Barley Brigg dances mainly in the North-west style in elaborate and colourful costumes with the stepping accentuated by the use of clogs. Cotton rope slings, decorated sticks, waivers and bobbins are used in a variety of dances accompanied by musicians on melodeon, accordion, fiddle, penny whistle, drums, percussion and anything else that comes to hand. A bass drum is a distinctive feature.
North-west morris is based on processional dances with a dance leader and eight dancers – the leader calls the figures which are generally geometric shapes. Steps tend to be march, polka (rant) or single step.
The costumes worn by Barley Brigg consist of red socks, blue britches, white shirts, blue and red sashes, red and white neckerchiefs and top hats decorated liberally with flowers for the men; red tights or stockings, blue and white striped skirts, white blouses and black straw hats decorated with flowers for the women.
