A NEW folkdance festival is set to dance its way into Evesham after more than four decades on the south coast.
The annual May Heydays event will be held at The De Montfort School over the weekend of May 1 to 4 next year after 44 years as the Eastbourne International Folkdance Festival (EIFF) in East Sussex.
Organisers made the move from East Sussex to Evesham because of the difficulties posed by having three venues at some distance from each other and were on the hunt for a venue big enough to accomodate the festival in its entirety.
The event comprises social dances on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and on Monday afternoon, with a whole range of dance workshops during the day from Saturday to Monday.
From English folk – modern compositions plus more historical styles, American, especially Contra and Squares to international dances from the Balkans and beyond, a variety of dances will be showcased in 2020 including Scottish, French and the Lindy-hop.
As with other similar events, it’s run not to make money but to provide an opportunity for the folk dance community to get together and enjoy some dancing to great music and calling from the best of British and international bands and dance callers.
In addition to the dance programme, from 2020 the festival will offer a selection of guided walks for non-dancing partners as well as singing and music workshops.
The event will have opportunities for attendees to steward at reduced rates and camping will be available on site.
Visit www.mayheydays.org.uk or call 01308 423442 for more information on tickets.
