We are pleased to host a plethora of local Morris and dance sides over the weekend – please see below for info.
On the Saturday of the Folk Festival there will be a circus skills workshop
and Morris Dance displays at St Joseph’s School.
The Witchmen
Still giving it large after 40 years with their unique and energetic dancing at festivals up and down the country. Based in the mudlands of East Anglia their driving, drum led music combines with the magical colours of black and amber for a primal, rhythmic performance. They are really looking forward to visiting Otley Folk Festival again.
Folk Friendzy!
Folk Friendzy! are a high-energy youth dance troupe based in Belper, Derbyshire, dedicated to bringing traditional folk dance to life for modern audiences. Performing a dynamic mix of styles—from Border Morris to clog stepping—they blend traditional stepping with vibrant, contemporary flair. Showcasing the talent and enthusiasm of young dancers aged 4 to 19, Folk Friendzy! deliver a fun, fast-paced performance guaranteed to delight festival crowds of all ages!
Kitchen Taps
Otley’s Appalachian dance side The Kitchen Taps perform traditional Appalachian Dance to authentic Bluegrass and Old Time music. They are well known for their lively and intricate routines, and have performed at festivals up and down the country for over 20 years.
The dancers are backed by their musician, Phil, who plays a range of bluegrass and old time music on fiddle. They are rightly proud of their complex, foot tapping tunes and enthusiastic dances.
Flash Company
Also from Otley, Flash Company were formed in the year 2000 from musicians and dancers from all walks of life. Many had danced traditional Morris for many years and wanted to update the tradition to bring it to a new audience in a manner that people could relate to. In order to do this,
they have taken some ‘traditional’ Border, Molly and Appalachian dances and also written several of their own but perform them to more modern music, such as blues, jazz and rock and roll. In no way is this meant to detract from the traditional teams that exist all over the world, but they feel
that people can find some familiarity in the music, and will stop to watch and find out more. Spot them in their black and yellow tattered jackets and listen out for their amazing band!
Wharfedale Wayzgoose
Also from Otley (there must be something in the water!) Wharfedale Wayzgoose Border Morris perform lively dances in the Border style in their unique, vibrant style. Backed by their band, you will certainly hear their drum around the town during the festival! Dressed in black and white
tatters with a goose emblazoned on their tabard, you won’t miss them!
400 Roses
Formed in 2005, the 400 Roses are a unique group who combine UK-style folk dancing with more exotic tribal belly dance moves to music played live by their band t’Thorns.
When designing their costumes , they decided to use an abundance of red and white silk roses to represent their Yorkshire and Lancashire origins. Expect the unexpected – if you have never seen them before!
Slubbing Billies
Slubbing Billys are a mixed North West Morris Team, with a reputation for colourful costumes and lively, entertaining dances. The team was formed in 1986, and has a healthy age range, from enthusiatic teenagers to more experienced (mature!) members who have danced with the side since it started. Based in the Colne Valley we are looking forward to seeing them at Otley again.
Milltown Cloggies
Milltown Cloggies are a women’s side who dance clog morris in the North West style, accompanied by a great band of musicians who play lively music. They come from the old mill towns to the east of Manchester and many of their dances reflect the traditions of the millworkers in the area, hence the name. They dance because they love to dance, and hope that people enjoy watching them.
Buttercross Belles
Another of Otley’s many dance sides, the Buttercross Belles took their name from the Buttercross on the edge of the market square in Otley town centre. Established in 1992, The Buttercross Belles dance in the North West Morris tradition at events all over the UK and Europe ever since. They dance in ‘suffragette colours’ – a white dress, with a distinctive green smock decorated with embroidery and purple ribbons, and a straw hat with flowers and ribbons to match. Many North West Morris sides dance in clogs, however they choose to wear tap shoes, to represent the tradition of the female dancers wearing their ‘Sunday Best’ leather shoes.
Ramshackle Morris
Ramshackle Morris are York’s newest, queerest and most energetic Morris side! We practice Border Morris (with some Cotswold dabbling!) at the University of York. We were established in early 2025, and have gone from strength to strength ever since. From persevering through our first dance out season with a maximum of four dancers, to hosting 36 Morris teams in York in 2026! We are proud of being an inclusive space for all.
Fiddle ‘n’ Feet
Fiddle ‘n’ Feet are a lively Appalachian dance team based in Shipley, West Yorkshire, bringing the high-energy rhythms of the Bluegrass and Appalachian mountains to life. Combining fast-paced, metal-tapped step dancing with vibrant live acoustic music, their hard-stepping routines and infectious energy never fail to get toes tapping. Whether performing on stage or street side, Fiddle ‘n’ Feet deliver a captivating, rhythm-packed show for folk fans of all ages!
Aire Valley Mixed Morris
A vibrant, mixed-gender Morris side based in Leeds, bringing dynamic energy and traditional English heritage to audiences across Yorkshire. Dancing in the Cotswold style with high-energy stick routines, flying handkerchiefs, and rhythmic stepping, their performances offer a joyful celebration of live acoustic music and folk tradition. Perfect for festivals, fetes, and community events, Aire Valley Mixed Morris bring a warm, lively spectacle that captivates audiences of all ages!
