Could this be the longest Morris dance in history?

One man will morris dance from London to Abingdon and back in just seven days, turning the Thames Path into a travelling folk festival while raising funds for six Thames Valley charities.

This May, the Thames Path will play host to a world-first challenge with a distinctly English twist. Duncan Bhaskaran Brown is attempting to morris dance 200 miles in seven days – from London to Abingdon and back – in a bid to set a new Guinness World Record.

Part endurance challenge, part travelling folk festival, 200 Miles of Morris will bring the Thames Path to life with ringing bells, flying hankies and a string of free performances in communities along the route.

And to make the record count, Duncan will dance every step of the way – maintaining the rhythm, footwork and spirit of morris across the full 200 miles. It’s a demanding physical test, powered by a commitment to keeping one of England’s oldest traditions alive.

The route traces some of the Thames Valley’s most scenic stretches, passing through Taplow, Reading, Windsor and Kingston upon Thames before returning to the capital.

“It’s going to be tough, but I’ve got a great team behind me,” Duncan says. “I’m so proud of the way the morris dancing community has come together to create this.”

Alongside the record attempt, the challenge is raising funds for six charities doing vital work across the region:

The Rowan Trust

Maidenhead Alzheimer’s Dementia Support

The Brain Tumour Charity

Thames Valley Adventure Playground

The Sherwood Foundation

and The Listening Post.

“We’re supporting some great charities from across the Thames Valley,” Duncan adds. “I’m so pleased we can support so many local charities that are important to local morris sides.”

Where to watch

That’s not all, each day finishes with a free public performance – no tickets, no booking, just turn up.

Highlights include:

Taplow – Sunday 10 May, 7pm
Reading – Monday 11 May, 7.30pm
Abingdon (Market Place) – Tuesday 12 May, 5pm
Windsor (Eton Bridge) – Thursday 14 May, 7.30pm
Kingston upon Thames (Eagle Brewery Wharf) – Friday 15 May, 7pm
Tate Modern, Bankside (grand finale) – Saturday 16 May, 3pm

Expect noise, colour and a proper celebration of English folk –with a potential world record landing at the finish line.

For more information, visit 200milesofmorris.co.uk or donate at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/duncan-bhaskaranbrown.

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