Chippenham Folk Festival

We fielded a strong side of nine dancers and our two musicians Sian and Kevin for an enjoyable day dancing at the Chippenham Folk Festival on Saturday. Whilst Keith and Dafydd were unavailable as they were committed to dancing with Typyn y Bopeth Welsh dancers, and Ken and Di could not make it, we managed to poach Isca’s Nigel Britton for the day.

The sun decided to shine on us which made for a smashing day out although it would be good if the pubs and hotels could open up a bit earlier for the day than 1130am - thirsty work is Morris!

We danced at three different spots in the town centre, doing 3 dances at each, which was good as it meant we did not dance ourselves into the ground!

Highlight dance sides of the day were Five River Morris from Sheffield (male side, all young, tall and athletic, getting off the ground in a way reminiscent of Hammersmith), Bampton (wish we actually got to see them perform!) and Tatters and Tails Border for their great snarly faces. Best pub and dance spot was the Rose and Crown which seemed to be a natural gathering place for dancers and Musoes who were belting out great tunes in the small bar! We actually met up with a few of our ex musicians in the shape of Martin Hughes and M.J.Searle who play for other sides these days.

We thought there was a walking Procession through the town but there was an expectation that everyone dance, so we hashed together a slightly different version of Bampton Speed the Plough which seemed to work. It was good to see Sian back in action, and her fiddle playing unaffected after the injuries she received from her recent dog attack.

A lovely day out, although the drive back was made a bit tedious by the car crashes on the M4 and the congestion caused by an Ed Sheehan gig in Cardiff. Pics by Alison Haworth Geoff Wildman and Paul Tarrant.