Clitheroe Gears Up For Annual Clog Dancing Jamboree

And this year’s event features a unique display at Clitheroe Castle by Phil Howard, one of the UK’s last remaining clog makers.

Clog dancing teams from across the UK, among them London’s Camden Clog and the famous Lancashire Wallopers, will bash the boards to traditional live music on Saturday and Sunday (September 13 and 14) to win prizes and the chance for one dancer to lift the coveted Lancashire and Cheshire Championship Hornpipe Belt.

Show dancing starts at Clitheroe Castle at 10.30am on Saturday, before moving to Clitheroe Market and Holmes Mill, culminating in mass clog dancing at the foot of the Clitheroe Castle Keep at 3.30pm.

The fun continues on Sunday, when Clitheroe Castle will host the 2025 Lancashire and Cheshire Clog Dance Competition.

Competition dances and judging will take place between 10am and 4pm, when some of the best clog dancers in the UK will compete in a range of classes.

And during competition breaks you will be able to find out more about clog dancing from the dancers and judges.

Meanwhile clog maker Phil Howard will be displaying his traditional British craft, along with the different types of clogs he makes.

The event has been organised by three-times clog dancing champion Robynne Wood, of the Lancashire Wallopers, with the support of Ribble Valley Borough Council and the Clitheroe Castle Museum.

Stuart Hirst, chairman of Ribble Valley Borough Council’s community services committee, said:

“Clog dancing is a traditional English activity and the event is a great opportunity for people to find out more about clogs, their history, how they are made and how clog dancing has developed over the centuries.

 

“Come and join us for a weekend of music and merriment, as one of Lancashire’s most picturesque market towns resounds to the sound of clog dancing.”

Rachel O’Neill, of the Oakendale clog dancing team, added:

“We are delighted to be returning to Clitheroe again, which is the ideal location for this traditional dance form.

 

“Clog dancing keeps you fit, is good for your health and wellbeing, gets you out and about, and keeps our culture and heritage alive, so join us in Clitheroe this weekend for a fantastic clog fest, particularly the mass dances, which will be great fun.”

To find out more about the Clitheroe Clog Fest, phone Clitheroe Castle Museum on 01200 424568 or lancashire.gov.uk.

Further information about the dance competitions is available from clogcomp.org.uk.