46th
Billingham International Folklore Festival 7th-14th August 2010
Where dance and cultures of the world unite
www.billinghamfestival.co.uk
Billingham International Folklore Festival 46 Glorious Years and Counting ‌
Welcome to the 46th Festival performers, who bring us a colourful taste of their own cultures, the dedicated team of hard working volunteers, under the direction of Joe and Olga Maloney, and of course you the audience. Once again we have had our usual setbacks along the way in producing this outstanding event, but in true Festival spirit, these have been overcome, and I am sure that once again with your continuing support, this Festival will go on and on for many years to come. So please sit back and enjoy a colourful tour around the world.
W
elcome to the 46th Billingham International Folklore Festival As the opening of the 46th Festival approaches, it is hard to believe from the humble beginnings, in John Whitehead Park, the Festival has grown in stature throughout the world to be what it is today, a Festival of Fun and Friendship. I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Mr David Campbell and his wonderful staff for allowing us to turn their school (Pentland Primary School) into a home for our performers for this week. Welcome to everyone who contributes to its success, the wonderful
Maureen Taylor MBE Festival Chair
A message from the Mayor
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The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Stockton on Tees Councillor Colin Leckonby Festival President
t is great pleasure for me as Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees and also as a Resident and Councillor of Billingham to welcome all the Folk Groups to the Billingham Folklore Festival. Some of the groups have made long journeys to get here and we all thank them for making the effort so that they can perform in front of great audiences. It is an event that we all look forward to as many local residents are not able to travel to the groups’ home countries. We hope that the groups enjoy their time in Billingham and the local residents make them as usual very welcome. Colin Leckonby Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees 3
P R O G R A M DATE SATURDAY AUG 7th
TIME 1.45pm 2.30pm 7.30pm
VENUE Telstar to Town Centre Billingham Festival Arena Middlesbrough Theatre
CONCERT PARADE OF NATIONS OPENING CEREMONY & CONCERT INTERNATIONAL CAROUSEL
SUNDAY AUG 8th
2.00pm 8.00pm
Billingham Festival Arena Billingham Festival Arena
FAMILY CONCERT INTERNATIONAL CONCERT
FEATURIN All Interna All Interna Croatia, Ch Czech Rep BILLINDA, Croatia, To
MONDAY AUG 9th
2.00pm 8.00pm
Billingham Festival Arena Billingham Festival Arena
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT INTERNATIONAL CONCERT
Togo, Chin Armenia, I
TUESDAY AUG 10th
2.00pm 7.30pm
Billingham Festival Arena Middlesbrough Theatre
WEDNESDAY AUG 11th
2.00pm 8.00pm
Billingham Festival Arena Billingham Festival Arena
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT RUSSIAN COSSACKS & MEXICAN AZTECS INTERNATIONAL CONCERT INTERNATIONAL CAROUSEL
Togo, Arm Russia Mexico Israel, Cro Chinese Ta
THURSDAY AUG 12th
2.00pm 7.30pm
Billingham Festival Arena Middlesbrough Theatre
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT GALA CONCERT
Croatia, M All interna
FRIDAY AUG 13th
2.00pm 7.30pm
Billingham Festival Arena Billingham Festival Arena
INTERNATIONAL CONCERT GALA CONCERT
Armenia, C All Interna
SATURDAY AUG 14th
1.45pm 2.00pm 8.30pm 8.45pm
Pentland Schl to Town Centre Billingham Festival Arena Billingham Festival Arena Community Centre to Town Centre
FAREWELL PARADE FAREWELL GALA CLOSING CEREMONY TORCH-LIGHT PROCESSION
All Interna All Interna N. Aycliffe All interna
*Concessions available for Young People under 16, Students & OAPs **All Children und FREE per adult is TWO; All free admissions require a ticket, as the number of seats in Programme of Events – In the event of unforeseen circumstances the Festival organising Committee reserves the right to make alterations to the published programme of events and appearing groups.
INCLEMENT WEATHER ARRANGEMENTS – In case of inclement weather all the
B I L L I N G H A M F E ST I V A L F
DATE
MONDAY AUG 9TH
outdoor arena concerts will be transferred into the Festival Marquee on the
Pentland YOUTH School Grounds (only WORKSHOPS Stand A ticket holders). INTERNATIONAL DANCE UNCLE BIFF CLU Once a concert has started and has to be abandoned due to the weather or AT PENTLAND SCHOOL, BILLINGHAM AT PENTLAND S any other cause beyond the control of the Organising Committee there will be FOR DANCE STUDENTS (AGE 7-15) FOR CHILDREN ( no transfers or refunds.
2.00pm - 5.00pm 4 Armenia, Czech Republic & Croatia
DAILY Monday 10.00am - 12.30
M E
O F
E V E N T S
NG ational Groups ational Groups hinese Taipei & Israel, public, Armenia & Wales Wales, Chinese Taipei & Russia ogo, Russia & Mexico
PRICE
All tickets FREE** A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00 • B Side Seating £4.00
nese Taipei, Russia & Mexico Israel & Czech Republic
A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00, U-12 FREE** • B Side Seating £4.00 A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00 • B Side Seating £4.00
menia, Israel & Czech Republic
A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00, U-12 FREE** • B Side Seating £4.00 £12.00, Conc* £10.00
A Stand Front £7.00, Cons* £6.00 • B Side Seating £4.00 £12.00, Conc* £10.0
oatia, Chinese Taipei & Armenia A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00, U-12 FREE** • B Side Seating £4.00 aipei & Croatia; Armenia, Togo & Czech Rep. A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00 • B Side Seating £4.00
Mexico, Czech Republic & Russia ational groups
A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00, U-12 FREE** • B Side Seating £4.00 £14.00, Conc* – £12.00
Czech Republic, Israel & Mexico ational Groups
A Stand Front £6.00, Conc* £5.00, U-12 FREE** • B Side Seating £4.00 A Stand Front £10.00, Conc* £8.00 • B Side Seating £6.00
ational Groups ational Groups, Gala Finale & Farandole e Pipes & Drums, Billingham Silver Band ational groups
A Stand Front £8.00, Conc* £7.00 • B Side Seating £6.00 All Seats £3.00, FREE on production of 2 other separate concert ticket
der 12 MUST be accompanied by an adult; maximum number of children under 12 allowed the Festival Arena is limited.
O R C H I L D R E N WORLD DANCE EXPERIENCE FOR ADULT
UB SCHOOL, BILLINGHAM (AGE 4-15)
AT PENTLAND SCHOOL, BILLINGHAM From Sunday, Aug 8th till Friday, Aug 13th
Aug 9th - Friday Aug 13th 0pm
You5 do not need any
B I L L I N G H A M F E ST I V A L F O DATE
INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DANCE WORKSHOPS AT PENTLAND SCHOOL, BILLINGHAM FOR DANCE STUDENTS (AGE 7-15)
UNCLE BIFF CLUB AT PENTLAND SCHO FOR CHILDREN (AGE
MONDAY AUG 9TH
2.00pm - 5.00pm Armenia, Czech Republic & Croatia
DAILY Monday Aug 10.00am - 12.30pm
TUESDAY AUG 10th
2.00pm - 4.00pm Russia & Mexico
THURSDAY AUG 12th
2.00pm - 5.00pm Chinese Taipei, Israel & Togo
PRICE
One day attendance – £7.00 Three Day Package – £16.00
Each session will fea Dance Groups, Craft Membership for the including the badge One Day Attendance
FOR APPLICATION FORM AND FURTHER D
B I L L I N G H A M F E ST I V A L AT T H INTERNATIONAL CAROUSEL Saturday, Aug 7th, 7.30pm A non-stop tour around the world, from Europe to Asia,
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RUSSIAN COSSACKS & MEXIC Tuesday, Aug 10th, 7.30pm East meets West in this breathtaking two-hour performance. Starting with Russian Cossacks, renowne
R C H I L D R E N WORLD DANCE EXPERIENCE FOR ADULTS
OOL, BILLINGHAM E 4-15) 9th - Friday Aug 13th
ature different International Workshops & Presentation. whole week is £8.00 and “Passport to the World” e – £3.00
AT PENTLAND SCHOOL, BILLINGHAM From Sunday, Aug 8th till Friday, Aug 13th You do not need any dance experience to enjoy this unique opportunity of expert tuition in dances from all over the world. Come along, make friends and have fun whilst you learn. SUN AUG 8th
9.00am - 11.00 am 2.00pm - 4.00 pm MON AUG 9th 9.00am - 11.00 am TUES AUG 10th 9.00am - 11.00 am WED AUG 11th 9.00am - 11.00 am THUR AUG 12th 9.00am - 11.00 am FRI AUG 13th 9.00am - 11.00 am 2.00pm - 4.00 pm
Wales Mexico Armenia Russia Czech Rep. Israel Chinese Taipei Croatia
Two-hour Session – £25.00 per session Eight-session package – £100.00
DETAILS PLEASE RING (01642) 553220
E M I D D L E S B R O U G H T H E AT R E
CAN AZTECS
the ed for
GALA CONCERT Thursday, Aug 12th at 7.30pm
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A Gala Concert featuring ALL dance companies from
B I L L I N G H A M F E ST I V A L AT T H INTERNATIONAL CAROUSEL Saturday, Aug 7th, 7.30pm
RUSSIAN COSSACKS & MEXI Tuesday, Aug 10th, 7.30pm East meets West in this breathtaking two-hour performance. Starting with Russian Cossacks, renown their athleticism and precis then after the interval you fo th of an Az da M sa Go ta of of
A non-stop tour around the world, from Europe to Asia, and back again, featuring dancers and musicians from Armenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Israel and Chinese Taipei (Taiwan).
International Carousel – £12.00, Conc £10.00 Middlesbrough Theatre Box Office 01642 81 51 81
International Carousel – £12 Middlesbrough Theatre Box
FOR FURTHER DETAILS PLEASE RING F
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H E M I D D L E S B R O U G H T H E AT R E
ICAN AZTECS
h the ned for sion, u will ollow in he steps f the ncient ztec Indians, with the ancers and musicians from Mexico, performing the acrificial rituals to their Aztec ods. This performance will ake you through the history f Mexico in a kaleidoscope f colour.
2.00, Conc £10.00 Office 01642 81 51 81
GALA CONCERT Thursday, Aug 12th at 7.30pm A Gala Concert featuring ALL dance companies from abroad. From Armenia to Mexico, culminating in the famous Gala Finale.
THIS CONCERT IS NOT TO BE MISSED. Gala Concert – £14.00, Conc £12.00 Middlesbrough Theatre Box Office 01642 81 51 81
FESTIVAL OFFICE ON (01642) 553220
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The organisers would like to thank the following for their support:
DEVEREUX
TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION
Britannia Devereux of Cleveland
‌ and the following for their contributions:
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THE ORGANISERS WOULD LIKE TO PAY TRIBUTE TO THE FOLLOWING PATRONS FOR THEIR SUPPORT: PLATINUM PATRONS
● Peter Elsdon, Middlesbrough ● Leslie Martin Laing, Chester-le-Street
● David Otter, Billingham
We would also like to thank those people who wish to remain anonymous for their kindness in donating money and those who held events to raise money and those who gave in kind support. Thank you most sincerely.
F E ST I VA L PATRONS & FRIENDS OF THE FESTIVAL WEBSITE Since the launch in October 2007 our Festival video clips have been watched by over 1,000,000 people around the world. HOW GOOD IS THAT? To see the video clips of the groups from 2009 and previous years and photo slideshows, please visit our Website
www.billinghamfestival.co.uk We are constantly working on our Website to keep you updated and give you a chance to look back at the previous festivals. We would be delighted to receive your comments about your festival and our Website, please leave your messages for us on our message board. Any feedback will be welcomed.
Hundreds of festival goers have already become either “Friends of the Festival” or Members of our Charity “Billingham International Folklore Festival Ltd.”
What are the benefits? As a “Friend of the Festival” you receive 10% discount on most of the tickets purchased. As a Charity Member you receive 15%. You can book any number of seats for any performance before the Box Office officially opens at the end of May. Each “Friend” or “Member” will receive a Festival Leaflet – Programme summary around March/April and a free copy of the Festival Programme. All “Friends” and “Members” will be invited to “World of Friendship” Social Nights during the Festival week.
How much does it cost? For “Friends of the Festival” there are 3 categories: Individual – £12.00 per year Adult Couple – £20.00 per year per couple Child – £6.00 per year Charity Membership is £18.00 each per year. Application Forms are available from the festival office:
BIFF Ltd., Stockton Business Centre, 70 Brunswick Street, Stockton on Tees TS18 1DW Tel: (01642) 553220. e-mail: info@billinghamfestival.co.uk www.billinghamfestival.co.uk 11
ARMENIA Ensemble “Nairi-Sardarapat”
The Armenian dance heritage has been one of the oldest, richest and most varied in the Near East. There is something special in Armenian dances, and in the passion, subtlety and eloquence which they embody. The Ensemble “Nairi-Sardarapat” was founded in 1985.
folk dances performed to their own orchestral music, which contains such Armenian instruments as the zurna, dhol, duduk and the qamancha. All dancers wear traditional costumes to portray the history of their culture and bring their ancestors’ stories to life.
Their repertoire consists of traditional Armenian
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C H I N E S E TA I P E I ( TA I WA N ) Fang Shiang Dance Theatre
The Fang-shiang dancing theatre was established by Madame Lo, Ying-fang in 1991, as a young performing group consisting of professionalstandard dancers. With Ms Leng, Chin as the artistic director, they focused on the promotion of traditional Taiwanese folklore. In 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009 this group was recognised as an outstanding performing group by the Bureau of the Cultural Affairs in Taipei county. Over the years the dance theatre has performed over 100 times in Taiwan and in over 30 different countries worldwide. Among the dances they will present in Billingham are: “Legend of the Dragon” and “Bamboo stick dance”. 13
C R O AT I A KUD “Frankopan – Remete�
Kud Frankopan-Remete is a nonprofessional folklore group of 35 members, consisting of folk dancers/singers and tamburitza orchestra players, which was founded 89 years ago in Zagreb. The group has performed in major festivals all over the world. The programme consists of songs and dances from all over Croatia and provides a true variety of performing folklore and costumes. An outstanding feature of the costumes is that many of them are original and form part of an authentic family heritage handed down through generations.
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CZECH REPUBLIC Vycpalek’s Ensemble
The Josef Vycpalek’s Ensemble was founded in Prague in 1947, and is the leading dance group in the contemporary Czech folk movement. The Group was named in honour of Prof. Josef Vycpalek, the author of a unique collection of Czech folk dances. His love and respect for Czech folklore, costumes and instruments has inspired this group to reach the highest level of performance. Songs and dances depicting nature and love will be accompanied with special songs and melodies played on 13th Century Czech bagpipes, which have a distinct sound. Way back in 1978, this group appeared in Billingham, and we are extremely honoured that they asked to come back so many years later. Some of the original members of the group who performed in 1978, now have sons and daughters dancing in the group. This next generation remember hearing stories of Billingham from their parents, stories of friendships that were formed and the many happy memories and warm welcome from the Billingham audiences. This group is sponsored by the Ministry of Culture of the Czech republic and the City of Prague.
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ISRAEL Folk Dance Ensemble “Adar-Kramin” Adar Kramim Folk Dance Ensemble (formerly named “Karmey Rishon”) visited Billingham in 2000, but has since been renamed after Uriel’s (group leaders Sylvi’s and Uriel’s eldest son), life was tragically taken during a trip to the USA six years ago. This dance group from Rishon-le-Zion, the city of great grapevines and wines, has participated infestivals all over Israel and abroad. The repertoire is rich and colourful, and portrays the wealth and beauty of the Israeli culture, which evolved with the arrival of the Jewish Immigrants from all over the world. The dances are as distinct from each other as the cultures are, and over the years they evolved into an exciting, unique and very expressive folk art. We are delighted that this group has agreed to return to Billingham to entertain us again, bringing the colour, pace and tempo of the Israeli people 16
MEXICO Ballet Folklorico “Recreacion” Formed in 1995, with the intention to show the audiences an image of a happy, strong Mexico, full of magic, colour and light. In 1998, by request of Celine Dion, this group was asked to open her concert in Canada. In the same year the group was recognised by National Journalists Association as the Best Work in Folklore Dance in Mexico. Recreacion perform dances from all over Mexico including Jalisco, Veracruz, Nayarit, and Nuevo Leon, but also from Chihuahua which will be a first for the Billingham audiences. They also perform the stunning Aztec – Fire Ritual, which is one of my personal favourites, with the stunning head dresses made from tufts of quail, pheasant, macao, parrot and wild rooster feathers. I am sure this group will become a firm festival favourite.
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RUSSIA Ensemble “Russian Cossacks, Tanok� From the Krasnodar region of Russia this ensemble of the Russian Cossacks is the most outstanding representative of the Cossack culture. It is like the uncontrollable cavalry attack! The ensemble literally blows up with a bright fascinating show where culture has merged together the most powerful energetic dance, practically impossible tricks, the valiant Cossack songs which, mixed together present real dramatic action! Formed in 1970, there are more than 200 children and adults, improving their skills within the national dance ensemble (the youngest of them being 3, the oldest being 50 years old). They have, over the years, taken part in festivals in the USA, Canada, Greece, China, Poland, Turkey, France, Great Britain, India, Italy and Cyprus.
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TO G O Folklore Group “Atopani� The Atopani group from Togo, West Africa take their name from a traditional instrument used widely in their native environment. The spectacle is based on the rites of voodoo, dance, mime and theatre containing sorcery and fear. The voice and the body of the artists of Atopani transmit the message of peace, love, tolerance and friendship.
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UNITED KINGDOM – WALES “Dawnswyr Tipyn o Bopeth”
Founded in 1988 “Dawnswyr Tipyn o Bopeth” are a group of dancers and musicians, who aim to display and promote the traditional dance heritage of Wales, both at home and abroad. ‘Tipyn o Bopeth’ (which can be translated as ‘a bit of everything’) was so named because the group is formed from individual dancers and musicians from different parts of Wales, all linked by their enthusiasm to display Welsh dances at festivals and other events. The group performs in traditional black and white costumes and tall black hats. 20
UNITED KINGDOM BILLINDA (Billingham International Youth Dancers)
BILLINDA (Billingham International Youth Dancers) Group was created in Autumn 2003 with the aim to stage a special programme of dances to celebrate the 40th Billingham International Folklore Festival 2004 and give young children a unique opportunity and experience of performing at such a prestigious event, alongside international groups from all over the world. Since then, BILLINDA has performed not only at five consecutive festivals, but also at Billingham Carnival, Middlesbrough WorldFest at Middlesbrough Town Hall in March 2006 and worked alongside the Hungarian Presenters at the European Express England to Hungary in May-June 2006. The Group is going to perform on the Family Concert of the Festival, on Sunday, 8th August 2010 and at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies on Saturday 7th August and Saturday 14th August 2010. They will also host the Festival’s Uncle Biff’s Club and Youth Dance Workshops. Choreography by Olga Maloney – Costumes by Maureen Bowler.
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UNITED KINGDOM BILLINGHAM SILVER BAND The band started its life back in 1941 as part of the Stockton Home Guard, its first conductor being Dick Mallaby. In 1943 Dick Freeland took over as Musical Director and in 1945 the band became known as the Malleable Works & Institute Band after the Home Guard Unit was disbanded. 1966 saw the band become known as the Billingham New Silver Band, the word 'New' being dropped in 1970. Dick Freeland retired as Musical Director after 30 years’ loyal service in 1972. It was then that the present Director of Music, Vaughan Evans, was asked to come off the cornet bench as Principal Cornet and take over the baton. He has been conducting the band ever since.
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FREE FAMILY DAY
SUNDAY 8TH AUGUST 2010,1.30PM TILL 4.00PM
Sponsored by Billingham Town Council
Concert featuring Wales, Chinese Taipei and Russia Craft Workshop, Face Painting, Drumming Workshop and Dance Workshops Come and enjoy this family event by reserving your FREE tickets at Billingham Festival Box Office in Billingham Town Centre. Be quick, there are only a limited number of tickets available.
T H E N E XT F E ST I VA L 2 011 The dates of the 47th Billingham International Folklore Festival 2011 will be announced at a later date. For further details or to join our mailing list please contact the Festival office or visit our website: billinghamfestival.co.uk 23
BILLINGHAM FESTIVAL ON-LINE STORE
CDs DVDs
Photographs
Over 300 items are now available at our new online store, including: CDs of the very best music heard at Billingham and music from all over the world; DVDs of past Festivals including “What’s A Festival Like You Doing In A Place Like This”, Gala Night 2007 (produced by Edward Croot) and DVDs of the best groups which have appeared in Billingham; Souvenir Programmes from past years; Photographs taken by our own Official Festival Photographer, Mr Alex Wilson; and other Festival Memorabilia and Souvenirs.
Please visit our shop at www.billinghamfestival.co.uk/store and browse through our unique collection. 24
BILLINGHAM FESTIVAL SHOP Since May 2009 the Festival Shop has been open in Billingham Town Centre selling everything from Christmas Ornaments to CD’s, Books to DVD’s. We are trying to fund raise for the Festival and have had some exceptional donations from Festival Supporters. A Big Thank You must also go to all the volunteers and supporters, who have donated all sorts of articles for sale. A special Thank You must be extended to Teresa and Bill Forbes, Sandra Cutler, Sonia Lawson and Pam Reeves, who have worked as volunteers at the shop throughout the whole year since the last Festival and managed to raise enough money to have the Fireworks on the Closing night of the Festival, 14th August. We are hoping to carry on and raise money to contribute to the continuation of our brilliant Festival. Please, if you are in the Town Centre prior to the Festival or during the Festival, pop in have a browse and say hello. If anyone out there has anything they would like to donate, please just bring it along to the shop – we will be very grateful. We would also like to thank everyone who donated items and vouchers for our Festival Raffle this year.
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FESTIVAL PRESIDENT AND TRUSTEES
Ald. Maureen Taylor, M.B.E. Festival Chairperson
Mr Joe Maloney Festival Director Secretary General CIOFF UK
Mr David Otter Festival Treasurer
Mrs Olga Maloney Artistic Director President of CIOFF Northern European Sector
Mr. Edmond Beaumont BIFF Ltd. Director
The Worshipful The Mayor of the Borough of Stockton on Tees Councillor Colin Leckonby Festival President
Miss Elizabeth Croot BIFF Ltd Director
Mr. Rob Teale Arena Director 26
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