Rain stays away for Skipton Clogfest (From Craven Herald)

Rain stays away for Skipton Clogfest

10:00am Friday 13th July 2012 in Skipton & District

Wellies and brollies were packed away and suncream and shades were out in force as Clogfest 2012 enjoyed the warmest, sunniest day for weeks on Saturday.

From the first dance at 10.30am to the final massed performance of Sam Sherry’s Waltz at 4pm, clog dancers and musicians revelled in bright sunshine.

The day before, the organisers had fielded phone calls from worried dancers, explaining that an amber warning of rain in Yorkshire did not mean that Skipton would be flooded.

Friday night’s downpour led to some anxious discussion, but they decided to go ahead. There were places around town to shelter if necessary, and a wet weather venue was booked for the showcase. Luckily, it wasn’t needed.

Festival director Paul Hudson said: “On Saturday, 180 dancers filled the canal basin with colourful costumes and happy chatter, and an audience of several hundred people enjoyed two hours of fine dancing as 23 teams performed on the showcase stage.”

There were two junior teams in the programme, Heage Windmillers from Derbyshire and Eccleston Heritage Clog from Lancashire.

“We’re delighted that Clogfest has inspired young people to have a go,” added Paul. “And adult teams also work hard to polish up their performance at Clogfest. Performing on a stage in front of their peers is a powerful reason to keep practising throughout the winter months.”

Next year’s Clogfest will be from July 12 to 14.