The Rites of Spring will feature Morris dancing, folk music, maypole dancing, story telling, children’s crafts and more.
Something for all the family has been lined up at the event, which takes place on Sunday May 6th against the backdrop of Leicester’s 14th Century Guildhall.
The Rites of Spring, which is being billed as a celebration of folk custom, music and dance, has been organised by Louise Dawson, from West End, Leicester, with friends. She said: “Traditional springtime festivities have long since inspired song, dance and custom.
“A steady undercurrent that has trickled down through the ages, mysterious and sometimes unfathomable, folk traditions have remained resonant and a force for creativity and imagination, resolutely bound to the landscape and seasons.
“This is a new event for Leicester, and we’ve been delighted with how it’s grown from a small idea into something which will feature a wide range of folk-inspired activities.”
The event kicks off at 1pm on Sunday May 6th, and at regular intervals throughout the day there will be Morris dancing displays, from Leicester Morris Men, and maypole dancing.
Other attractions include children’s crafts, face painting, live art, story telling and stalls.
Films and talks also appear on the programme, including a short film about folk customs and the Way of the Morris, a documentary film directed by Tim Plester. Tim will host a question and answer session afterwards.
The evening programme features three folk bands who have travelled the
world with their songs - Nick
Jonah Davis, Cath and Phil Tyler, and Mary Hampton.
From 7pm, a bar run by the Orange Tree in Leicester will be selling real ale, cider and wine.
Advanced tickets, available from the Guildhall box office or from behind the Orange Tree bar in High Street, Leicester, are £12 for the whole day, £8 for the evening or £5 for the day time events.
For more details about the programme visit www.theritesofspring.net
