Redcar Sword Dancers keeping traditional Boxing Day dance in Hartlepool village alive for more than 50 years

By Mark Payne
Published 20th Dec 2022, 13:12 BST
Updated 20th Dec 2022, 13:12 BST
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A festive tradition will be held once again in Greatham this Christmas.

The village will once again welcome the Redcar Sword Dancers on Boxing Day for the annual performance of the Greatham Longsword Dance and Play.

It takes place at noon on Monday, December 26, outside the gates of The Hospital of God in the centre of the village.

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This year will be the 56th performance of the revived tradition, last performed by a village team during the Coronation celebrations back in 1953.

The Greatham Sword Dance is performed outside the gates to The Hospital of God. Picture by FRANK REIDThe Greatham Sword Dance is performed outside the gates to The Hospital of God. Picture by FRANK REID
The Greatham Sword Dance is performed outside the gates to The Hospital of God. Picture by FRANK REID

The dance acts out a story of a clown cruelly put to death by the dancers and then brought back to life by a doctor with his miraculous cures.

It incorporates rhyming verse, music and of course dancing involving intricate weaving of swords.

The only time the dancers have missed a performance was in December 2020 when it was held virtually due to strict lockdown restrictions in force at the time.

All are welcome to attend Monday’s performance.

Related topics:Hartlepool