Morris dancers heading to French fete

16 dancers from the Belles and Broomsticks Guernsey Morris Dancers will be taking part in three dance slots at the event in St Malo.

The Guernsey group was invited to take part to bring a flavour of Britain to the French fete.

'Morris dancing goes back hundreds of years and there are all sorts of styles and routines but they all incorporate a few basic steps,' Morris dancer John Gillson said.

The Guernsey side will be performing Cotswold dances in traditional kit, as seen on Merise Videlo and Border dances - which is a more boisterous and heavy-footed dance - in traditional kit, as seen on Mr Gillson.

Mrs Videlo said the dancers were looking forward to performing at the Fete de la Saucisse for the first time.

'We do lots of the local events over here like seafront Sunday and Liberation Day, but we always try and get away at least once a year to see other sides and to give ourselves a bit more exposure.'

Large crowds often gather for the Fete de la Saucisse and Mr Gillson hoped many would join in with the Guernsey side after their performances for a spot of circle dancing.

'We love it when crowds join in, and we'd love to have more people join us in Guernsey as well,' he said.

On 23 and 30 September, the Belles and Broomsticks are holding open sessions for any islanders who would like to give Morris dancing a go.

It will take place at the St Martin's community centre at 7.45pm until 9.45pm and sensible footwear is required.

For Liberation Day next year, the dancers are hoping to play host to a variety of sides from places in the UK where many Guerns were evacuated to during the Second World War.

For more information and videos of the Belles and Broomsticks Morris Dancers click here.