Hundreds gather for Boxing Day performance by Merton's popular Morris dancers

The performance included their traditional winter Mummers play as well as a dance outside the Hand in Hand and Crooked Billet pubs at the edge of Wimbledon Common.

Andrew Ford, landlord of The Hand in Hand, said: “ It was brilliant. There were 200 to 300 people here. We were blessed with the weather and there was a nice atmosphere.

“Greensleeves performing here is a Christmas tradition for us. We receive a lot of compliments from customers about the Morris dancing.

“People come from miles to watch, not just from Wimbledon- there are people from Sutton, Kingston, Dulwich, New Malden, Streatham, Merton and further away.”

Greensleeves started their Boxing Day tour at Alexander House, a residential care home with 20 elderly residents that is run by Keychange Charity.

Elsie Clifford, a resident at Alexandra House, said: “It was a good knees-up, everyone enjoyed the music and dancing. Everyone was in a good mood.”

Katherine Perez, a carer at Alexander House, said: “ We asked the residents and they really enjoyed it, the dancing, the colour of the costumes and the signing.”

Their Boxing Day tour also saw them move onto Wimbledon Village High Street for a performance opposite the Rose & Crown.

Dave Legg, leader of Greensleeves Morris Men, said: “ We have been performing our Mummers Play for more than 20 years and there’s always a good crowd in Wimbledon Village.

“The crowd at the Rose and Crown wee in good spirit as usual and there was a sunny festive atmosphere at the Hand In Hand and Crooked Billet.

“This is an enjoyable traditional Boxing Day event and one of the highlights of our yearly programme. Everyone has had a good time.”

Founded in 1926, Greensleeves is London’s longest established Morris dancing club and has been based in Wimbledon for the past 35 years.

The club’s first Friday practice session will be held on January 5 at South Wimbledon Community Centre and they are inviting anyone that is interested.