Slubbing Billy's

History

	Dancing in Slaithwaite Luddite Lunacy 2001

Slubbing Billys is a North-West, mixed clog morris side. The side currently has over 20 dancing members and a number of musicians. When it was formed,12 years ago, there were only just enough dancers to form a side, plus one musician. Now Slubbing Billy's is a thriving morris team represented by all ages, with a second generation of dancers coming through. The youngest dancer is just 12 years old and is, as you might expect, a dancer's daughter.

The side wears a distinctive kit made of locally woven purple woollen cloth, with the women in purple dresses, white blouses and petticoats and the men in white shirts, black breeches and purple waistcoats with gold and red cross bands. Everyone wears black clogs and bowler hats decorated with fresh flowers.

Dancing Hepples with Rochester Castle as a backdrop May 2001

Slubbing Billy's can be seen 'dancing out' between Easter and September and practise takes place through the winter months. The side dances at numerous local events, such as Cuckoo Day in Marsden and Hepworth Feast, and further afield at events such as Rochester Sweeps, Durham Folk Party, Alford Morris Weekend and Alton Nurdling Festival.

The side hosts its own festival of morris, 'Luddite Lunacy', in May each year. This event is based in Marsden in the Colne Valley and this year involved a trip on the train to Halifax Piece Hall, as well as dancing at the Standedge Tunnel Visitor's Centre in Marsden. 8 sides attended the festival last year and the traffic was brought to a standstill on more than one occasion.

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