Get on your dancing shoes for Dancing on the Greens

Crossroads dancing is back on its feet again at Iúr Cinn Fleadh at the end of August – in the form of Dancing On The Greens.

This ancient Irish tradition – with added features – comes alive in the 21st century with dancers, musicians, artists – and even a choir.

Dancing Shoes

Dancing On The Greens takes place on two routes at locations around Newry – Greater Linenhall, Whitegates, Derrybeg, Drumalane and Barcroft.

It’s a free event. There’s no need for tickets. Just bring your dancing shoes to the performance area close to each local community association centre. Community associations involved will issue information in their own areas.

Contributors will include Fortwilliam choir, an ethnic dance group, caricature artists John Farrelly and Colm Campbell, and artist Grace Murdock. But be warned – there will be audience participation!

‘Dancing On The Greens is based on dancing at the crossroads,’ said Fleadh committee member Brian Fitzpatrick, who had the vision for this initiative. ‘This was a common event years ago in Ireland, Sundays usually. People would meet at a local crossroads, for singing, dancing and sharing news.’

One Big Dance

Brian plans to expand Dancing On The Greens each year to include more local community associations. The long term aim is to have routes leading into the city centre for one big dance. So let’s get this party started.

Irish dance was taken from the freedom of the countryside to the restrictions of the dance halls in the 1930s. Iúr Cinn Fleadh wants to set it free again, and bring ‘crossroads dancing’ to the doorsteps of Newry. (Photo: Dancers on the green discover the secret of flight in 2022. Pic by Brian Fitzpatrick)

Dancing on the Greens takes place on Sunday 27 August at 2pm

Route 1 Greater Linenhall – Whitegates – Derrybeg

Route 2 Drumalane – Barcroft at Raymond Kelly Park. Martin’s Lane at top of Loanda Cresent.

For more information on all the events at Iur Cinn Fleadh check out www.iurcinnfleadh.com