Display Dance Co-ordinators Malcolm Major and Charlotte Dover have put together another exciting and varied programme for 2024, welcoming some exceptional dance teams to the fold.
Read on to find out more about Dance Processions, The John Gasson Memorial Jig Competition, The Sidmouth Horse Trials and Morris Wednesday.
CONFIRMED SO FAR ARE…
Beltane Border Morris, Eynsham Morris, Feet First Appalachian Dance Team, Gog Magog Molly, Great Western Morris, Hadrian Clog, Kekezza, Liberty Hill Northwest Morris, NYFTE (National Youth Folklore Troupe of England), Sussex Junction Morris, Ten Hill Morris (US), Wakefield Morris Dancers, Whip the Cat Rapper and Clog, with MCs Chris Rose & Graham Lee.
WHERE TO WATCH
Teams can be seen throughout the week in a range of Dance Spectaculars in Connaught Gardens and the Blackmore Gardens Marquee as well as performing around town and on the Esplanade.
JOIN IN
For those who’d like to try out the dances for themselves, all are welcome at a range of dance workshops every morning of the festival. From Appalachian to Molly, Cotswold, Border, Rapper & Longsword, these workshops cater for a wide range of experience and ability.
JIG COMPETITION
A welcome return for the 36th John Gasson Memorial Jig Competition on Sunday 4th August, bringing a competitive spirit to the Festival with exceptionally high quality, energetic dancing.
HORSE TRIALS
The ever-popular Sidmouth Horse Trials also takes place on Sun 4th August. Bring your hobby horses and beasts of disguise, join in the fun and compete for the prestigious trophy.
MORRIS TALKS
A great programme of talks at the Festival includes Michael Heaney, looking at European sources of morris dancing as we know it, and an exploration of ‘traditional football’ with Boz Davison.
MORRIS WEDNESDAY
Morris Wednesday on 7th August will be hosted by Great Western Morris in their inimitable style.
DANCE PROCESSIONS
There are three dance processions during the festival – Saturday & Thursday afternoons from the seafront to Blackmore Gardens and our Torchlight Procession at 10pm on Friday 9 August, marking the end of the 70th Folk Festival. Dress to impress and bring your sparkle!