SHOPPERS were entertained by the traditions of Morris music and dance at the weekend, as part of Salisbury's Day of Dance.

From North West Clog to Cotswold, several styles of Morris dancing were executed on Saturday in hotspots across the city, including Guildhall Square, Salisbury Arts Centre, Mompesson House, the Old George Mall and Cathedral North Walk.

And the festivities were organised as both a celebration of the dance and a celebration of the city.

Nine dance groups took to the spotlight throughout the afternoon, even coming to the city from Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, including performances by The Oyster Girls, Sarum Morris, Bourne River Morris, Mr Wilkins' Shilling, and Morena Dance Company, which specialise in the Slovak tradition.

A spokesperson for Sarum Morris said: "After the Novichock attack last year and its effect on tourism, we, the local Morris community, wanted to do our bit by organising a joyful day of dance to celebrate how truly wonderful our city is."

The event both started and came to a close with a mass show dance, inviting all groups to showcase their talent in one site, with the final performance taking place at 3pm at the Cathedral West Door.

Alan Courtney of Sarum Morris dsecribed the day as "brilliant", adding: "People were coming up to us saying what a great day it was and how it was just what the city needed, which was really heartening to hear.

"We got a pretty big crowd outside the Guildhall, and there was an actual wedding taking place so we gave the couple a Morris guard of honour, which made a lovely, fun moment.

"The weather was great, and some of the dance groups said they will be coming back to Salisbury to visit, so it couldn't have gone better."

Sarum Morris will be rehearsing from October in Salisbury Rugby Club on Thursdays, 8pm. For more information email sarummorris@gmail.com