Wigton Carnival Dance to return at town's John Peel Theatre

The Morris dance, known as the Wigton Carnival Dance which featured both young boys and girls, used to lead the carnival procession through Wigton for many decades after its inception in 1911, to the backing of pipers. 

The tradition faced a decline in the early 1960s, but it was revived around 1970 by Sister Aquinas, a teacher at St Cuthbert’s RC Primary School.

Sister Aquinas kept the tradition alive into the 1980s until it fizzled out once more. 

Sister Aquinas - teacher at St Cuthbert's RC School in Wigton who revived the dance in the 1970s - and Morris dancers at the head of the carnival procession in June 1986 (Image: Sue Allan)

The theatre, along with the help of Dr Sue Allan (a third-generation Morris dancer), looks to return the tradition to the town in time for the 25th anniversary of the Wigton Carnival in June this year. 

"A lot of Cumbrian towns had these dances, it was a great period of nationalism and Merrie England," Dr Allan said.

"Wigtonians like their traditions, so I'm hoping when the next generation learns it, they will be able to take it forward.

"It never lasted long in the towns that had it, such as Workington and Aspatria but the Wigton one kept reviving it. I know a lot of local families will remember doing it.

"It's a nice thing to be able to revive a tradition that dates back to 1911," she said.

Whilst known as the Wigton Carnival Dance, its inception stems from the George V coronation celebrations over 100 years ago.

In the 1940s, the dance in the town was taught by Ethel Bragg, mother of broadcaster and writer Melvyn Bragg.

Wigton's John Peel Theatre is calling on young boys and girls up to 18 years old to join the revival of this proud Wigton tradition. 

Dance practices are set to begin this Saturday, January 13, at 12pm in the town's John Peel Theatre. 

The organisers welcome not only dancers but also those interested in learning the music and being part of the band, regardless of age.