Morris Dancers
Photo: www.flagcrackers.co.uk

A YORKSHIRE DALES morris side is honoured with hosting the key national event of the Morris Federation year including the AGM, weekend of dance and open ceilidh next month.

Skipton based team, the Flagcrackers of Craven, offered to host this year’s event as part of their own 20th birthday celebrations and will be welcoming a host of morris sides from all over the country to the town on October 4th.

A minimum of 15 sides will be sending representatives, at least 9 of which will be turning out dance sides in Skipton over the course of the weekend.

Dance displays will be taking place around the town, alongside the picturesque canal basin, in Victoria Square and behind Craven Court throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

A wide cross section of morris ‘traditions’, or dance styles, will be represented, from the sticks and distinctive black faces of Border morris sported by the Flagcrackers to the impressive ‘knot’ of swords performed by rapper and longsword sides and the frilly frocks of the North West tradition.

Open to members of the public, the ceilidh is to be held at Skipton Rugby Club from 8pm. Popular ceilidh band Spinning Jelly will provide the irresistibly danceable tunes, with Clogfest aficionado Barbara Bentley calling the dances so even beginners can enjoy the fun.

Ceilidh tickets are available on the door at £6, £3 for children. For further information about the event or joining the Flagcrackers of Craven, who practise on Wednesday evenings at Farnhill village hall, call 0113 274 3120.