Findings from the Morris census 2023: a summary

Jack Worth’s presentation on the findings from the 2023 Morris Census offers a detailed insight into the current state of Morris dancing in the UK, highlighting trends in membership, style preferences, demographics, and sides’ outlook for the future. Conducted every three years since 2014, the Morris Census draws on responses from registered sides across the three main Morris organisations (the Morris Ring, the Morris Federation, and Open Morris). For 2023, 76% of currently active UK sides completed the online survey, providing rich and representative data.

According to the latest figures, the total number of Morris sides in the UK has declined since 2020. Many sides folded during or shortly after the pandemic, reversing the previously steady growth. This drop in active sides has contributed to a decrease in the estimated total number of Morris dancers, from around 13,600 in 2020 to approximately 12,600 in 2023. The average side comprises about 18 members, though some dance traditions, such as Border Morris, tend to have larger groups, while more individualist dance styles like clog stepping and Appalachian dancing often have smaller memberships.

A prominent shift in the census results lies in the gender composition of UK Morris dancers. Women now outnumber men for the first time (51% versus 49%). Furthermore, a small but notable increase is evident in members who identify outside the male/female binary. Major changes are especially visible in the Morris Ring: historical restrictions on female membership have gradually been removed, leading to an increase in women members from 3% in 2014 to 18% in 2023. Many Ring sides have changed their rules, often citing recruitment needs, promotion of equality, or practical responses to specific membership enquiries.

Age distribution remains a concern. The average age of Morris dancers has steadily risen, from around 52 in 2014 to about 56 in 2023. Over half of current participants are aged 60 or older, with one in four members aged 70 or above. Meanwhile, only 9% of dancers are under 30. Although new recruits tend to be younger than established members, the average age of a brand-new dancer has itself risen to the mid-40s. Styles like rapper dancing, however, show a distinctly younger demographic, with a significantly larger proportion of dancers under 30.

Ethnic diversity in Morris dancing is another area highlighted by the census. Non-white membership remains very low at around 1.2%. Although this is an increase from just under 1% several years ago, it still does not reflect the wider UK population. While some progress appears to be underway, there are calls for greater inclusivity and outreach.

Despite these demographic challenges, sides remain cautiously optimistic: nearly 60% of respondents believe their side will still be active five years from now. Many found ways to stay in contact during the pandemic—some using online platforms—and these sides often reported feeling stronger afterwards. Recruitment methods continue to evolve, with social media increasingly cited as helpful, albeit secondary to word of mouth and personal connections. Overall, the 2023 Morris Census underscores both the tradition’s resilience and the ongoing need to address ageing membership, gender shifts, and diversity if Morris dancing is to thrive in the years ahead.