Hastings Jack-in-the-Green Festival, 2013

What an amazing long weekend we had at the Hastings Jack-in-the-Green Festival!  We joined some Morris Dancing legends, such as Mad Jacks Morris, Hannah's Cat, Clerical Error, New Esperance, Rabble, Hunter's Moon, and the famous drumming group Section 5.  After a very rainy start on Saturday, which saw a "bijou" team of two Steampunk Morris dancers and four musicians performing to an amazed and dazzled crowd, we multiplied in numbers in time for Sunday's festivities, and then ended on a superb high note with the procession on the Monday.  We had an absolute blast performing, and the crowd was enthusiastic, receptive, and spirited.  We couldn't have asked for a better weekend, and we can't wait for next year!









Videos sent in by our friend Oliver from Clerical Error:



Photos sent in by procession viewer Hannah


"I just had to get in touch and tell you just how much I enjoyed your performance at the recent Hastings Jack in the Green festival. 
I am a Morris enthusiast of long standing and I enjoy the traditional aspect of it all, but I was simply blown away with your own style and performance, SteamPunk rules from here on! 
Opening as you did on the Sunday outside the church with 'Sweet child of mine' I was totally stunned...hit between the eyes in a way that has only ever happened to me three times before. The first when I watched the Kinks play 'You really got me', the second when I watched Jimi Hendrix play 'Hey Joe' and the third when I first heard Roxy Music do 'Virginia Plain'. Each one for me was a musical and performance landmark, bringing in a fresh much needed alternative to the norm of the day.....now you have provided me with a fourth...Thankyou!

And just when I thought I was the only one on the planet who would ever remember The Doors and 'People are Strange'....you play and dance to it....incredible!
 
For me you made the whole weekend....oh yes, and the girls in the band are dishy! LOL, all in all you have made this old man very happy!
Thanks again,
Ken."



"Great at Hastings. About time we had a morris side like this."
 
-Peter M.



"Amazing morris side, unusual to say the least. I feel privileged to have watched them dance."
-Timothy W. 





"A most conducive rendition of the old withdrawing room favourite "Sweet child of mine" surpassed by none. Only a rendition of "Paradise City" by The Dubliners could top that. Sadly not yet attempted."

-Graham S.