IT must be the summer if the Colchester Morris Men are coming out to dance.

The troupe’s summer programme will get off to its traditional start this weekend, May 7, with three performances in Colchester town centre.

They then dance throughout the summer until the end of August, and then traditionally on Boxing Day at the Chequers pub in Great Tey.

Performances mainly take place on a Friday night in pubs around Colchester and the surrounding villages, with a few in Suffolk.

The Bagman of the group, Martin Theobald, says: “Our repertoire is mainly Cotswold and a bit of Border Morris and our musicians play accordions, melodeons, violin, pipe and tabor with a little percussion.

“We’re always happy to see new members and if you’re a musician looking for a challenge then why not get in contact.”

The Colchester Club was founded in 1926, disbanded during the Second World War and re-established in 1953 by, among others, Ewart “Rusty” Russell, father of Colchester MP Sir Bob Russell. Rusty eventually became the national bagman – keeper of the funds – of the Morris Ring of England, which celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014.

Anyone interested in joining can call Martin on 01206 853500 or www.colchestermorrismen.org

All performances 8pm unless stated.

May 7 Colchester triple-bill: Culver Square (11.30am), Lion Walk (12.30pm), Holly Trees Lawn, Castle Park (3pm).

May 13 The Carriers Arms, Heath Road, East Bergholt.

May 20 The Albion, Rowhedge.

May 27 The Alma, Copford Green, with Bows n Belles.

June 3 Black Buoy, Wivenhoe.

June 10 Shoulder of Mutton, Aldham.

June 17 The Five Bells, Colne Engaine.

June 24 The Bricklayers Arms, Bergholt Road, Colchester.

July 1 The Bricklayers Arms, Little Bentley.

July 9 Tendring Hundred Show, Lawford Park, three performances throughout the day.

July 15 The Foresters Arms, Castle Road, Colchester.

July 22 The Old Crown Inn, Messing.

July 29 Hare and Hounds, Layer Breton.

August 5 The Rose and Crown, the Quay, Wivenhoe.

August 12 The White Hart, West Bergholt.

August 19 The Pointer, Alresford.

August 26 The Chequers Inn, Great Tey.