As usual, we were at Swanage Folk Festival on the weekend of 11th – 13th September. This is probably the largest event for Morris dancing, with many sides attending.
The dancing stretches in selected spots all along Shore Road on the seafront, throughout the weekend. At the same time there are set concerts in the main marquee up on Sandpit Field. There are also several fringe events around the town. However the Morris dancing is possibly by far the largest attraction, with an estimated 65+ sides attending. That’s a LOT of Morris dancers ( I heard an estimation of around 700 or so)
The first & foremost thing for Phoenix, was to clean the memorial plaque for Sue Stimpson, a much loved founder member & foreman of Phoenix, who as it says on the plaque; “Loved dancing in Swanage” Not forgetting to also give the plaque for her sister a refreshing polish too. This was followed by a dance or two on the pier, in their memory.
On Saturday we danced at the allocated spots along the sea front, alternating of course with other sides as necessary. Later all the sides gather up for the procession along the seafront road to each pair up for an “arch” for the following sides to dance under. You’d think if was never going to end, when you’re part of it!)
Sunday comes around all too soon. In the morning there was a special Folk Festival service in St. Mary’s Church.
Whitethorn Morris led the way for the choir & clergy down the aisle, to then do a dance for the congregation prior to the commencement of the service. Towersey Horseshoes also performed a spot during this, with both leading out at the end of the service.
Outside in the churchyard after the service, Phoenix and several sides including Whitethorn & Towersey, performed a dance each for the gathered assembly.
Later it was time to resume dancing again, at the allocated spots along the seafront. And before you know it, the end of the day arrives!
At this point, all the sides gather up to dance a mass “Worcestershire Monkey'” a well known border dance that is always performed at the end of this festival. But that’s not quite the finish. The culmination is the traditional dance in the sea, where most sides (Phoenix included) dance in the waters edge on the beach. Then it really is all over for another year!
The cleaning of Sue’s plaque on the pier. Followed by a dance in her memory.
Dancing for Sue on the pier.
Continuing the day with a spot on Banjo Pier. (Not to be confused with the old main pier)
Various spots now along the seafront.
With our friend Sam, from Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris.
Quick pie break!
Whitethorn Musicians. The two ladies (Judith & Gill) are also Phoenix musicians.
The Folk Festival Service 2026. St Mary’s Church. Whitethorn Morris led the Choir & Clergy in, and also performed a short dance for the congregation. Teams later met up outside the church to do a dance each. (No pics unfortunately)
All sides dancing “Worcestershire Monkey”
Finally the traditional dancing in the sea, to round off the festival.
Phoenix Morris 