'I Morris dance to keep May Day tradition alive'

Traditional Morris dancers have been up early across the South East to celebrate May Day.

Starting at dawn, about 05:30 BST, Weald of Kent Morris marked the celebration with performances in Goudhurst while Long Man Morris were dancing at the Long Man of Wilmington in East Sussex.

"It's just part of the fabric of country and rural life, and that's what's of particular interest to me," said Kent dancer Michael White.

"I'm very immersed in all sorts of different country traditions and this is one that I like to help to uphold every year."

May Day, believed to originate from pagan festivals, marks the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice.

White told BBC Radio Kent he was in "Betsy" costume, which was traditionally "someone who dressed in flamboyant female dress" to attract crowds.

Rowan Crew, who had travelled about 15 miles to watch the dancing, said: "I'm pretty English inside and I like to see traditions keep going, that's what we do it for."

Dave Rannie of Long Man Morris said unlike Weald of Kent Morris, his group was not continuing after its dawn performance as they prepared for a procession in Lewes on Monday.

"There's probably about 800 groups now and most of them will have started this morning with a dance at some point," he said.

Bob Draper was dancing with Ashdown Forest Morris Men in East Sussex, who were watched by about 200 people.

The 42-year veteran dancer told BBC Radio Sussex the turnout from spectators "always amazes me" but that his group faced a shortage of younger members.

"There were lots and lots of younger men here today and we've been pressing them [to] get started, but we're an ageing side," he said.

"We really need new members, as most men's sides do."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.