Morris dancers and spectators will get an early morning lift on Monday 1st May, as Hastings Borough Council will be opening the town’s West Hill Lift at 0440 for the ‘dancing at dawn’ event.
Kevin Boorman, the council’s marketing manager, explained :- “Morris dancers have ‘danced at dawn’ on 1st May, on Ladies Parlour on the West Hill, for many years. This year, because 1st May Day coincides with the May Day bank holiday, we are expecting a lot more Morris dancers than usual, as they will be here for ‘Jack In The Green’. And we are expecting more spectators too.
“So to show our support for the event, which starts around 0500, our West Hill lift will open at 0440, allowing those Morris dancers staying in the Old Town to have an easier journey up the hill!
“Morris dancers in Morris kit will travel free, spectators pay the usual fare :- there’s no early morning premium!
“The West Hill lift is 126 years old, and is one of the oldest railways in the world still using its original carriages. Dancing at dawn as the sun rises on 1st May is an old tradition too, and we’re pleased to be able to open the lift early to allow Morris dancers to get to Ladies Parlour rather than climb the 100+ steps to the top!”