremonies and the Mari Lwyd custom

Newly Updated:

2010 Tours - Wednesday 26th May
Joint Pub Tour with Rag Morris

Rag Morris Isca Morrismen dancing in Usk recently on a warm summer evening

This week we were delighted to be touring in the east of our dancing area at Tintern in the Wye Valley with Rag Morris, a side from the Bristol area.

8.30 p.m. The Anchor, Tintern

The Anchor Hotel, Tintern

The Anchor Tintern dates from the twelfth century and is set in extensive grounds alongside the River Wye with the stunning backdrop of Tintern Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey in Wales which was founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow. The bar is set in what was the original cider mill of Tintern Abbey and it still contains the original mill, sadly no longer in use.

To the side of the hotel is an archway which was part of the surrounding wall of the abbey and was used to access the river Wye. In 1536 Henry VIII destroyed the abbey during the dissolution of the monasteries and gave most of the surrounding lands to the Duke of Beaufort. He used the Anchor as a boat house and toll station for river crossings and, until fairly recent times, the ferry to England continued to run from here linking the village with St Briavels.

Isca Morrismen dancing at the Ostrich Inn on Boxing Day 2008

Isca Morrismen dancing at the Otley Oct-O-Bar Fest 2009

A traditional and friendly pub with a good variety of well kept real ales, we danced on the lawn just outside and then in the main bar when the rain unfortunately arrived. After a spell of dancing and some light refreshments, we moved back through the village and on to . . ..

9.30 p.m. Cherry Tree Inn, Tintern

The Cherry Tree Inn, Tintern

The Cherry Tree is the only pub in Wales (that we are aware of) which has been listed in almost every edition of the CAMRA Good Beer Guide until the last two years when it was closed. Originally comprising one very small bar with a sloping paved area outside for a few tables plus an outside trip to use the toilet facilities, it has been considerably extended and now has an outdoor stage.

We have danced here at regular intervals since our formation some 32 years ago and enjoyed a good dancing spot and a relax afterwards over a few beers.

Isca Morrismen dancing in Usk during our recent May Bank Holiday tour Isca Morrismen dancing at the ampitheatre to welcome in the dawn on 1st May 2009

Isca Morrismen performing during Henllys Fete Isca Morrismen on tour with Seyns Ey Morris and dancing in Twyn Square recently

Do come and see us at some stage and if you have a liking for tradition then you will be made very welcome. For those males amongst you who enjoy a pint or two and would like to keep fit then you will be ideal as a dancer.

Isca Morrismen dancing recently at the Spring Fair in Magor

The Isca Morrismen relaxing at the Tredegar House Festival The Isca Morrismen dancing at the recent Tredegar House Festival

If you are a musician of either sex who enjoys folk music, then again you will be well received, so whatever instrument you play, provided that it is portable, come and join us and learn our music. Come along and we'll ensure that you enjoy yourself and hopefully come back for more as we tour our area over the summer months.

If you require any more information then please check our Contact and Feedback page for our current officers telephone numbers or email us at our address: Enquiries 'at' Isca-Morrismen.com. We are a lively bunch and travel a fair bit with our activities, both in the UK and Overseas, so come on - contact us today and join in the fun, you'll not regret it!

Isca Morrismen dancing recently in Schull in Southern Ireland

Isca Morrismen dancing at dawn in Caerleon Ampitheatre this year Dancing to welcome in the dawn this year at Caerleon Ampitheatre

Click here to visit the website of the Otley Brewing Company

Click here to visit the website of Tomos Watkin Welsh Ales

Click here to visit the website of The Mount Pleasant

This year we are delighted that our traditional dancing programme is being sponsored by local Welsh Breweries, producers of excellent real ale to whom we are grateful for their wholehearted support.

Please enjoy their real ales and visit their websites to learn more by clicking on the pictures.

We also acknowledge the support and encouragement of The Mount Pleasant in Old Cwmbran, our after-practice venue during the winter.