I hope you'll excuse another self-indulgent post - this time the Ouse Washes Molly Dancers were alive and kicking at the Ely Folk Festival this very hot weekend. Well, the very hot Saturday at any rate. They said it was 30 degrees, but Jim says it was 42 by his car read-out, and it felt every single one of those degrees, believe me! The header photo is me collapsed waiting for us to dance up at the Festival site.
We met with all the other Morris and Molly sides at the Cathedral and we processed through the town. Lots and lots of well-wishers, tourists and locals, clapping, waving, and taking photographs and videos.
Every so often each side would pause and dance, until the next side caught up with them, and on we'd go. We musicians played continuously "Ain't Misbehavin'". Other sides, of course, had their own 'processing' music.
Once the procession had finished three sides including us began their dance sets up at the Cathedral.
Ouse Washes Musos, James, Jan, Nicky , me, Steve.
Nicky playing for the childrens' Broom Dance, you can also spot Bryan in his newest frock and hat.
The Witchmen from Kettering. Excellent dancers and a remarkable sight.
And we couldn't forget the Cathedral (though I nearly did!) Excuse Margaret's armpit.
Meeting up with Liz from Boggart's Breakfast Molly. Liz lives in Sheffield and we meet up at melodeon workshops in Oxfordshire! It's a small world!
Here we are up at the Festival site. Managed to nip into the tent to hear some great performers in between dances. It was SOoooooooooooo HOT!!!!!
By the time we got up to the festival site my feet were so sore and blistered I had to take my boots off and hence here I am rather naughtily playing in my stocking feet. And yes, Georgia, I will admit - those are your socks!
Could have done with my sunglasses but they won't fit with my mask ...have to fit them with shades!
And there you have it. A great day out, very hot, blistered feet but great fun. I met up with a number of friends from all over England who dance, or play, it's quite amazing how the same old faces keep showing up!! Viv, I did see Green Dragon Molly but didn't know who you were better luck next time!
I hope you enjoyed a wonderful weekend in the sun, by gumb, we've waited long enough for it, haven't we!
