More than 1,000 Morris dancers heading to Stockport for huge festival

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Expect plenty of bells, sticks and folk music in Stockport this spring as the town prepares to host more than 1,000 Morris dancers as part of a huge one-day celebration.

Taking place on Saturday, 26 April, the town centre will be transformed into a stage for more than 60 Morris dancing groups for the Joint Morris Organisation’s National Day of Dance, filling the streets with rhythmic stepping, clashing sticks and swirling ribbons.

Hosted by Adlington Morris Men on behalf of the Morris Ring and funded by Totally Stockport BID with support from Stockport Council and Merseyway, the event promises to be the 'biggest, boldest and most bell-clanging gathering' the North West has ever seen - and possibly a record breaking celebration of Morris and folk dance in the UK.

Shaun Freeman Jones, Totally Stockport BID Manager said: “This is a huge win for Stockport. To have a massive, national celebration of Morris and folk dance right in the heart of the town is truly special, and a huge opportunity for Stockport to showcase its vibrancy, community spirit and rich cultural scene. "The festival will not only bring an incredible spectacle, but also boost footfall and support local businesses.