Halesworth Day of Dance plans for 2023

Preparations are well under way for the seventh annual Halesworth Day of Dance.

Hosted by Oxblood Molly, the annual celebration of traditional dance will feature around 500 colourfully dressed dancers and musicians who will take to the streets to perform during the day.

Sonija’s Academy of Eastern Dance. Picture: Sas Astro (Image: Sas Astro)

Festivities start at 11am in the Market Square with opening speeches and mass dances, followed by a procession around the town.

A spokesman said: "As this year's event coincides with April Fool's Day, it will be an opportunity for all the dance teams to bring their fools, mollies and hobby horses to the fore."

Chelmsford Ladies. Picture: Sas Astro (Image: Sas Astro)

Dancing takes place throughout the day at various locations including outside The White Swan, The White Hart, The Angel and Thoroughfare Bridge.

The day ends with a ceilidh at the Rifle Hall with music provided by the Harbour Lights Band.

With 30 dancing teams or 'sides' brought together from across the country, look out for Molly Dancing, Morris Dancing, Rapper Dancing, Eastern Dance, Expressive Dance and Majorettes.

Golden Star. Picture: Sas Astro (Image: Sas Astro)

There will also be a Ukulele Big Strum busking session hosted by Rumstrum and a music session in the White Hart.

Oxblood Molly was started in Peasenhall by a group of dancers interested in reviving this Fenland traditional style.

Molly Dancing is a form of English Morris dance done during the winter by out-of-work plough boys in the 19th century.

They would tour around the village landowners offering to dance for money… and plough furrows in anyone’s lawn who refused.

To avoid recognition, they would conceal their identities by blacking their faces and dressing in garments adorned with scarves.

Modern sides retain the colourful outfits but now comprise anyone who simply wants to enjoy themselves dancing this tradition or playing in the band.