Tyne Tees Television has a long history of involvement rruith the arts in the North East. Support for regional theatres, rnrriters, painters and film-rnakers is a
cornerstone of our programming policy'
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IVIORE PEOPLE
TL.'RI\! TO TYNE
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Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival August 14th to 20th 1994 Festival Committee President: The Worshipful the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees
Councillor K.Dobinson Chairman:
County Council lor Mrs.M.Taylol M.B.E.,J.P., Vice Chairman: Councillor H.L.Davies, M.B.E.
Director: Mrs.Rita Conroy Councillor Miss E.Croot Councillor J.Vaughan County Council lor E.Wood
Organised by the Festival Committee in conjuction with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, who give a cash grant and provide considera ble services.
Affiliated to the lnternational Council of Folklore Festivals and Folk Art (C.l.O.F.F.) Other main sponsers: lCl on Teesside Northern Arts Visiting Arts Phillips Petroleum (UK) Ltd. Stockton & Billingham College of Further Education
Mr.D.Brewer Mr.M.R.Bryan
Mr.M.Hodgson Mrs.S.Lawson
Mr.B.Lightfoot Miss M.Potts Mr.l.Russell
Mr.K.Sidney Mr.G.Watson Hon.Treasurer: Mr. D.J.Otter Ad mi n.Off icer: Mrs.A.Watson
Mr.M.Monument: Northern Arts
f
Considerable support also has been received from: BASE Billingham Youth & Community Centre, Billingham Arms, Billingham Shopping Centre, Boyes Stores, Castle Centre, Cleveland Centre, Dickens Hypermarkets, Fine Organics, Samsung Electronics Manufacturing (UK) Ltd., Teesside Development Corporation, Tioxide, Travelwise Billingham.
August is a wonderful month - in the calendar of the folklore world and in the calendar of local people here in Billingham. lt is in this month each year that we have the opportunity to welcome our friends from many countries. They come for one short week to entertain us, to bring us some of their culture, their music, their customs and their dance. Many of them come as friendly strangers but depart as good friends. This is the hallmark of the Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival. From Mexico to Taiwan, from Georgia to Argentina, from Russia to lsrael, from ltaly to Slovenia, they come here in August. We are particularly pleased this year to have the Formosa Aboriginal Singing and Dancing Troupe from Taiwan. This is a somewhat different kind of group, very exciting and very colourful and they are visiting us for the first time. All these delightful groups will be well supported by many old favourites from the United Kingdom. The Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival enables communities across the world to unite in peace and friendship. People here are delighted to play a part, however small in promoting international peace and
understanding Enjoy the Festival
"Acting together for the common good we must make a success of this event, we must succeed in all this in the interests of all those who value peace, human dignity and friendship" (Nelson Mandela)
Chairperson of the Festival County Councillor
The Festival President, The Worshipful the Mayor
Professor Arnold Wolfenda le The Astronomer Royal
M rs.M.Taylor; M.B. E.,J. P.,
of Stockton-on-Tees Councillor K.Dobinson
University of Durham. To open Billingham Folklore Festival
Daily Programme Saturday 13 August 1.45pm PARADE TEAVES TELSTAR' Town Centre
2.30pm OPENING CEREMONY & CONCERT
Sponsored bY: l.C'|. on Teesside' All GrouPs from abroad, Stockton Morris and RaPPer Team, Billingham Silver Band 7.30 pm - Midnight COLLEGE THEATRE Ceili with the Waggoners Folk Dance Band. Caller: Brian Padgett. Stockton Morris and Rapper Team, ltaly, English, lrish and Scottish Dancing for all Licensed Bar. Admission f2.50
7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Opening Theatre Concert Sponsored by: Phillips Petroleum (UK) Ltd. lsrael; Senegal; Slovenia; Georgia Argentina; Russia; Taiwan; Mexico'
with GrouPs. Licensed
Bar'
Admission f2.50 7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Concert sponsored by: Tioxide Europe Ltd, ltaly; Argentina - Senegal, Georgia'
TuesdaY
15 August
2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Geoigia; Taiwan; Mexico; Senegal; Slovenia; lsrael' 7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Concert sPonsored bY: Travelwise Billingham. Slovenia; Georgia - Taiwan;
Mexico.
WednesdaY 17 August 2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Concert sPonsored bY: Dickens Hypermarkets. lsrael; Senegal; Georgia; Taiwan; Mexico; ltaly; Argentina; Russia' 7.30pm COTLEGE THEATRE Coniert sPonsored bY: Cleveland Centre. Taiwan; Mexico - Georgia;
Sunday 14 August 2.30pm PARADE OF GROUPS 3.00pm TOWN CENTRE Concert with U.K., Argentina; ltalY; lsrael; Russia; Mexico; Slovenia; Georgia'
lsrael.
7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Coniert sPonsored bY: BASF ltalY;
Argentina - Senegal; Russia'
ThursdaY 18 August
MondaY 15 August 10am COLTEGE THEATRE Opening of the Children's Club' Sponsored by: Castle Centre, Stockton' dn daily Monday - Friday. Admission by Membership Card f 1.50 (including Badge). Details from Festival Office' 2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Taiwan; Slovenia; Senegal; Russia'
7.3OPM COLLEGE THEATRE Concert SPonsored bY: Billingham ShoPPing Centre. Senegal; Argentina - ltaly; Russia' 7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Concert sPonsored bY: Samsung Electronics UK. lsrael; Taiwan - Slovenia;
7.30pm- COTLEGE THEATRE
Mexico.
11pm lnternational Dance Evening with
Taiwan; Russia; Slovenia. Participation
!r
2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Italy; lsrael; Russia; Slovenia
Friday 19 August 2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Senegal; Georgia; Taiwan; Argentina 7.30pm COIIEGE THEATRE The Philip Conroy Memorial Concert All Groups from abroad 7.30pm FORUM THEATRE Gala Concert sPonsored bY: Fine Organics. All Groups from abroad
SaturdaY 20 August 2.00pm Parade to Town Centre 2.30pm TOWN CENTRE Farewell Concert sponsored by Boyes Stores. All GrouPs from abroad' The Walker FamilY (Clog Dancing Group). Presentation of Pennants
lnternational Farandole 7.30pm TOWN CENTRE Coniert bY Billingham Silver Band; Marie Little; Walker FamilY (Clog Dancing GrouP) 8.45pm Torchlight Procession starts from College led bY Newton AYcliffe Pipe Band
9.15pm Closing CeremonY with Billingham Silver Band
PRICES OF ADMTSSTON 1994 TOWN CENTRE Saturday I3th August
Seat
Adult
Stand A
f3.00 f2.50 f2.50 f1.00 f2.75 t2.50 f2.50
Stand Stand Stand Sunday, Tuesday
B C
D
Stand A
Wednesdav and Saturday zoth
Stand Stand Stand
Thursday and
A f2.00 Stand B f1.50 Stand C f1.50 Stand D f1.00 All Seats f 1.50 Stands A./B/C f0.75* Stand D f0-50*
Friday
Sat. Evening 20th Aug. Monday 15th only
B
C D
f 'r.00
Stand
COLLEGE THEATRE
Child/OAP
f2.50 f 1.50 f 1.50
f0.50 f2.oo f 1.00
f 1.00 f0.50
Monday 1 5th Tuesday 1 6th Wednesday and
Stalls/Circle
f5.50
Stalls/Circle
f5.00
Th ursday
All seats 2 for f5.00* Stalls/Circle f5.00 Circle/Balcony f4.00
Friday Gala Concert
StallVCircle
f 7-00*
Circle/Balcony f5.50*
seats seats seats seats
f2.50 f2.50 f 1.50*
Families of 3 or more 50p each Single seats - 75p each Balconv/Front Stallsf 5.50*
Centre'Stalls f5.oo* Rear
Stalls
f6.00*
f 1.00
f0.50
f 1.00
Circle/Balcony f4.50 Circle/Balcony f4.00
Friday Gala Concert
All All All All
f 1.00 f r.00
FORUM THEATRE
Saturday 1 3th
Ceili Sat. l3th lnt. Dance Evening Wednesday Thursday
f2.50 f 2.00
BAD WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS ln the event of inclement weathe4 there will be no torchlight procession and the Closing Ceremony will be held in the College Theatre. The first 400 tickets sold will transfer to this venue. lf the weather prevents the start of any outside concert that concert will be held in the College Theatre on Sunday, Thursday and Friday. On both Saturdays. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday the concert will be held in the Forum and College Theatre. Ticket holders are guaranteed a performance but, if an outside concert starts and has to be abandoned - no refund will be made.
KP FOODS GROUP
THE EMPLOYEES OF KP FOODS CRISP FACTORY WISH THE 30th BILLINGHAM INTERNAIIONAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL EVERY SUCCESS MAKERS OF CRISPS NUTS, SNACKS COWPEN LANE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MACKLIN AVENUE, BILLINGHAM, CLEVELAND TS23 4DU
t
THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE WO
STOCKTON.ON.TEES BOROUGH COUNCIL Serving: BILLINGHAM
a a a o a
Parks, allotments & open spaces Museums & Art GallerY Swimming Pools &
Sports Centres Festivals, playschemes and events Refuse collection
. o
STOCKTON THORNABY o YARM' & AREA O Community charge benefits Street sweeping &
'
cleansing
o o o o a
Markets Cemeteries Road Safety Car parks
Housing benefits
Stockton NORTHERN
House renovation grants Warden call service Planning & Building control Environmental improvements Architecturalservices
for l9cat PeoPle
L4oarviceal
wpported bj
O O O O O
Billing@
COLLE,GE of Further Education
TEESS'DE O'U Together in the CommunitY Working
Visiting Arts
D LIKE TO THANK ITS SPONSORS
.$.
g {-+
CLEVELAND CENTRE MIDDLESBROUGH
BILLINGHAM SHOPPING
CASTLE CENTRE China
Arts +@*hlt
trffi Billingham
TEESISTDE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CENTRE
BASF
Billingham Arms Hotel
YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOPS is for the 13 to 21 age group will be held in the college Music Room. Tuesday's workshop the wednesdav workshop for 6 to and wiil feature the srovenian group. Th; ii;E; gjo,e *itt "tt"naf4.50, which iniludes a ticket to the be will ,t2 yearotds. The air".i.iir tia'ire- oLlgrttoffi.Ed.ih; lost .in be obtained from the Festival office in afternoon pertormaii"lir-,-tr,"i detaiis ,;; ;ppli.;iion tor.t the Town Square.
The workshops
NOTICES
Friends of the Festival
Annual fees: single Adults - f 5'00; Membership is open to single adults-or coqp-les and their children. AoJi coup'les - it.so; child (under 16) f2'00 Benefits:
o a
opening of PRIoRITY BOOKINGS for three days prior to the normal
. a
FREE SOUVENIR PROGRAMME
the Box office'
and March keeping you in touch BI-ANNUAL NEWSLETTER from the Directer in November/December with Festival PreParations.
FREE CHILDREN'S CLUB MEMBERSHIP
for under
12's
Dates of the 1995 Festival
on Saturday,'l9th August' Nextyear,s Festival will commence on 12th Augustand end Forum lnterval Drinks
on their arrival at the theatre' Forum patrons are strongly advised to order interval drinks
i-
I.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES The Children's Club meea.egqh. morning in the College Theatre from 1Oam Monday, 15th August until Friday, 19th August.
to 11am
commencing on
Children's entertainment_will be provided each day and the groups listed below for the library will also appear at the Children's CIub. Membership, f1.50, which includes the cost of a badge, can be applied for at the Festival Office in the Municipal Buildings in the Town Centre or at the Theatre on club days.
ROSEBERRY
BRANCH LIBRARY Each morning the activities will start at 11am with folk stories followed by the visits from the groups for song, dance etc. with the children partiiipating.
I
Monday
August 15th ARGENTINA
Tuesday
August 16th TAIWAN
Wednesday
August 17th RUSSIA
Thursday
August 18th MEXICO
Friday
August'lgth
ISRAEL
ARGENTINA BALLET "EL TREBOL"
. EL TREBOL, SANTA FE
The group was founded in 1..978 by Gracia Pons and Victor Recalde in the town of El Trebol in the province of Santa Fe.
It soon became a popular Dance Club for youngsters. They were
taught traditiona I Argentine dances from all regions of the country which covered different eras in Argentina's history. The group's repertoire includes lively dance steps from gauchos and labourers to the more sedate movements of the higher classes
of Argentinian society. The ensemble is young but their presentation is graceful, mature,
exciting and impressive. The group has performed at major festivals and other events in Europe, America and the Middle East. They give many performances at social functions in Santa Fe and other provinces of Argentina. This is the first representation the Festival has received from Argentina.
Dirctors: Gracia Pons Victor Hugo Recalde
10
GEORGIA FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE "ROCKVA" . TBLISI, GEORGIA The beauty and originality of Georgian folk dance is perhaps due to the ability to reflect so many aspects of the cou.ntry's life. Dances are divided, according to their origin and content, into ritual and ceremonial, work, games aid comic items. They are presented by soloists, pairs and groups. The general dancing of the women has a decorous flowing style with small steps. Long skirts hide the movement of ttie feet, creating the impression of an even flowing movement. The male dancersboast'a highly original technique fol unlike other dancersiio the woito, t6ey dance on their'toes, without the aid of blocked shoes. The musical accompaniment is provided by a variety of folk instru menta lists.
"Rockva" will bring 40 artistes to Billingham andyyill present items from all regions of the country. lncluded in the ensemble's wide repertoire is partza, one,ijt the oldest Georgian dances; Katuli - an expression of.chivalry by men towards women who must be treated Virith the gieaiest of respect. The man is not allowed to touch the women, not even with the hem of his robe. jlhis requires tremendous
skill; Khandjluri, a warriors'dance is performed with swords and knives, and providing some humour an old comic dance of Tblisi artisans - Kintauri. The company has travelled overseas on many occasions, representing their country in many Europen cities and in the Far East. Accompanying the ensemble is Mr. Levan Kasrsdze - Vice President of CIOFF- Georgia, and the group,s sponsor Mr. Vakhtang Katamadze, whose support has enabled the members of "Rockva" tJtravelto rrijtani.- -r-" Director:
Lamzira Sanikidze
Artistic Director: Nodari Djanichvili Ballet
I
Master:
Outcha Dvalichvili
ISRAEL
HORA NEURIM JERUSALEM . JERUSALEM The "Hora Neurim Jerusalem", under the patronage of the Jerusalem municipality, is the youth ensemble of the Hora Association for Dance & Song, a non-prof it maki ng organisation aimed at preserving ethnic lsraeli folklore through dance, music and song. "Hora Jerusalem" was formed 30 years ago by a small group of dance enthusiasts. The new company met with wide acclaim, winning prizes in.lsrael and abroad. Today the organisation has a meinbership of almost 600 dancers. Over the years, the troupes have appe'bred, with success, at folklore events in Western and Eastern Europe, and North and South America. The full compliment of "Hora Neurim" numbers 50 dancers and 15 musicians and singers, all aged 15-18 years. The troupe appears at major artistic events in Jerusalem and throughout the country representing lsrael in
international'festivals all overtheworld. The ensemble is often featured on lsraeli and other national television programmes.
"Hora Neurim" presents a rich and varied artistic programme, reflecting the colourful tapestry of lsraeli folklore: Hora, Ethnic Dances and Biblical and other themes. The ensemble's wide repertoire includes lsraeli dances created by the best of lsrael's choreographers today, as well as traditional dances brought to the country by Jews from all corners of the globe. The variety and abundance of its programme has earned the ensemble a reputation for exuberant performances. General Manager: lsrael Shapira
I
BILLINGHAM 1994 - GROUPS & ARTISTES The guaranteed support of lCl on Teesside has enabled the Festival Committee to maintain the high standard of visiting groups. ARGENTINA
Ballet "El Trebol" El
Trebol, Sante
-
Fe.
GEORGIA
Folklore Ensemble "Rockva"
-
Tblisi ISRAEL
"Hora Neurim" - Jerusalem ITALY
"l Bej" - Erba,
(Como)
MEXTCO
"Magisterial" - Mexico City RUSSIA
"Zolotye Kupola" (Golden Domes) - Kurgan, Siberia. SENEGAL
Cultural Association of Ngalam Louga
-
STOVENIA
Sava Kranj Folklore Group - Kranj TAIWAN
The Formosa Aboriginal Singing and Dancing Troupe - Taipei UNITED KINGDOM
Billingham Silver Band Marie Little Newton Aycliffe Pipe Band Stockton Morris and Rapper Team The Waggoners Folk Dance Band
(Caller: Brian Padgett) The Walker Family (Clog Dancers)
I
L994
A WORLD OF COLO
UL ENTERTAINMENT
I
1994
THE UNITED NATIONS OF FOLKLORE
BILLINGHAM ARMS HOTE,L WELCOMES B
ILLINGHAM 1$+ERNATI.NAL FOLKLORE FESTIVAL
s ^o** 'nn,'oz ^oor+'
^{otPRrDE oF
"-9
%
.LEVELAND
- llpm Mon. to Sat. 3pm. 7p* - 10.30pm
Open 11am Sunday Noon -
REFRESHMENTS AVAILABLE IN ONE OF
OUR THREE RESTAURANTS ALL DAY, FROM A FULL LUNCH OR DINNER TO TEA AND BISCUITS WHY NOT JOIN US IN THE FESTIVE SPIRIT FOR A DRINK PRIOR TO OR AFTER THE
PERFORMANCE
The Causeway'Billingham. TS23 2HD Hotel Bookings and Reception (0642) 553661 Conference Bookings & Administration (0642) 360880 Fax (0642) 552104
I
INTERNATIONAL CRAFT FAIR Visit the lnternational Craft Fair in the Forum. We have another selection of top quality craft workers again in 1994, some old, some new, including Miss N.J.Hall of Norton with excellent ceramics, all produced in her own workshop and Mrs. Angela Chapman of Stockton with pyrographics. Ann Haddon returns with her fine glass engravings. Geoff Race with his woodturning, carvings and endless chatter is here once again. Corn dollies, lace, walking sticks, fine silver and gold jewelry by Sampson's of Middlesbrough. We are fortunate in having a return visit this year from the wonderful husband and wife team from China. Their works of art in the Chinese style made a valuable contribution
to last year's Craft Fair. Water colours, oil paintings, wool spinning, embroidery and many other crafts will be demonstrated, contributing to another quality Craft Fair.
will be your ideal opportunity to buy your "special" Christmas gifts for your "special" people. This
Open Saturday, 13th August at 10.30am
Continuing Throughout the Week 10.30am to 7.30pm. Last Saturday 20th August 10.30am
to 5.30pm.
THE GALLEY
COFFEESHO? west Precinct, Town centre, Billingham Open from 8.3oam
Try our famous frothY coffee. Full Menu From 99p Breakfasts To Braised Steak, Lasagne, Mini Kievs, Salads, Curry, Home made Mince & Dumplings, Mince Pie all with vegetables, chips or potatoes or tice' Fresh scones, Quiches, cakes baked fresh each day'
MRGEST MENU IN CTEUELAND. YOU 6RE WETCOME ET THE G6ttEY.
ITALY
GRUPPO FOLKLORISTICO CITTA DI ERBA
"I BEI" .
ERBA, COMO
"l Bej" comes to us from the town of Erba. The whole community takes an interest in the group and is very proud of its success. The ltalian group
The group was formed in'1927 by a group of friends who were anxious to keep the Brianza culture alive. They have succeeded in doing so by constantly researching, performing and teaching the traditional music, song and dance. The repertoire of the group includes items which reflect joyful periods of the year like harvesting and haymaking, as well as recalling the hard life endured by peasants in the fields and silk mills. Costume is the typical dress of the Lombard period (16th century). Girls wear full skirts, coloured handkerchiefs and silver headgear. Men are dressed in green jackets and knickerbockers, white socks and broad brimmed feathered hats. Music is provided by strange instruments called 'firlinfu', which are a modern version of pan pipes.
"l Bej" has received many awards but the Gold Medal, presented by the Mayor of Erba on behalf of the Municipality, is a precious possession. The group received this in recognition of the major contribution its members have made, through the years, to promote and preserve traditional customs. Concerts by the gloup have been staged in most of the cities of Europe.
and other events far and wide. President;
"l Bej"
is in great demand by Festivals
Angelo Molinari
Conductor & Chorus
Master:
Pina Guiseppe
19
MEXICO CONJUNTO FOLKLORICO'MAGISTERIAL"
. MEXICO CITY "Magisterial" from Mexico CitY is making a return visit to Billingham lnternitional Folklore Festival following its first impressive and very popular first appearance in 1990. The members of the company are teachers or students. All are dedicated to preserving Mexico's traditional arts and take an active part in researching ancient customs, music, songs, poetry and dances. This information is not only recorded but is passed on, by teaching,
to the younger generation.
Thirty-five artistes will stage an
extravaganza of Mexican traditional music, song and dance during the eight day festival. The ensemble's repertoire includes items from all regions of the country and from many eras-in Mexican history. Performances will reflect the cultur-al influences Spain and other European countries have had on Mexican lndians.
costumes. Each of these will be The group,s performances will be enhanced by many colourful,attractive very elaborate while others are quite are some presented. appropriate to the region and era of the it"*iO"i"si simple. sedate and quiet pieces' Musical accompaniment will vary from lively exciting tunes to more ,,Magisterial,, has performed all over the world. lt is in g.reat demand in Mexico for festivals, theatre shows' folklore festivals in Europe, U's'A', Asia television, etc. The ensemble has taken p"riin rnort of [rre major will be the only U.K. venue in the group's Billingham nrlii.u. and'soutt'r eiii* (inctuding china and G;"J European tour in 1994.
Directing the Group is Mr. Victor Mendoza
RUSSIA
"ZOLOTYE KUPOLA- (GOLDEN DOMES)
. KURGEN, SIBERIA
The dance company ,,Golden Domes" was formed 25 years agg in the city of Kurgen which is an ancient Russian town 2000 kms to the east of Moscow, in Siberia. The group will be dressed in the costumes of and pe+form traditional music, song and dances of a variety of mtnority nationalities who inhabit the vast reqion of
Russia - Western Si'beria -
where, on the border of
Europe and Asia, for several centuries, the process of blending many cultures IVIongolian, Kazachs, Buryat, Tartar to name a few, hai been taking place. This diverse mixture of civilisations enables "Golden Domes" to present a rich and varied repertoire. The company is famous for its outstandinq concert performances which have been seen cities' in the U's'A' and all over Russr'a anitr'" n"p,jori.ioi'ih"]trr",. soviet Union. in most European "Golden Domes" has earned many awards and an exceilent reputation.
Director: Olga Zhuravleva
SENENGAL
NGALAM FOLKLORE ENSEMBLE The Ngalam performance troupe was created by a
group of people, interested in the arts and popular traditions of Senegal, who wished to promote, develop and share the diverse cultural riches of their country with the rest of the world. Africa is a continent of legends, traditions and
ancient music, folk dances and songs. The Ngalam troupe depict many aspects of native
life in it's spectacular pro9rammes. The artists of Ngalam have recreated the true essence of their traditions and folklore, thanks to years of dedicated research. Years of effort and much sacrifice was endured before the Senegalese govermeni realized and finally recognised the importance of traditional arts and performances. The Ngalam Folklore Ensemble has been rewarded for its hard work. lt 1ow participates in all official events organi-sed in Senegal and represents the country at many international festivals. Ngalam has become to be recognised as one of the best profess-ional folklore ensembles in Africa, famous for quality of the artists work and the grace and spont_aneity of the troupe's dancers. Their performances give audiences'the opportunity of discovering the variety of costumes and musical instruments which are found in West Africa. The group will present West Afican ethnic traditions as well as Sengalese.
th"e
All who are truly interested and concerned in Africa and its cultures will find that Ngalam's performances should not be missed. Director: Youssouf Mbaye.
SLOVENIA FOLKLORNA SKUPINA KUD "SAVA" KRANJ
.
KRANJ, SLOVENIA
The folklore group Sava Kranj was founded in 1949 and is composed of young workers from the Sava Kranj Company and students from the town and surrounds. For forty years the ensemble has striven to
preserve and present the rich folklore
heritage of their ancestors, giving performances to the best of their ability. Sponsorship from the Sava Kranj Company has enabled the group to travel to many countries in Europe, North America and the
Middle East. Diverse folk dances, songs and melodies together with a wide variety of national costumes attract the attention, admiration and enthusiasm of their audiences.
The skill and efforts of these young dancers, singers and musicians has brought the group many prestigious awards.
Director: Mr. Zvone Gantar
TAIWAN FORMOSA ABORIGINAL SINGING & DANCE TROUPE - TAIPEI Apart from the culturally assimilated 'plains aborigines'who are now virtually merged with the Hans Chinese population, Taiwan still has nine culturally distinct aboriginal tribes: the Ami; Puyuma; Atayal; Saisiat; Bunun; Tsou; Paiwan; Rukai; and Yami. Numbering 340,000 people in all, these tribes belong to the Austronesian language group and live partly in mountainous districts and partly on level terrain. They exhibit great diversity in terms of their language, material culture, social organisation and rituals. They maintain ancient and rich cultural traditional ceremonies. As a result of colonisation by the Dutch, Spanish and Japanese, together with the impact of Chinese culture from the Chinese mainland, Taiwan's aboriginal tribes have experienced great social change and their culture faces a critical future.
The Formosa Aboriginal Singing and Dancing Troupe is made up of young aborigines from different tribes in Taiwan. With assistance from anthropologists and through actual participation and observation they have reconstructed declining traditions of aboriginal singing and dancing. Together with advice from tribal elders, this enables them to solemnly reproduce the spirit of ancient ceremonies on stage. The vitality of their outstanding performance is helping to further understanding of the aboriginal tribes and to enrich their stage culture. The troupe was formed in 1991 and has given more than 100 performances in Taiwan and has toured in the
u.s.A. Items to be performed at Billingham lnternational Folklore Festival will feature traditions of the Tsou, Puyuma and Amitribes.
Executive Director: Mr. Chin Cheng Chen Tour
Manager:
Leader:
Chin Feng Huang Ching Hsi 5u
Festival receives Country Project Award for this group, from Visiting Arts.
24
UNITED KINGDOM BILLINGHAM SILVER BAND
. BILLINGHAM Billingham Silver Band has participated in each Billingham Festival staged to date. It is the only group to do so. Founded in 1941 as an attachment to the Stockton Home Guard unit, the band was eventually adopted by the Malleable Works lnstitute in 1948 and remained so
until 1966. A new venue together with new members brought a new name also - Billingham New Silver Band. The 'New' was dropped from the title in 1970. Since 1979 when the band achieved its first major until the present day many awards have been
success
received. The present status of the band
2nd 2nd
is:
Section Section
Durham League National Gradings 1st SectionYorkshire & Humberside Brass Band Association The 30 member band undertakes several engagements during each yea4 performing in local church halls as well as more imposing venues such as the Albert Hall in London. The band regularly gives 'charity'concerts. Aconcert in the Forum Theatre, Billingham, was part of the band's 50th Anniversary celebration in 1991. Conductor: Mr D. V. Evans
THE WALKER FAMILY
. DURHAM
The troup of clog dancers is led by Brenda Walker who was born in Newcastle upon Tyne and learned her dancing technique from Mary Jameson, daughter of the renowned clog dancer; Johnson Ellwood.
The Brenda Walker School of Dancing has been established since 1979. Joining the Walker Family (Brenda, Tiffany, Bridie and Soloman) at Billingham Festival will be experienced dancers from the school. On display during the group's performances will be two Northern Championship belts which will be worn by Brenda and Tiffany, both outright winners of this prestigious award. The accompanying accordionist is Soloman Walker. Leader: Brenda Walker
25
UNITED KINGDOM STOCKTON MORRIS MEN & RAPPER SWORD DANCERS
Formed in1952, Stockton Morris Men'steam celebrates40years'membership of the Morris Ring of England. The group's repertoire includes Cotswold Morris and Rapper Sword Dances of Northumberland & Durham. Over the years the group has maintained a reputation for a high level of performance and as leading exponents of the traditional dances of England. The group has participated at lnternational Festivals in Germany, France, ltaly, Poland, lreland, lsrael and at most of the major festivals in England.
Stockton Morris Men will perform wherever there is room to dance and an audience to entertain. Their presence is in demand at Garden Fetes, Fairs, Ceilidhes, Shopping Centres and Social Functions. Squire: Mr Brian Padgett
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UNITED KINGDOM NEWTON AYCLIFFE PIPE BAND NeMon Aycliffe Band has participated in several Billingham Festivals. The familiar Royal Stewart tartan uniforms and ostrich feathered bonnets enhance the Festival,s street parades annu.ally. The skirl of their bagpipes and beating of drums bring the traditional Scottish melodies ana marcfres to Billingham. The members of the band make.a major contribution to the promotion of piping and drumming and pass on their talents to younger generations. The band performs at many events and has participated in a large number of folklore festivals abroad.
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MARIE LITTLE . DURHAM Leading the community singing at the Closing Concert will be Marie Little. She will also present a programme of popular folk songs accompanying herself on the guitar. Born in Manchestel Marie has lived in Durham for several years and is in demand at Folk Clubs, Festivals and other events in the Northern region and further af ield. Marie has featured in our closing programme for a number of years and has become a favourite with our supporters.
THE WAGGONERS FOLK DANCE BAND - STOCKTON
Dance Band' Calling the Music at the Ceili on Saturday August 13th will be provided by the Waggoners,Folk popular and talented most of Cleveland's one Keane, is Jack musician dances will be arian eJgeii'""J1-""d f iddlers.
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