Who can forget the moment at this year’s Brit Awards at London’s O2 was unexpectedly transformed by morris and animal-headed dancers during the performance of ‘Chaise Longue’ by multiple Brit Award-winners Wet Leg?
The morris dancers responsible were members of the all-female progressive dance collective Boss Morris, known for their preconception-busting contemporary approach to this ancient English form of dance.
‘Was this the first ever Morris dancing performance at the Brits? If not, it was certainly the first one also featuring dancers dressed as massive owls. Well done, Wet Leg, for putting on a memorable show.’ Sky News
Manchester Folk Festival now welcomes Boss Morris for three special free public performances in Manchester’s Cutting Room Square in the city’s Northern Quarter at 1.30pm, 3.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday 21st October.
This unique urban festival will take place across nationally-recognised and iconic music venues, including the recently refurbished Band On the Wall and New Century Hall, across Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Running between Thursday 19th and Saturday 21st October, the festival features a programme of over fifty performances by future stars, local heroes and folk music legends. Names on the bill include Granny’s Attic, Mishra, Suntou Susso, The Breath, Honeyfeet, Mikey Kenney, Martin Carthy, John Wilks, John Smith, The Oysterband and more. There will also be an afternoon of folk music guests from the countries/territories of South Korea, Sweden, Flanders and Prince Edward Island (Canada), open to festival wristband holders only.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Show host Mark Radcliffe says of the festival, ‘Once again an amazing line-up has been put together for what is arguably the UK’s leading urban folk festival – which given its relatively short history is a real endorsement of the event.’
Boss Morris will the highlight of Manchester Folk Festival’s free programme which will also include folk sessions (where instrument players and singers join in a communal performance) in a local pub open to any players or those who just like to watch the action, and a free afternoon stage in the Band In The Wall bar.
For full festival details go to www.manchesterfolk.com
📷 Featured image Jon Wilks
