Carnivals, Contests and Coronations – summary

Summary of “Carnivals, Contests and Coronations” by Richard Nelson

The talk, part of the Morris Federation’s online events, was delivered by Richard Nelson on 25 February 2023. It explored the history and evolution of Morris dancing in the Trafford area, with particular focus on its integration with carnivals, contests, and community traditions during the early 20th century. Nelson presented his findings, which are also detailed in his book supported by the Morris Federation.

Key Themes and Historical Context

Nelson began by examining the origins of Morris dancing in Trafford, noting its development from traditional festivities like wakes and rushbearing. He highlighted the absence of detailed pre-20th century records, explaining how industrialisation and urbanisation, particularly through the growth of Trafford Park and the Manchester Ship Canal, influenced cultural practices.

In the early 20th century, carnivals emerged as a significant cultural phenomenon in Trafford, driven by local councils and community groups. Events like the ‘Stretford’ Pageant and the Altrincham Carnival became centres for Morris dancing competitions, attracting large audiences and providing opportunities for teams to showcase their skills.

Competitions and Development of Morris Styles

Morris dancing in Trafford during the interwar period was marked by its competitive nature, with substantial prize money incentivising participation. Nelson described how dance teachers, including professionals, began influencing styles and training methods, leading to innovations in dance routines and costumes. Teams often adapted their performances to meet competition criteria, merging elements of traditional Cheshire and Pennine styles. The rise of entertaining dance troupes, influenced by figures like John Tiller, added variety to the performances and shaped the hybrid nature of the dances with many of the morris troupes also competing as entertaining teams to increase their chances of prize winning in competitions.

Film clips and photographs presented during the talk illustrated the grandeur of these events, including large-scale processions and elaborate crowning ceremonies for Rose Queens. Nelson underscored how Morris dancing served as both entertainment and a community-building activity, reflecting the societal need for diversion during economically and socially challenging times.

Research and Sources

Nelson’s research relied on a wide range of sources, including historical archives, newspapers, film archives, and interviews. He highlighted the challenges posed by the inadequacy of the sources for reconstructing the dances, particularly for the period before World War I. Nevertheless, his efforts enabled him to reconstruct the activities and successes of various teams in Trafford, such as the Gorse Hill Morris Dancers and the Bensonians, and to trace the evolution of dance styles and draw comparisons in the development of Morris dancing between the troupes of Altrincham, in the Cheshire part of the borough, and Stretford in the Lancashire part.

Legacy and Modern Connections

Nelson concluded by reflecting on the legacy of Trafford’s Morris dancing traditions, noting that while mixed-gender teams became less common post-1930s, the influence of these early competitions persists. He also emphasised the parallel evolution of Carnival Morris, which continues to thrive in the North West, often operating outside the public eye. Nelson called for further research into the post-1950s period to document the stories of those involved before they are lost.

The talk was well-received, with audience members praising Nelson’s thorough research and engaging delivery. Discussions following the presentation drew parallels between Morris dancing and other popular dance forms of the period, highlighting the shared cultural context of community and performance during the interwar years.