Mercia Morris Brings Morris Dancing to the Streets of Birmingham with Bulls in the City 2025

Mercia Morris Brings Morris Dancing to the Streets of Birmingham with Bulls in the City 2025

 

In a heartwarming and historic first, ten Morris sides from across the West Midlands have joined forces under the collective name Mercia Morris to take part in Bulls in the City 2025, a major public art trail set to take over Birmingham this summer. The group is proudly sponsoring one of the trail’s small bull sculptures – and in doing so, they’re bringing Morris dancing into a fresh and vibrant spotlight.

 

The trail, which will feature 40 large and 80 small bull sculptures created by artists from across the UK, promises to transform Birmingham into a colourful celebration of creativity and community. Mercia Morris’s bull will be designed by artist (and fellow Morris dancer) Megan Smith-Evans, incorporating unique elements from each of the ten sides involved: 1st Sedgley Morris, Aelfgythe Border Morris, Bedcote Morris, Birmingham Rapper, Black Adder Morris, Beorma Morris, Erstwhile Border Morris, Foxs Border Morris, Jockey Morris, and Ragged Oak.

 

This marks the first time a collaborative Morris project has been part of a public art trail of this scale. It’s a feel-good story of tradition meeting innovation – with dancers, artists, and supporters coming together to share the joy and history of Morris dancing in a new and accessible way.

 

But that’s not all. The group will also be hosting a special Bulls in the City Day of Dance on July 19th, 2025. Dancers from all ten sides will perform at various points along the trail, including beside their own sculpture, spreading cheer and celebrating folk dance in the heart of Birmingham.

 

The project isn’t just about visibility – it’s also about giving back. Mercia Morris aimed to raise £1,000 for Birmingham Hospice through the sponsorship of the sculpture, but thanks to incredible public support and a Pickering Grant from Open Morris helping with material costs, they’ve already surpassed that, raising over £1,500 to date.

 

This is more than just a sponsorship – it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and the enduring spirit of Morris dancing in the modern world.

 

To learn more or support the project, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/merciamorris