Image: Linotype and Machinery Morris Dancers at Linotype Football Ground 1930, courtesy Trafford Local Studies Centre
Talk – “Carnivals, Contests and Coronations, a social history of Morris Dancing in Trafford before the second world war” – Richard Nelson
Although there is not a large body of evidence before the twentieth century for morris dancing in the towns in the area that is now Trafford, Greater Manchester, it became very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. Huge crowds turned out for lavish carnivals and pageants staged to raise money for health care. Amongst the main attractions at these events were fiercely contested dancing competitions which drew in large audiences to watch morris and entertaining troupes from all over the North West.
This illustrated presentation will consider the origins of the morris dancing in Trafford; the different ways in which morris developed in Altrincham (formerly Cheshire) and Stretford (formerly Lancashire); the context for morris dancing in the 1920s and 1930s and the implications of the competitive aspect; what is known about the format of the morris dancing, and some of the outcomes of research that have intrigued or surprised the presenter.
Approx timings: Talk – about 1 hour, followed by Q & A.
Your host
Although raised in the South, Richard has lived in Altrincham, Cheshire for the past thirty-five years. He has been interested in folk music since a teenager and for many years has played in the trio Nelson Peach in folk clubs around the North Cheshire area and further afield at the occasional festival, as well as for ceilidhs. He was seduced from that world into morris dancing in the current century and dances Cotswold with Thelwall Morris, Border with Bollin Morris, and is one of a small band who continue the tradition of performing the unique Lymm Morris dance. He volunteers as a researcher at Trafford Local Studies where he has contributed to a book and to blogs on local history topics.
To register
Please complete this online form: Register for the Talk – “Carnivals, Contests and Coronations, a social history of Morris Dancing in Trafford before the second world war”– Richard Nelson; you will receive a confirmation email immediately (check your spam/junk/promotions folder!). We will send you a Zoom link a couple of days before the event. Open to all – you don’t have to be a member of a team in The Morris Federation.
Buy the Book
If the talk has whetted your appetite, you can purchase a copy of ‘Carnivals, Contests and Coronations’ here or by visiting Richard’s website www.shuffleback.co.uk where blog posts will keep you up to date with any additional research.
Optional Donations
Alternatively, you can make a donation to Richard’s Fundraiser for The Christie Hospital Charity Fund. The Christie Hospital is dedicated to cancer research care and treatment, catering for over 60,000 individuals each year.
