FESTIVAL COMMITTEE His Worship The Mayor of the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor Jack Munsey, J.P. (President)
20th.
Billingham International Folklore nestival
Chairman: County Councillor Mrs. M. Taylor, M.B.E., J.P.
Director: Mr. P. T. Conroy, M.B.E.
August l.1th - 18th, L984
Vice Chairman: Mr. J. Maloney Councillor H. L. Davies Councillor Mrs. E. Dobinson Councillor J. A. Tatchell Councillor J. Vaughan County Councillor W. W. Emerson
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Mr. M. R. Bryan Miss E. Croot Mr. l. R. Crowden Mr. A. Hanby Mrs. L. Love Mr. F. Moutrey Mr. F. Simpson Mr. E. Wood
Organised by the Festival Committee in conjunction with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Affiliated to the lnternational Council of Folklore Festivals (c.t.o.F.F.)
Fringe Activities: Mr. R. Angel Press Officer: Mr. A. Cunningham Hon. Treasurer: Mr. H. H. Wright
Billingham Festival is Sponsored by: Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and considerable financial assistance has been received from Northern Arts and the Visiting Arts Unit
Administrative Officer: Mrs. A. Watson
The Festival Committee also wish to thank the following for their generous financial support:
Tyne Tees Television Ltd. Marks and Spencer PLC.
J. W. Cameron & Co. Ltd. Durham Fuel Supplies Ltd.
W. Boyes & Co. Ltd. Thomas Cook Ltd. Drybrough & Co. Ltd. Midland Bank PLC. Vaux Breweries (Sunderland) PLC. National Westminster Bank PLC. Petrofina U.K. Radio Tees lmperial Chemical lndustries PLC. Binns, Middlesbrough
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Welcome Everv vear, for one week, this small
townoi Billingham becomes eveng iii6'ie iiienoly"and more welcomin
iiiri, iiJ.t. fhe peopte of Billinsham irte notn Pleasdre and Pride in . .
demonstrAting to the whole worlo th;i,'i.'idmiiist of allthe gloom and aooh around us, there is hoPe; there is friendship; there is a wlsn. undbistanding of each p'roblems and there is a true olneis to people of all out Iiliii ol?"iihins peo.p.le', ls meeting People nations.' troubleo most imPortant in todaYS ,
i;;il;"pei
world. The Riqht Honourable Lord e"[o',rii"v oi trliootesoroug h o' B' E' who will <ipen the Festival
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His WorshiP The MaYor of the Borouqh of Stockton-on- I ees
councittor Jack Munsey J'P' PresiOent of the Festival
Once aqain the Festival Committee niino-s t"o gillingham the best of i;i;a'*ti.;alfolklore - the gaietv, the colour. the talents and the ntgn. IianoirdJot Performers from Hong kono ino lndia, from Colombia, f,rf-"xico anO Pu6rto Rico, from the U.-S.s. n., Yugoslavia and 6)lcnoiiovafta, from the Reunion an{ of i.[no,liorine ivorv Coast lrom grouP ever the PoPular course the Canary lslands. l'll be pleased to say that this year', the Festivalwill be oPened Py.lgg Bottomley of Middlesbrough 9'H'E'' wno nas 5een a very good and helpful friend of the Festival lor many years. mav I welcome You allto the iii,Tniiijtn ai ti ns ham nternational F;iti6iJ reitivit and look forward.to fitttaining and successf ul week. I
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Maureen Taylor Cn'airman, F'estival Committee'
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GROUPS & ARTISTES
DAILY
CANARY ISLANDS Folklore Ensemble'Roque Nublo'
FRIOAY 1Oh AUGUST 1o.3o a.m. College Theatre Opening of " Uncle Biff " Club - On every day except Sunday. Admission by Membership Card e 1 .OO (This includes cost of the club badge)
PROGRA}TME
- Las Palmas COLOMBIA Folklore Ensemble of Cali University CZECHOSLOVAKIA Folklore Ensemble 'Vsacan' Vsetin HONG KONG Folklore Ensemble'Jing Ying' 1984
INDlA Folklore Ensemble'Janavak' Ahmedabad
IVORYCOAST
'Les Compagnons di Akati" -
Abidian MEXICO Folklore Ensemble of The City of Guadalaiara PUERTO RICO Folk Ballet Company 'Areyto' San Juan REUNION ISLAND Folklore Ensemble' Les Etincellis'
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Panon
u.s.s.R. Folklore Ensemble'Miorits' Kishinev, Moldavia
WESTINDIES Caribbean Steel Band (Club only) YlJGOSLAVIA Folklore Ensemble 'Tanec' Skople ENGLAND Leeds Gommunity Arts Company The above groups will be in residence at Billingham during the whole period of the Festival. The undermentioned make occasional appearances. UNITED KINGDOM Anglo-American Ambassadors (Band) - Redcar Billingham Choral Society Billingham Silver Band Cashel Ceili Band and Mike
Wdton Dawnswyr Talog (Welsh Dance Group) Derby Crown Ladies Morris Newton Aycliffe Scots Pipes and Drums Band Shiremoor Marrers (Geordie Song Gqoup)
Stockton Blue and Golds Stockton Vocal Union
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MONDAY ISthAUGUST
Children's Day
12.O0 noon - 2.0O p.m. Games, competitions, entertainment in all parts of the Town Centre featuring lvory Coast, Colombia 2.3O p.m. Town Centre Afternoon Concert for all members of the public.
Puerto Rico; Czechoslovakia: Hong Kong; Mexico. SATURDAY 1 lth AUGUST 1.3O. p.m. Town Centre Caribbean Steel Band 1.45 p.m. Parade to Town Centre 2.3o p.m. Town Centre Opening Ceremony and lnternational Concert. All groups from abroad, Derby Crown Ladies Morris, Billingham Silver Band, Stockton Blue & Golds 7.3O p.m. - Midnight. College
Theatre Ceili with the Cashel Ceili Band, Mike Walton, Derby Crown, Czechoslovakia and Mexico. English, lrish and Scottish Dancing for all. Licensed Bar (subiect to Licence). Admission â&#x201A;Ź2.O0. 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Puerto Rico; Hong Kong; - lvory Coast: U.S.S.R.
SUNDAY lAh AUGUST 1.15 p.m. - 2.15 p.m. John Whitehead Park Judging of Floats and Children's Fancy Dress. Music by AngloAmerican Ambassadors, Billingham Silver Band, Newton Aycliffe Scots Pipe and Drum Band.
2.15 p.m. The Causeway Grand Parade with Bands, Floats, Children and Folklore Groups. 3.@ p.m. Town Centre Concert with all groups from abroad 7.OO p.m. - 1O.OO p.m. College
7.3O p.m. - 11.OO p.m. College Theatre lnternational Dance Evening with performances by: Colombia, U.S.S.R., Canary lslands. Colombian; Moldavian and Canary lslands' Dancing lor all. Licensed Bar (Subiect to Licence) Admission e2.OO 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Canary lslands; Czechoslovakia Mexico
TUESDAY 14th AUGUST 2.3O p.m. Town Centre lndia; Yugoslavia; lvory Coast; U.S.S.R. 7.3O p.m. College Theatre Reunion lsland; Yugoslavia lndia; U.S.S.R. Special Concert organised with and in aid of the N.S.P.C.C. Centenary Appeal (Each ticket purchased carries a donation of e 1 .OO to the N.S.P.C.C.) All tickets f2.oo from the Box Office and N.S.P.C.C. The Canary lslanders will serenade concert goers in the refreshment areas during the interval. 7.30 p.m. Forum Theatre Canary lslands; Czechoslovakia Mexico (Sponsored by Petrofina)
Youth Disco (1 2 - 16 Age Group only) Admlssion E1 .OO Performance by Reunion lsland and Yugoslavia 7.3o p.m. Forum Theatre Puerto Rico; Hong Kong; - lvory Coast; U.S.S.R. (Sponsored by Marks & Spencer
WEDNESDAY 15th AUGUST 2.3O p.m. Town Centre Reunion lsland; Hong Kong: Puerto Rico: Yugoslavia; Colombia; lndia; Canary lslands; Mexico. 7.30 p.m. College Theatre Fiesta Night. Puerto Rico, Canary lslands - Colombia, Mexico 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Colombia, lndia - Reunion, Yugoslavia (Sponsored by Midland Bank
PLC).
PLC).
Theatre
THURSDAY 16th AUGUST 2.3O p.m. Town Centre
Hong Kong, Czechoslovakia, lvory Coast, U.S.S.R. 7.3O p.m. College Theatre lvory Coast, Czechoslovakia Hong Kong, U.S.S.R. 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Colombia, lndia - Reunion, Yugoslavia
FRIDAY ITIhAUGUST
2.3O p.m. Town Centre
Reunion lsland, Colombla, U.S.S.B., Canary lslands 7.3O p.m. College Theatre Gala Concert. Allgroups irom abroad 7.3O p.m. Forum Theatre Gala Concert. All groups from abroad.
SATURDAY 18th AUGUST p.m. Parade to Town Centre
2.OO
2.3O p.m. Town Centre
All groups lrom abroad; Dawnswyr Talog Presentation of Pennants lnternational Farandole 7.15 p.m. Town Centre All seatsfl .00 Concert by Billingham Silver Band, Billingham Choral Society, Dawnswyr Talog, Leeds Community Arts Company, The Shiremoor Marrers, Stockton Vocal Union. 8.4O p.m. Torchlight Procession starts trom college. 9.OO p.m. Closing Ceremony with Billingham Silver Band Followed by Fireworks Display in John Whitehead Park.
The dates of the next Festival are August 1O - 17, 1985
Once again the leallets will be available from April 1st, 1985
Tickets sales start on Saturday, May 4th, 1 985 The Souvenir Brochure is on sale from July 1 st. 1985
Fringe
Activities Tuesday'l4th August The "Well" area in the West Precinct near the sloping ramp: 1.30 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. Traditional music on fiddles, piccolo, banjo and penny whistles by: Ron Angel, Nick Haigh, Jack
Keane, Geoff Pearson and penny whistlers from
Ayresome Junior School Display, Dancing from the Cleveland Clog Dancers and the Helles Belles Women's Morris. Forum Steps and lnside the Forum 6.30 p.m. -7.25p.m. AND during the interval: Traditional music of the Northumbrian Small Pipes by: Bill Jones, Dave Bailey, Dave McQuade and Harry Baird. Billingham Arms: Lounge 8.00 p.m. - 10.45 p.m. Music session led by the Northumbrian Pipers and the Cleveland Session Men: free to the General Public. Allfolk instrumentalists are welcome to'loin in.
Supporting Dvents Children's Activities The Children's Club meet each morning at 10.30 in the College Theatre. Once again Uncle Biff and his gang, including Denis the Gorilla will be entertaining. Membership fee is El which includes the cost of a club badge. Note that the club begins this year on Friday, August 1 Oth, the day before the festival starts. Cards and Badges from the
FestivalOffice.
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Festival Club
Festival Sunday
Town Centre
This willbe held in the Forum every evening from Friday, August 1Oth until Saturday, August 18th inclusive 9 p.m. -
1.15 - 2.15 p.m. John Whitehead Park Judging of Children's Fancy Dress and Festival Floats Performances by: Anglo-American Ambassadors Marching Swing Band - Redcar Billingham Silver Band Newton Aycliffe Scots Pipe and Drum Band ADMISSION FREE Followed by Parade to Town cenlre of bands, Children in Fancy Dress, Floats and Folklore Groups.
The Committee wish to express their thanks to the following for contributions to the cost of decorating the Town Centre:
2a.m. Music, Dancing, Cabaret, Visiting Groups, Refreshments and an alternative quiet corner. The club fee is E5 and membership is granted on personal application only. Members may sign in a limited number of bona fide guests at Management discretion at f2.00. There will be no casual admissions.
Festiva! Cassette
International Crafts Fair Billinoham Forum Open-s Saturday, August 11th at 10.30 a.m. Now a well established and popular part of the festival, the Craft fair, will be held in the Forum again this year. Here will be the opportunity to see local and regional craftsmen and craftswomen working at some of the old traditional crafts.
Their work will be on display and for sale and of course, as ever, they will be delighted to discuss some of the finer points of detail with visitors to
the Fair. The international dimension will be represented bytwo Czechoslovakian craftspeople working in woodcarving and embroidery. Open daily 10.30 a.m. 7.30 p.m. Saturday August 18th Open 10.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. WELL WORTH A VISIT!
A cassette tape of the Festival will be available
from the evening of Monday, August 13th. lt will include a record of every group appeanng. Obtainable from the Festival Shop or Festival Office - â&#x201A;Ź3.00 Postage and packing 25p extra. Any person wishing to offer their services to help with organisation of the festival during the year and during the Festival week are asked to hand their name and addresses into the Festival Office. Acknowledgement Front Cover - Alex Wilson Back Cover - Phototronics, Stockton
Booklet "The First Twenty Years" It is hoped to produce a booklet giving a history of
the Festival to date. Any person having interesting photographs of festivals in the past, which are suitable for inclusion in this book is asked to contact the Festival Office. All photographs handed in for' reproduction will be relurned.
flecorations
Boots Company PLC Forum lce Rink B. J. McCormick Manners and Harrison M. P. S. Plahe John Willis - Solicitor Bendezvous Cafe Sabia Fashion T. Todd - Optician Anglian Window Centre Commercial & General Dewhurst Eve Hairdressino Halilax Building Society R. Hodgman James - Hairdressing Menhennets Moss & Campbell National Westminster Bank Nice Buy Roys - Furnishers J. Sculley - Jeweller Supasnaps Tees Travel Agency White Young, Consultant Engineers Hymn The day Thou gavest Lord isended The day Thou gavest Lord is ended The darkness falls at Thy behest. To Thee our morning hymns ascended Thy praise shall sanctily our rest. We thank Thee thal Thy Church
unsleeping, While earth rolls onward into light, Through all the world her watch is keeping And rests nol now by day or night. As o'er each continent and island, The dawn leads on another day, The voice of prayer is never silenl Nor dies the strain of praise away. The sun that bids us rest is waking our brethren 'neath the western sky, And hour by hour fresh lips are making Thy wondrous doings heard on high. So be it, Lord, Thy throne shall never, Like earth's proud empires, pass away. Thy Kingdom stands and grows for
ever Till all Thy creatures own Thy sway.
CAIIIARY ISIANDS -
Folklore Dnsemble'Roque Nublo'from Las palmas
This most popular group which tirst participated here in 1966 makes its first visit since '1978. We shall see only one or two of the original company, which first came here so long ago, but this new generation of young people, who now make up the group, are at least the equal of their forebears in the quality of presentation of their island's traditions. The group was formed in 1955 and has had a most successful history. lt is recognised
officially as the leading group in the islands and one of the outstanding groups in Spain. They entertain visitors to Las Palmas regularly on the cruise ships, at official banquets and receptions and in the main entertainment centres. They have promoted their homeland abroad in the United States, Africa and all over Europe. The costume is different and colourful. The beautiful lace work in the girls' dresses and the bright waistcoats oI the
male dancers are the most interesting features. The instruments played include bandurias, lutes, guitars, timples, bass pipes, double bass, flute, triangle and tambourine. The music is beautiful and the sinoino brilliant. The group is"a i6stival in itself and the natural 'joie de
vivre' laughter and
spontaneous enthusiasm for making people happy are the ideal ingredient for our festival. The group will include in its
repertoire all the -l old favourites
- 'El tartanero'the very
amusing song about a'pub crawl' in a horse drawn carriage;'Pobre Rafael' the story of a hen pecked husband;'lslas Canarias' a song dedicated to the islands and other musical items sung and played in classical style. Dances to be featured are 'Santo Domingo', 'lsa' and the 'lump'song and dance " Saltozas ".
IVORY COAST - Les Compagnons D'Akati - Abidjan Thisgroup come to us as part of a CIOFF tour. Thev were formed in 1973 and rhade a
sensational appearance at some of CIOFF's French festivals in 1977. Their programme covers the whole spectrum of life in West Africa - feasts, ceremonies, rituals, mysticism, the influence of devils, nature and supernatural forces, the witch doctors etc.
Masks are a feature of dance in this area and will be worn in a number ol the productions. Other items depict hunting, sqcrifice and sun worship. The main instrument to accompany the dance is the Tom Tom but there will also be flutes and a variety of other instruments in the orchestra. They include in their musical repertoire an unusual arrangement of their National Anthem.
The ensemble is under the direction of Kourouma ]rilgu.9sa a leading personatity in lolk art and thetheatre in the lvory Coast.
COLOMEIA - Folklore Ensemble of Cali University This group appeared here in 1980, but we felt that we only saw a small part ol their repertoire on that occasion so it ib indeed a pleasure to have them retum to us. They made a big impact on their first visit and as they are under the same Director - Carmen lopez, we are sure that once again their popular programme will prove a major attrac'tion.
We shall see a mixed programme representing the three elements which made up Golombia's population - the
native lndians, Spanish colonists and African slaves. Religion, work, the country's customs, love, c,ourtshiP and death are all represented in the dances which will be portrayed on our stages. Two relioious dances are "Guabin'a Chiqu inqui rena" and "Sanjuanero". The lormer depicts a pilgrimage which has always been atraditional feature of Christianity. ln Colombia, we are told, the pilgrimage helped to preserve their folklore as it was customary to sing and dance
en route to the shrine. This cuslom is in fact returning as the Christian liturgy changes. Missionaries tell us that now they use extensively the local instruments, rhythm and songs in the worship of God in Third World Countries. "Sanjuanero" is a dance celebrating the feast of the two great apostles St. Peter and St. Paul. Death is the theme in "Garabato" which has a strong negro influence. Here death appears as a scythe chasing the dancers. One by
one they are caught and taken out ol the dancing circle until at the end the most provocative woman is fought over, with the man who accompanies her, in a duel full of mixed svmbolism and orimitive clrstoms. Death wins ine battle and the dance ends. Only the lonely echo ol the drums remain. This group is taking Part in a CIOFF tour which takes them to Beloium. Holland and Franc6 as well as England.
CZECHOSLOVAIflA - Folklore Dnsemble'Vsacan' We have established a tradition at Billingham that we receive a group from Czechoslovakia everv two years. The arrangembnt is that on one occasion we take a Slav group and the other a Czech ensemble - the traditions are very ditferent. This yearour Czech ensemble comes from Vsetin a town quite near the Slovak border and regular enthusiasts may see slight overlap of traditiohs in the presentation of this group. Most of the members are workers in the two factories of the town but there are also some students and teachers in the group. The headquarters of the qroup is the Trhde Union CtuE in the town which is the centre for all artistic activities. Support for the arts is an important lunction of the trade unions in Central and Eastern Europe. ln these lean times it would be welcomed in this country.
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The group was founded by a cymbalom player in '1943 and in the early stages concentrated on music. Most of the items in the repertoire come from theirown particular region which is known as Wallachia. The musical section is a typical Czech band with cymbalom, violin, clarinet, double bass and cello. They have in Tdenka Straskrabova an outstanding solo singer who has won many awards on the group's travels thoughout Europe. The dances from Wallachia are very old, some going back to mediaeval times. They have been arranged for presentation in the theatre and many will be new to us. They include'Zlonicky' the man's dance from feudal times. 'Portasi' which shows conflict between border guards and
smugglers.'Starodavny' which is the most ancient and beautiful dance of Wallachia and possibly an axe dance from Slovakia.
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Vsetin
HONG KONG - Folklore Ensemble'Jing Ying' 1984 'Jing Ying'means creme de la creme and this group is made up of the best dancers and musicians from the high schools ol the crown colony, backed by some experienced perlormers, and professionallY directed. They come to us by arrangement with the Hong Kong Government's Recreation and Culture Division through their government office in London. We are also most grateful to the Visiting Arts Unit whose financial assistance made possible the visit of this group to England. The dances to be presented date lrom the Zhou Dynasty 1 121 -255 BC and the Han Dynasty 206 BC - 221 AD. Since this period local cultures developed diflerent styles and manv kinds of folk dance resulted, including the Drum Dance, Kerchief Dance and Twirl Dance.
The Lion Dance and the Acrobatic Dance date lrom the Mongol Yuan Dynasty 1280' 1368 AD when martial arts and dance began to merge. ln modern China elements of western Ballet have begun to influence traditional styles which may result in Purists here questioning the ethnic style but western art itself has always been oPen to nonwestbrn influences. The oresent contact can be seen hs simply another stage in the long histbry of imPortation and adaptation that has always characterised Chinese dance. The strong musical grouP will play a wide variety of instruments including the ER-HU one of a lamilY of Chinese bowed instruments, the Yano-ouin or Chinese Dulcime-r (iompare it with the cvmbalom of the Czechs and Moldavians); the PiPa similar to a mandoline but Played vertically;the Dizi a bamboo flute; Drums, Gongs, CYmbals and Clappers.
INDIA - Folklore Ensemble 'JanavaK from the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad Janavak comes to us under the leadership of Malika Sarabhaiwho is lndia's representative at CIOFF. A dynamic charming young lady she is a trained classical dancer; an actress who has starred in 25 films yet holds a Masters Degree in Management and a Ph. D. in Psychology. ln Billingham she will be the group's vocal soloist. The Darpana Academy trains students in the music, dance and drama of lndia. 'Janavak' is the section which specialises in folk dance. This group has 30 members and studies and presents folk dance from many parts of lndia.
lncluded in the dances are the Lusha's Bamboo Dance performed by the Mizo Tribe in Assam, Wedding dances from Raiasthan and Gujarat; the New Year's Day dance from Kerala; Masked dances from West Bengal and tribal items from Dharampur. The choreographer is Mrs. Mrinalini Sarabhai (Malika's mother) who is Director of the Darpana Academy. Manaser is Mr'
IiI".ns?BB:
The dancers are full time students at the academy; the musicians are all specialist professionals. Costumes are the same dress as worn today in rural areas. Regional varieties are great as are the range of colours. Costume of dances from the desert regions tend to be bright as though to compensate for the dryness of nature while those from the lush green areas tend to be plain orwhite. Women's @stumes range lrom the Saris worn in many different rays to the sjlrong like lungito white skirts. The men's dothes vary from the unstitched Dhorti to tapered uousers and frock like waist coats. The most important qnponentof the musicof frlan folk dance, be it from rrrth orsouth. is the ranoe of percrssion instruments. The only other instruments used are wind instruments like the flute, the pungiand bhungal.
This group appears in Billingham through sponsorship by the lndian Government, lndian Ministry of Tourism and Air lndia.
MF)(ICO - Folklore Ensemble of the City of Guadalajara The traditions prgsenleg by previous groups from Mexico at this festival have proved so popular that it is by public demand that we bring this new group to Billingham. Regular patrons note that the ensemble comes from the city of Guadalajara, not the university. Their Director is, however, lamiliar with Billingham. He is Luis Gallardo who was here with the university group, so he will understand our organisation, audiences and standards. Ouroldfriend, Ralael Zamampa,who came here three times with the university
group might travelwith the ensemble if he is fit to do so he has not been too well since we last saw him in 1980. What makes Mexican folklore so attractive? I think you would get many ditferent answers to this question from our audiences. The colour and variety ol their costumes is certainly one ol the outstanding features; the beautifulgirls and the handsome young men who wear them another; the music with urgent exciting rhythms dominated by the strident notes of the trumpet is certainly very pleasant to our
ears. There are many, many reasons but probably the two most important are the variety of the repertoire and the sheer joy and happiness conveyed by the performers. To take the latter first Mexicans love to sing, dance and make music; it seems to us natural for them to mount a stage in front ol us and entertain themselves, each other, and an audience. This happiness and "joie de vivre" is conveyed to us and is really the ovenrhelming factor in making us come to Billingham. The spirit of Mexicans epitomises this festival and all
the others of its kind throughout the world. The repertoire is so varied and attractive because traditions throughout the ditferent states are very ditferent. Guadalajara is in Jalisco and we shall ol course see dances from this region as well as Oaxaca, Zacatecas and other regions. The Festival Committee is grateful to the mayor ol Guadalajara without whose co-operation this group's presence here would not have been possible.
PUERTO RICO - Folk Ballet Company'Areyto' - San Juan 'Areyto'is the National Folk Ballet Company of Puerto Rico and come to Billingham under the direction of lrene
Jiminez McLean who represents Puerto Rico at CIOFF. She is also the organiser of the famous folklore Festival held in San Juan each January which always begins on New Year's Day. The group was founded in 1958 by the lnstitute of Puerto Rican Culture. The aim was to hqyq a performing company
which could preserve and promote the folk traditions of the islands.
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We will see in their repertoire the influence of the three sections of the population which together now make up the people of the island - the original inhabitants - the 'lndians'; the Spanish who colonised the country and the descendants of the negro slaves brought from Africa to work in the plantations. The director describes their presentation as folkloric portraits with happiness, rhythm and colour being the main feature of their items. Several of the dances are linked to important occasions in the Christian calendar "The
Feast of the Three Kings"; "The Feast of the Holy lnnocents". We will see the typically negroid'Bomba' dances which will be an interesting contrast to Dances from High Society in the 1gth Century which will no doubt be in classical Spanish style. Other interesting inclusions in a very varied programme are "Cock Fights" which may have a relationship to the voodoo traditions for which the Caribbean is famous and the Carnival Dance from the town of Loiza Aldea. Areyto have travelled widely to penorm
in many different countries Spain, Mexico, U.S.A., lsrael, Africa, South America, ltaly and Canada - have all had visits from the group. Last year they had a three week season at the Epcot Centre in Disneyworld, Orlando, Florida. ln addition they give 200 perlormances a year in Puerto Rico. They are a welcome attraction to our 20th Festival.
REUNION ISI"AND - Folklore Ensemble'Les Dtincel lis' Panon Reunion lsland is situated in the westem lndian Ocean. lt is located about 400 miles east of Madagascar and 110 miles
south west of Mauritius. lt has a population of approximately 500,000 and is an overseas French department. One of France's solutions to colonial problems was to make the territory an actual part of their countrywith the people being given the rights of a French citizen. Renunion sends three deputies and two senators to the French Legislature and French is the official language. The island has a very mixed population. Sugar is the main product and 85% of Reunion's exports are by products of sugar. African slaves were brought in to work the plantations and when slavery was abolished, indentured labour was brought in from lndochina, lndia and East Africa. Ourgroup comes from a village in the east of the island. It is made up of young people between the ages of 13 and 20. They are taking part in a number of CIOFF Festivals in Western Europe coming to us from Sidmouth and then going on toJambes in Belgium. Their repertoire is as mixed as the population of the island. The sound is at times African, at other times French and sometimes resembles'pop'. Guitars, electric guitars, drums and other percussion are included in the instruments. Dances include'Maloya' a primitive slave dance; Quadrille which was brought in by white settlers of the 18th and early 19th centuries; polkas and waltzes which were again the importations of
the middleclass. The most exciting item is the Sega which is danced all overthe island by allclasses ol people. The themes dealwith ordinary aspects of life - work, sunshine, love etc. All through the year new segas are invented and danced in the colourful costumes of the island. Director Jean Yves Clain.
U.S.S.R. - Folklore Ensemble'Miorits'- Kishinev - Moldavia We are indeed fortunate to have a return visit from this most talented group which made such an impression at the 1982 Billingham Festival. We express our gratitude to the cultural statf of the Soviet Embassy in London;to Lev Tutikov from the Ministrv of Culture in Moscow (he i6 tne CIOFF Representaiive for the U.S.S.R.); to the Minister of Culture for Moldavia; and the Mayor ol Kishinev who have made this group's presence here possible. Moldavia is adiacent to Romania and ihe dances and music of 'Miorits'will remind us of Romanian groups we have seen here. The orchestra is of the hiohest quality and will again-be conducted by Vasilii Goya who gave us so much pleasure on the last visit. Goya is recognised as one of the outstanding conductors and composers in the U.S.S.R. having written the score for at least six films. His musicians, playing violins,
violas, clarinets, accordeons, cello, double bass, pan pipes and cymbalom will be one of the most exciting features of this year's festival. The quality of the dance section; its energy, expertise and precision thrilled allwho saw them in 1982. The gypsy suite is one of the most attractive items ever presented at Billingham and will leature prominently in the repertoire this year. The group will also include traditional songs ol Moldavia, the surrounding region and Russia. Pavel Andreichenko who is the ensemble's director has also promised us some new items so altogether we can expect a feast of dance, music and song which is almost a festival in itself. Patrons should note that the group will give its major prograirmds in the Forum Theatre on Saturday and Sunday evening and in th-e College Ttieatre on Tuesday and Thursday night.
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YUGOSI"AVIA - Folklore Ensemble'Tanec' - Skopj e "Tanec" is one of Yugoslavia's four professional companies. The group was lormed in 1949 and its headquarters is virtually a living lolklore museum where young people are taught the traditions of their province Macedonia as well as other parts of theircountry. There are 250 persons in the junior group aged between 7-23 years. At 23 you may or may not be given a place in the professional group dependent upon your ability and progress. It is from this youth group that the ensemble at Billingham has been chosen. They have a very wide repertoire and will present a variety ol dances, music and songs at our festival. They include the "Sitting Party" with which they open their programme on Saturday August 11th. This is from east Macedonia and shows the evening pastimes ol young people lrom Berovo - Delcevo district - sitting in the gardens singing, dancing and falling in love. Other items show bravery, humour, fighting, wars and of course, more love stories. Most of the repertoire is from their own region but we will also see Slovenian, Albanian and Serbian dancers. lncluded in several of their programmes is "Glumioc" the well known item from Bosnia and Herzegovina which is performed without any musical accompaniment. There are folk songs arranged by Ratko Gelevskiind sung by Valentina Krstenska and Vera Georgievska. Composers and choreographers are Blagoja Filipovski, Gile Vasilev, the group's manager, Trajko
Prokopiev, Vasa Popovic, Emanuel Cuckov and Georgi Dimoecski. Yugoslav groups have always been popular at Billingham and this group's repertoire and programme promise something very special. Their photographs were lost in the post so we reproduced a picture ol those old lavourites Tine Rozanc in Macedonian costume.
Billingham Silver Band The present Billingham Silver Band began as anattachment to the Stockton Home Guard Unit in 1943. Afterfive years the Stockton Home Guard Band was adopted by the Malleable Works and lnstitute, continuing under this title from 1 948 to 1 966. Moves to a new band room in Billingham coupled with an influx ol young members, saw the renaming of the band to its present title. By 1 978 the band having almost replaced its ageing instruments, was in a position to compete successfully in the National and Local contests.
This year the band has achieved its greatest success, winning through to the Finals of the NationalBrass Band Championships of Great Britain to be held in the Royal Albert Hall in London later this year. Much of this continued success can be attributed to the present Musical Director, Vaughan Evans, under whose baton the band has matured to its present position. The band has taken part in every lestival and we congratulate them for their loyal support throughout the years.
Anglo'American Ambassadors Marching Swing Band of Redcar The Anglo-American Ambassadors Marchino Swing Band was formet in 1976 on the same lines as the Marching Youth Bands in the South. That is, not a Juvenile Jazz Band, but musicians, a Drum Corps and an American High School type auxiliary corps. lt is stillthe only Band of this kind in the North. The members are between 11 and
21 years of age and perform a variety of music from military to pop. Most of the instruments are provided by the Band and a variety of spares are available for beginners wishing to join. Each member of the Auxiliary Corps is asked to learn all the disciplines, pom-poms, maces, twirling flags and batons. The Band perform
throughout the summer at parades fetes, galas, etc., and are putting together an indoor programme suitable for venues smaller than the half a lootball pitch required for the summer display. Apart from local engagements in Cleveland, the Band appeared in many towns, including Scarborough, Boston, Lincs., Leicester, Malton, a week in
Scotland and in 1980 successfully completed an exchange visit to the U.S.A. The band can be seen in John Whitehead Park from 1 .15 2.15 p.m. on FestivalSunday, and in the parade on the Causeway which follows their performance in the park. I
Stockton Morris Men Stochon Morris Men were formed underthe direction of Ron Smedley 30 years ago. They are a team which are respected throughout this region and the whole country for their consistent hioh standards of performince. The group has appeared almost every year since 1965 at Billingham and we see them once again performing the dance most traditionai to our region,'The Northumbrian Rapper Sword', at the Opening Concert.
DerbyCrown Ladies Morris Ladies dancing Morris is a
controversial topic amongst folk dancers of inis couniry. tt is not a question of "Women's Lib" but simply that a lot of people do not think it is traditional. Many ladies sides have become established in recent years and it was felt by the Festival Committee that we should show our audiences this new tradition. There are a number of groups in this area but we have-gone to Derby for a ladies team solely because it has the reputation of being one of the best in the country.
E
Cashel Ceili Band This group is the band of Northern Folk which has appeared at Billingham several times in recent years. It is directed by Richie Burlinson, a quantity surueyor, who has a great talent for making arrangements of folk music. Some of the suites he has put together featuring English, lrish and Scottish rhythms have been an important factor in the success of Northern Folk at festivals in other countries. The band plays atthe Ceiliin the College Theatre on Saturday night, August 11th.
Mike Walton This well known member of the Stockton Morris Men is one of the best known folk dance Callers in the region. He will M.C. the Ceiliwith the CashelCeili Band on Saturday night.
Shiremoor Maners This group appeared here as part of the Northumbrian Traditional Group last year. They were so popular that we have decided to present them again at the concert which orecedes the Closino beremony. They arelhe best known exponents of 'Geordie' songs in the region. They will be accompanied on the accordeon by Joe Bennett, one of the great folklorists of this region who has made a major contribution, throughout his lifetime, to preserving the old traditions of North East England. For visitors to the area "Marrer" is a mining term for "Mate" or very close friend. Shirernoor is a mining village nearWhitley Bay in Northumberland.
Eillingham Choral Society It is a pleasure to welcome back again this well known group from our community who make their third consecutive appearance at the festival. They will lead the community singing on the final
evenrng.
StocktonVocal Union Join the Billingham Choirlor this particular part of our programme and we are sure that the traditional voices of this group which has an outstanding reputation in the region, will make the last night of the festival even more enjoyable than it has been. The community singing will be organised by the conductor of the Billingham Choir, Margaret Pringle.
NewtonAycliffe Scots Pipe and Drum Eand This band has played a distinguished part in the success of Northern Folk in recent years and has perlormed in France, ltaly, Poland and Holland. They are however an outstanding band in their own right, and have played with distinction throughout the region, and in Scotland since 1963. They will be at Billingham this year for the Festival Sunday celebrations and will lead the Torchlight Procession on the last night. Their leader this year is Pipe Major Brian Bobinson, a young piper of great ability. Deserving a mention behind the scenes are Tom Wilson, the Secretary and Bart Erskine, Treasurer, whose organisation makes this group a most efficient and workmanlike team of musicians.
Leeds Community
Arts Company Six people from this company are'coming here to provide the
entertainment at the Children's Club. Led by Uncle Biff they will be in action each moming at 10.30 a.m. in the
CollegeTheatre. On the final Saturdaythey will
maks an appearance atttle Concert in the av6r*ng: Uncle Bilf is David Moutrey who hails from Billingham and teaches Drama in Oldham. David is the grandson of Frank Moutrey one of the stalwart characters who have helped make this festivalwhat it is today. Frank has been Front of House Manageratthe Colleoe Theatre since the eartie-st days of the event and like us he is delighted at David carrying on the family tradition by making a major contribution to the success of
thefestival.
the tuition is done through the medium of Welsh, which is quite natural as Talog is in the lieart of the Welsh sPeaking
areaof WestWales. Althouoh a comDaritivelv young ieam, DawnsrvyrTalog havehad some outstanding suc@sses culminating in winnino the best Welsh folk dance Ieam, last year at both of Wales' major festivals the National -namely Eisteddlod of Wales at Llangefri (Anglesey) and the National Cerdd Dant at Aberystwyth. Success at solo and duet dances have also been achieved at National level by members of the team. Dawnswvr Taloq have visited a numbei of festivals including St. Niklaas in Belgium and also Lesneven in BrittanY. Members oltheteam have also performed in the U.S.A., Canada, Germany, Sweden and ltaly.
Nantgarw near Cardiff, e.g. Ceiliog y Rhedyn (the Grasshopper dance); the slower sedate dances performed in days gone bY in various Courts, e.g. Llanofer; and also a large numberof social and clog dances.
Luclry Numbers
Competition
The Lucky Numbers Comoetition will cover the period of the Festivaland all members of the public ourchasino a Festival Souvenir Erochure. lncluded on the opposite cover of this Brochure there is a number, and that number may equate with a prize displayed in one ol the many shops in the Town Centre either in the window or inside the shop. lf vou are able to track down in
oie ol the many shops the number that appears in Your Brochure, then you must go into the shop with your Brochure and number after fillino in vour name and addiessin the space indicated and request your Prize.
LuckyNo. 1
488
The dances include the wild, boisterous'fair' dances that come from the village ol Name
Address
DawnswvrTaloo is a
All orizes can be collected after 5 p.m. on the last day of the Festival, Saturday, 18th
comparitively ndw Welsh folk dance team lormed in September 1979 and based around the village ol Talog near Carmarthen in South West Wales. The dancers are Welsh speaking and in fact all
A list of shops entering will be displayed in the Boyes Debartmental Store, Festival Ticket Office and Festival Office.
Dawnswyr Talog
August,1984.
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