Every Easter Monday, something wonderfully strange happens in Greenwich. The Blackheath Morris Men take over the streets, pubs, and open spaces of Greenwich Town Centre for a day of traditional English folk dance — and every so often, they produce a flower-bedecked chair, invite a woman from the crowd to sit in it, and hoist her three times to shoulder height, spinning her around to general delight. This is the Chair Lifting tradition, and it's one of London's most genuinely eccentric free events.
The Chair Lifting — also known as Chair Heaving — was once a widespread Easter custom across England, but the Victorians frowned upon it and it slowly died out almost everywhere. The Blackheath Morris Men are among the last groups keeping it alive, and they've been doing it in Greenwich for over 40 years. As Humphrey, their 'Blackheath Bagman', puts it: "It's an Easter celebration which used to happen all over England — we're one of the few groups who still do it."
The day begins at noon outside the Royal Naval College near the Cutty Sark entrance, with Morris dancing in full regalia — bells, sticks, the works. The route then winds through Greenwich's historic streets and pub gardens: 1pm at The Old Brewery in the Pepys Building (Old Royal Naval College); 2pm at the Trafalgar Tavern; 3pm at the Greenwich Tavern; 4pm at the Ashburnham Arms, where the chairlifting tradition takes centre stage.
The Blackheath Morris Men formed in the late 1960s and have an impressively eclectic history: they've performed as support to Hawkwind in the 1970s, danced with Eric Idle at the London 2012 Olympic closing ceremony, and appeared at folk festivals across the country. On Easter Monday they're at their most traditional and their most fun — roaming the borough in full kit, dancing between pubs, and inviting anyone who wants to join in.
It's entirely free to watch, family-friendly, and genuinely unlike anything else happening in London that day. Greenwich is a magnificent backdrop — UNESCO World Heritage Site, packed with history, and full of excellent places for lunch before or after the procession. The whole thing is informal and joyful: you can follow the route all day or catch them at a single venue.
<h3>Frequently Asked Questions</h3>
What is Chair Lifting?
An old English Easter tradition where a decorated chair is presented to a willing member of the public (traditionally a woman), who is then lifted three times to shoulder height and spun around. The Blackheath Morris Men are one of the last groups in England still performing this custom.
Is it free?
Yes, completely free to watch. You can follow the whole route or catch the group at any of the pub stops along the way.
Where does it start?
Noon outside the Royal Naval College, near the Cutty Sark entrance, Greenwich SE10.
Getting there: Greenwich is served by the DLR (Cutty Sark station), National Rail (Greenwich station), and the Thames Clipper river bus. The Elizabeth line connects at Abbey Wood from the east. Parking is limited — public transport is strongly recommended.
Event Venue
Greenwich Town Centre, Greenwich, SE10, London, United Kingdom
GBP 0
