Swanage Folk Festival - September 2009

This  was the first time that the Merrydowners  had ventured south to the 'sun drenched' shores of  Dorset and performed at this years annual folk festival in Swanage.  Some fifty or more Morris sides danced various traditions at venues throughout the town , including a group of belly dancers who tended to add a spice of variety to the whole event .  Our evenings were also filled with folk singing and musical jamming sessions......... which made it a magical weekend !

Some of our performances were captured on video, click on the links to view Merrydowners Swanage Folk Festival Part 1 and Merrydowners Swanage Folk Festival Part 2

We also captured a few photo's :-

Merrydowners performing on the sea front - The Hemsley sword dance	The sword successfully locked !'

Fox's Morris - Traditional Border side dancing at the Heritage Centre	Blackened painted faces and sticks at the ready !

Merrydowners & friends helping out Couptrain Morris - A French/English Border side	Couptrain Morris march off !

John  the Merrydowners fool preparing  himself  for action	Fox's musicians taking time out

Wicket Brood Border Morris side on the sea front	Beetlecrushers Clog side at the Heritage Centre

Merrydowners - Everything stops for tea !	Fantastic weekend !