8 August 2010 - Dartmoor Folk Festival - Day 2

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The weather on Sunday proved to be better than the day before. Although there was a fair amount of cloud around, it was pleasantly warm and thankfully dry.

We had been allocated two back-to-back pub stands, both at The King's Arms Inn in South Zeal but with a change of accompanying sides between stands. The first stand featured

  • Great Western Morris, the flamboyant Exeter based Cotswold side who wear blue sashes and black top hats
  • Exeter Morris Men. I am not sure where they are from but they wear green waistcoats and black top hats
Dancing started alongside the pub but this area proved too small to accommodate all the Great Western side which comprised 18 (yes 18!) dancers so we moved to the road outside. The dancing stopped the traffic in both senses.

Kettle Bridge enjoyed today's conditions much more and put on excellent performances of Prescot and Aughton. The final dance of the stand was GW's leapfrog dance which they spectacularly danced all the way down the hill to their next stand. The agility and stamina of the dancers was something to behold. Perhaps they ought to form an offshoot side like Kettle Bridge but called Great North Western. I'd like to see them try leapfrogging in full skirts and holding a garland!


We were joined for the second stand by

  • Tinners Morris, a local Cotswold side who wear top hats and multi-coloured waistcoats
  • Cogs and Wheels, a local ladies side that dance Cotswold with a bit of Border and who surprisingly don't wear top hats
Kettle Bridge entertained the crowd with superb renditions of Colne and Cossington. Then it was time to grab a quick bite to eat before making our way down the hill to the arena for Sunday's showpiece performances. The format was the same as Saturday with each turn doing a 10 minute spot.

We were especially pleased to see the legendary Yetties as hosts for the afternoon. They kept the sizable crowd thoroughly entertained with their music and chat as well as introducing the other performers. It will be very sad to see them retire which they are due to do in the not too distant future.

When it was their time to dance, Kettle Bridge were more prepared than yesterday for the awkward surface and adjusted their programme accordingly, featuring Annie's and our signature dance Yellow Rose. Both were warmly received by the audience and demonstrated the skill and professionalism of the dancers. And I can't go without mentioning the band who, as ever, did a splendid job.

I think we all stayed on to see the rest of the performances including the broom dancing which featured some very spirited and skilful action from the youngsters. There was also an opportunity to wander round the various marquees and stalls or even buy an ice cream.

Then it was time to wend our way back to our accommodation to rest some very weary feet. We can all look back on a successful and enjoyable weekend and would like to thank the organisers sincerely for inviting us. Here's to the next time!

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