Chile - photos by Pete Copeland
Martinique
Russia (Bashkortostan)
South Korea
Photos by Chris Luke
Billingham International Folklore Festival (BIFF) 2016, including the World Dance sculpture designed and created by Carmen Avalos - a former dancer who performed in Billingham at the festival in 1979/1983 and has since become a world famous Mexican sculpturist with work showcased all over the world.
It started one Saturday when an Irish Dance Troupe led by a Sunderland head teacher, Phil Conroy performed on the Town Square and attracted a large and enthusiastic audience. At the end of the show Mr. Conroy happened to mention that his group had just returned from the continent where they had performed at a week long folklore festival. He also remarked that the traffic free town centre would be an ideal setting for such a festival.
In 1965 the first Billingham Festival was formed. Billingham then became a founder member of C.I.O.F.F., the International organisation of Folklore Festivals and Phil Conroy became its General Secretary. a post he held until his death.
From small beginnings - only Austria, Estonia and Hungary were represented at the first festival (now in its 43rd year) over the years the Festival hosted over 15000 performers from more then 90 countries and each year it hosts 8-10 groups with over 400 artists from abroad and presents the best, World of folklore dance and song has to offer, at two local venues - The Forum Theatre, the Festival Outdoor Arena in Billingham Town Centre.
In 1999 the festival became an independent limited company and registered charity. It has also concluded a partnership agreement with Stockton Borough Council which guarantees its future.
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