Morris Men banned from school over blacked-up faces

A group of Morris dancers say they are "disappointed and frustrated" after performances were cancelled because they wear traditional black make-up.

Kent's Motley "Border" Morris Men follow a tradition which originated in the Welsh borders, where faces were blackened using burnt corks.

Chantry Primary School in Gravesend is one of three event organisers which have cancelled perfomances this year. The school said it had to weigh up any potential offence to its community.



The Motley Morris Men's Squire, Pete Hargreaves, said it was clear from its website that the dancers wear black make-up.

"It is the third event this year that we have had cancelled," he said. "We get to the point where everything is set up and then they suddenly realise that we are a black-face Border group.

"They say people might be offended without investigating why we dance with black faces."