Swanage Folk Festival

Day 115

14 September 2009

Everywhere around town, the sounds of bells, accordians, fiddles, trombones and tambourines; and small ripples of applause can be heard. Sticks being banged together, tap folk-dancing, and lots of ribbons, black faces, pheasant feathers (try saying that after a few pints of waggledance), and people dressed in clothing ranging from simple pinafores and clogs, to brightly coloured ribbon shirts and flowery hats, fill the streets, seafront, shops, pubs, restaurants, and B&B's. Sandpit field has been full of shoppers looking for bargains on the various stalls, as well as hungry folk looking for a bite to eat.

Above: The story of the Slow Ogre.

The Swanage folk festival is always popular, and this year has been no exception. It's interesting to see how the town has once again been transformed by the arrival of people looking to have a relaxed time, to have fun, and to do something so very English. Morris dancing is a tradition that goes back around 500 years.
There were also some live acts in various venues around the town. I didn't go to any, because I was at a joint 40th birthday party, but I heard that there were some good acts.

It's been a bit windy, today