Photos Copyright: Maggie May
Everywhere we went in the central area of Bristol last Saturday, there seemed to be crowds of people watching.
What were they watching?
There were people of all ages and descriptions milling around in very unusual outfits.
There was music that seemed to be round every corner. The sound of bells and drums and violins.
It was the Inter-Varsity Folk Dance Festival Morris Dancing that was being held in Bristol this year.
As our son, Sam, is a Morris Dancer and my daughter, who was visiting us and had never seen her brother dance, we all decided to go with her and the four grand children to watch.
It seemed that where ever we went, there was a display of dancing going on. It was spread out throughout the city centre. Each group was very different one from another in dress and style, but the dances were similar. Some of it was really spectacular and I wish I had taken photos of them in action. At the time I seemed to be caught up with watching and didn't think to snap the dancers.
People had come from many areas of England to take part in this festival and it was very enjoyable to watch. However, the only thing that we could have done with, was some warmer weather because, typical of the half term, it had turned very cold and windy but at least it didn't rain. That would have really spoilt everything.
25 comments:
Do you know, I would have loved to have been there and seen that. It's so quintessentially English and makes me proud. And, to be honest, we don't get that many opportunities to feel proud to be English do we?
Very colorful! And looks like fun, too.
Glad you didn't get wet!
xoxoxo, cd
I love things like this :-) It looks like a great time!
I LOVE morris dancing. Great photos Maggie. Have you seen the film "Morris: A Life with Bells on?" Highly recommended.
What a wonderful day you had with family Maggie.....it does look and sound like so much fun. Have a wonderful day my friend....:-)Hugs
It all looks very festive. So nice that you get to see your son dancing. Thanks for sharing these fun pics.
It was cold? I see people in shirtsleeves Maggie!
I've got my long johns on over here!
Gotta love those colours and I could hear that violin from here.
That looks like a lot of fun, loved the photos. Hopefully next time the weather will be warmer for you though. If anything today though it feels like the temperature is falling. Come on March, sort it out! :-)
Love all the rag coats - they're so colourful! What a great day out. :)
Must come and see him dance sometime. It looks dangerous when they clout each other with their sticks LOL
love all the colorful costumes -- wish I could hear the music!
That sounds like a fun day out, Maggie. I wish I could have heard the sounds you heard. The music and all.
XOX
It looks great Maggie -we should have more of it ,its good to celebrate in song and dance Looks a hoot
I love events like that!
i would find this completely fascinating...i love dancing, street music and wild costumes...i amcompletely jealous...
This looks like such a fun event! I bet your daughter had a great time seeing her brother dance. I enjoy seeing the photos, but it's a good sign you didn't take many photos--it means you were really enjoying the moment!
Unusual outfits?
Oh I'm there to take pictures!
These are fabulous pictures, Maggie. At this time of year it's a pleasure to be able to remain outside and enjoy a day out.
CJ xx
It would be so much fun to be there. Music and dancing and fun. Nice pictures of the festival, Maggie.
Great pictures. I like a good festival to get my teeth into - or at least the street sellers food that usually goes along with a good festival! Roll on the summer with great days out to look forward to.
Read you post about you all hobbling at Eddie's for lunch. Ah yes the look and feel of an old folks home! I must admit I was desperately like that until I lost that six stones and got my act together with exercise. I was in agony getting out of chairs and walking upstairs but mine was all self inflicted Maggie. Yours has been a result of the tough time you've been through. All the best with good and better health. You deserve it as you are a treat to 'know'.
I would love to have seen that as well. I also love Morris dancers and find it fascinating. A x
I adore folk festivals! How lovely!
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What fun! I wish we had some of these festivals to brighten up our long winters.
Great pics and thanks for sharing.
What delightful fun.
When I would go to Irish festivals around here about 20 years ago, Morris dancers would show up and perform but never quite be part of the scene. Such a shame. It's very beautiful, this dancing.
Thanks for these photos.
I don't really know what "Morris" dancing is but, any occasion where folks get together like that, seems pretty terrific to me.
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