Interested in trying out Morris dancing with the Molly Winklers? Come and meet the side, learn dance moves and see if Morris is for you.

The Molly Winklers, a new inclusive Morris side in Hastings & St Leonards, is recruiting 10 new dancers.

We want to build a diverse, progressive, enthusiastic and committed group, and we’re deliberately opening recruitment beyond people who already have Morris experience.

Places are limited because of our rehearsal and performance capacity but launching this process allows you to try out dancing with us before you decide if it's for you.

After a taster session where you will meet the 'side' (group) and learn dance moves, you will be given some time to reflect on whether you want to commit to joining. If you want to commit, you will be invited to put your name in a hat. From that hat we will pull out 10 names to join the side. For those who aren't picked we will add you to a waiting list and if dancers drop out more names will be picked.

You don’t need to be an experienced dancer or be an expert in Morris. We’re much more interested in your willingness to learn, turn up, get stuck in and help make the side what it is.

If you are a musician there is another route to join. Please email the Molly Winklers at themollywinklers@stablestheatre.co.uk.

What to expect when joining the Molly Winklers:

JOY - fun, enthusiastic, supportive, energetic and willing to get stuck in.

Inclusivity - we are working hard to ensure that the group can be accessed by people throughout our community. Together we are identifying barriers and either removing or adapting. The Molly Winklers maintain a safe environment, and are accepting and welcoming to all. Membership is open to people of all genders.

Dance practice on Tuesday evenings from 19.00 - 21.00, during term time. We know commitment to every Tuesday is tricky but we love enthusiasm so will expect dancers to turn up regularly if they want to remain part of the side.

Attending dance outs. These are mostly booked in advance and are generally local. At a dance out you might dance, sing, wear a beast costume, support the musicians or play the role of a deputy Squire!

Pay an annual subscription. This is tiered to suit all budgets but is generally set at £45 pounds a year that is paid termly. Having a tricky year, no problem, have a chat with our Secretary.

Remember we aren't experts. With only one year under our belts of bells, we are still learning too. The Molly WInklers are a new side still finding their feet but loving the process. A little patience and support goes a long way.

Check out our Instagram to see our journey so far @MollyWinklers (https://www.instagram.com/mollywinklers/)

Who are The Molly Winklers?

The Molly Winklers are a new and inclusive Hastings-based Morris side which formed in 2026 as part of the Scene and Heard Festival at the Stables Theatre. Their progressive dance style is based on Molly and Cotswold traditions, creatively blending old collected dances with their own joyfully choreographed moves. Their music swings from trad folk to UK pop bangers as they caper with bells and cavort with beasts.

Grown from the seeds of her vision, Hastings-born musician Bev Lee Harling gathered together some members of the Morris curious local community to connect and explore this dance form, leaning into the ideas and creativity of everyone involved.

We are an interactive and immersive group who blend dance, poetry, talks, songs and music inspired by our journey into discovering the wonderful world of Morris and the connections we have made with other Morris sides.

The event will take place on the ground floor of Eggtooth's new building on Earl Street in Hastings.

Got a question about joining? Email Meg at themollywinklers@stablestheatre.co.uk.

Description supplied by the event organiser.