Another picture from the York Traditional Dance Festival. These are long sword dancers and likely to be a local group as this form of folk dancing is performed mainly in Yorkshire. The dancers often wear a military type costume, and make a series of intricate movements whilst holding wooden handled swords. The dance is completed when the six swords are locked together to form a star which is held aloft by the dance captain.
There He Goaz in the background was taking the hat round collecting money as the dancers performed. He has a plough sewn onto the back of his coat, long sword dancers often perform at plough blessing ceremonies in their local church.
Not seen this type of folk dance before. Not heard of plough blessing either.
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