In late September, Brisbane hosted a colourful celebration of tradition as Morris dancers from across Australia and New Zealand gathered for the 2024 Australian Morris Ale. 

Held over the weekend of September 28th and 29th, the event attracted more than 100 participants, representing over 15 Morris sides, to Brisbane’s City Botanic Gardens, New Farm Park, and other iconic locations. The celebration saw the energetic display of various Morris dancing styles, including Cotswold, Border, and North-West Morris, all performed against the backdrop of modern Brisbane.

Belswagger Morris, the hosts of this year’s Ale, made sure the event was not just about performances but about bringing together the Morris community. With traditional music, rhythmic movements, and colourful costumes, the dancers made their presence felt in the heart of Brisbane.

The main ale took place along the Brisbane River, with some sides choosing to extend their stay to travel across Moreton Bay to beautiful North Stradbroke Island. 

On Friday, 27th September, festivities kicked off with a meet and greet at Brisbane City YHA hostel.

Saturday, 28th, featured workshops, followed by a lively dance procession along South Bank, with stops at galleries, City Beach, and pubs along the way. 

The public was treated to vibrant scenes as the dancers took to the streets, processing across the Goodwill Bridge and enjoying moments of relaxation at local haunts like the Rose & Crown Pub and Sea Legs Brewery.

On Sunday, 29th, participants joining the extension took the ferry to beautiful and relaxing Stradbroke Island for a stay at the island YHA hostel. On Tuesday, the extension tour concluded with a ferry back to Brisbane.

This is the 8th National Ale, and hosts Belswagger Morris shared: “This is the second time Brisbane has hosted an ale – an event where we dance the Morris for ourselves, and not as a performance.”

The weekend’s festivities were a celebration of heritage, with Morris dancers reveling in the joy of dancing for themselves rather than for formal performances. 

Those wandering through Brisbane on Saturday morning would have seen groups leaping, twirling, and clashing sticks in unison, and on Sunday, the festivities continued with lively sessions at New Farm Park. The atmosphere of camaraderie was infectious, creating a welcoming environment where seasoned dancers and newcomers alike could celebrate the legacy of Morris dancing, which dates back to 1458.

Though the Ale concluded with a farewell trip to Stradbroke Island, its impact resonated deeply, marking a significant milestone for Brisbane as a hub for Morris dance revival. As Morris dancing continues to grow in popularity, the 2024 National Ale has firmly placed Brisbane on the map of Morris traditions. 

Plans are already in place for next year’s National Ale, which will be hosted in Adelaide, South Australia.

Australian Morris Ring shared: “The national ale was a celebration of family – our Australian and New Zealand Morris family. And there’s no better way to celebrate than with some good food and drink and even better dancing. Massive thanks to the ale committee, Belswagger Morris for hosting us, and the 100+ people from all over Australia and New Zealand who made it such a wonderful time.

“See you next year in Adelaide!”

If you’d like to find out more information about Morris dancing, contact facebook.com/ozmorrisring.


Pictures: Australian Morris Ale 2024. Credit: facebook.com/belswagger