School of Chemistry

Chemistry PhD student Charlotte Smith dances at London 2012 Olympic Games

14 August 2012

Rag Morris with Eric Idle and "Britannia"

Eric Idle, 'Britannia' and Rag Morris - Charlotte Smith circled
Image by Will Allen

Members of the University of Bristol Rag Morris were watched by millions of people around the world as they performed at the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games. Celebrating the best of British music and dance the 24 dancers took to the stage in the Olympic Stadium for the performance alongside Eric Idle and 'Britannia'.

Their performance at the ceremony was in the style originating from the Cotswold Hills and based on that from Bampton in the Bush in Oxfordshire.

Rag Morris' amazing journey began in February with an invitation to audition. The performance was the climax of months of secrecy and excitement and getting ready for their biggest gig took a lot of time and hard work.

Rag Morris Olympic dress rehearsal

Rag Morris Olympic dress rehearsal - Charlotte Smith circled

PhD student Charlotte Smith, President of Rag Morris said "It's been a fantastic opportunity to work with the creative team for the ceremony, to spend time in London when it is so busy and vibrant, and to take part in a performance that showcased some of the best of British music and dance to the rest of the world".

Rag Morris is a mixed morris side that has been based at the University of Bristol Students' Union since 1981 and draws its members mainly from students, staff and alumni of the university.