Copenhagen to Crewe
0140/bc/m
24th July 2008
The Mayor and Mayoress of Crewe and Nantwich,
Councillor Brian Silvester and Ms Sheila Davies, hosted a colourful
celebration of folk dancing which took place on Market Square,
Crewe earlier this week.
The Stafford Morris Men and the Copenhagen
‘Taastrup Dancers’ were visiting the town for the first time as
part of a scheduled tour across the area. A large crowd were
entertained with traditional dance performed in an array of
intricate and unusual hand made costumes. Many of the costumes have
been handed down through generations of the same family and
represent links with fertility rites and the warding off of evil
spirits.
Local Wybunbury resident John Colbert is
‘Squire of the Stafford Morris Men’ which is the traditional title
for the leader of Morris Dance Troupes. Morris Dancing has been
passed down through the years by word of mouth and practice and the
first known records of this tradition could be found on an ancient
1428 tapestry which hung at Caister Castle, Norfolk. The
Stafford Morris Men were established in 1957 and celebrated their
50th Anniversary in 2007. They have performed at
locations around the world and the Mayor was delighted to host this
event in Crewe and Nantwich which attracted a good audience on the
day.
The Mayor stated “I am very keen to maintain
traditions and I was pleased that so many local people took time to
watch the dancing on the Market Square. They really appreciated
this celebration of different cultures. It was an excellent
afternoon and our visitors enjoyed their visit to the Municipal
Buildings enormously. This type of event can only be of benefit in
bringing people from different countries together and sharing
traditions”
.jpg "Danish Folf Dancers")
COUNCIL
CONTACT:
Beverley Cope – Democratic Services
TELEPHONE:
01270
537037
EMAIL:
Beverley.cope@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk
For Media enquiries contact: Ian
Richardson
TELEPHONE: 01270
537018
EMAIL:
ian.richardson@crewe-nantwich.gov.uk or
http://www.crewe-nantwich.gov.uk/
.