Twelve members of the Charney Basset based historical dance group, the Vale Islanders returned home on 7th September 2015 having taken part in the annual Sehusafest in Seesen in the Harz Mountains of Northern Germany.
The Vale Islanders outside the Town Hall in Seesen, Germany. Photo by Judy Gibbons
The group, who perform English dances of the 17th century, dressed in costume of the period, were there for the weekend at the invitation of the Mayor and the Sehusafest Festival Committee. They were welcomed on arrival at a formal reception in the Rathaus (Town Hall) by the Mayor Herr Erik Homann and local councillors.
During the weekend, the group gave dance displays throughout the town and joined in the formal opening procession, marking the the 41st Sehusafest Celebrations, one of the largest medieval festivals of Northern Germany.
Dancing in Seesen town centre as part of the Sehusafest (medieval festival). Photo by Judy Gibbons
Said Ruth Gerring – member of the Vale Islanders and also a founder member of the group “we feel very privileged to have been asked join the festival this year – we were made to feel so very welcome by our German hosts. Despite the rain – which our German friends jokingly said was “English weather” , we enjoyed everything that there was to offer, including battle re-enactments, music, pageants, local food specialities and of course local wine and celebration brew Sehusafest beer”
You can find out more about the Vale Islanders on their website www.vale-islanders.org.uk
Wanda Oberman
September 2015