Redbridge Morris dancers could have been first to perform in Parliament after invite from MP Iain Duncan Smith
The Black Horse and Standard Women's Morris dancers with MP Iain Duncan Smith at the Houses of Parliament - Credit: Archant
Morris dancers from Ilford, Barkingside, Chigwell and further afield may be the first to have performed in the Houses of Parliament after taking up an invitation from MP Iain Duncan Smith.
The Black Horse and Standard Women’s Morris Dancers visited Portcullis House earlier this month where they performed their traditional dances with the Chingford and Woodford Green MP in the audience.
Mr Duncan Smith saw them at last year’s Chingford Festival and he suggested the group do the same at the heart of government.
Group member Wendy Wright, from Chingford, said: “It took a very long time. The House authorities had to approve it and it’s apparently never been done before.
“Some people were just heading home.
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“They were looking like ‘what’s going on?’
Wearing clogs and backed by accordions and melodeons, they jigged for half an hour in a style originating from the north west of England.
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The group practices in Walthamstow and has been going for 32 years.
The MP said: “It was really good fun.
“We had a number of MPs and staff watching what must be a historic event.
“They are very enthusiastic and put in a lot of effort as it looks very strenuous.”
