POLICE are investigating an incident in Birmingham City Centre concerning a performance by the Alvechurch Morris dancers.
The group were performing outside the Bull Ring when they were verbally abused and had threats made towards them by a person who questioned whether they had blacked their faces as a racist gesture.
Members tried to explain the traditions behind the face paint but the barrage of abuse continued.
Since then the incident has been covered in national media and West Midlands Police have confirmed they are investigating a complaint of abuse and threats made to someone linked to the dance group.
Superintendent Andy Parsons, said officers were speaking to businesses in the area, interviewing witnesses and viewing camera footage in a bid to piece together what happened and to determine if any offence was committed.
“Birmingham city centre regularly attracts street performers, preachers and entertainers,” he said.
“They contribute to the vibrancy and diversity of the area − but it’s important that such performances remain lawful, do not incite disorder and should also be mindful of cultural sensitivities.”
The performance was held to mark ‘Plough Monday’ – the first Monday after Twelfth Night which is traditionally the first day of the farming season.
It is thought it dates back to the 15th Century.
Years ago the dancing was seen as a form of begging and it is thought Morris dancers, who were often labourers by trade, used the black face paint to conceal who they were as they tried to earn a living.
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid also leapt to the defence of the dancers by tweeting: “Proud of traditional Morris dancers from Alvechurch (in my constituency). They are as racist as I am #PloughMonday.”
