THIS year’s annual Forest of Dean Morris dancing festival will be a special one for the hosts – marking 50 years since their first ever public performance.

They will be hosting their 48th Morris Weekend this Saturday to Sunday, June 8 to 9, with 13 sides from as far afield as Leeds, Merseyside, Leicester, Southport and Northampton taking part.

Dancers will hold a massed display at Coleford Clock Tower on Saturday morning at 10am before splitting into three groups and heading out to various local pubs around the Wyedean area. Then on Sunday morning, they will join together again to dance at The Dean Heritage Centre in Soudley.

Joining the Forest of Dean Morris will be Cardiff Morris, Clocs Canton, Full Moon, Carreg Las, Leeds, Leicester, Mersey, Natty Jacks, Southport Swords, England’s Glory, Northampton and The Magnificent Seven.

Group A will appear on Saturday at The Nag’s Head, Yorkley (11.30am); The Miners Arms, Whitecroft (1pm); The Miners Arms, Sling (3pm) and The George, St Briavels (4,30pm)

Group B will be at The Globe Inn in Berry Hill (11.15am); The Garway Moon in Garway, near Skenfrith (1pm); The Gatehouse in Monmouth (3pm) and The Boat in Penallt (4.30pm).

And Group C will be heading to The Kilcot Inn at Kilcot (12noon); The King’s Arms in Newent (1pm); The Yew Tree in Peterstow (3pm) and The Hope and Anchor in Ross-on-Wye (4:30pm)

Spokesman Ian Riddell said: “This year is a significant one for The Forest of Dean Morris as it marks the 50th year that the side has danced out in public.

“The side has trained and performed in the Forest of Dean and surrounding area as well as nationally and at international gatherings. And in recent years, it has become mixed male and female.”