The performance at Market Square, near to Cross Street, began with a traditional mumming folk play centred around the slaying of The Derby TUP – associated with house visiting customs around Christmas time – followed by carol singing then traditional sword dancing.
The team were dressed in military-style uniforms and used swords in a rapid and complicated sequence which culminated in the swords being woven into the ‘lock’ carried aloft by the Captain as he led his team off. Pictures by Peter Wolstenholme.
5. Boxing day performance
The Sword Dancers dazzled crowds with their dancing Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
6. Captain Les Seaman with the Lock
The dance finishes with the swords linked together making the ‘Lock’ which is then held aloft by the captain. Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
7. Still going strong
Handsworth Traditional Sword Dancers is one of the few surviving teams Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
8. One of the original teams
Handsworth Sword Dancers on Christmas Day in 1891, a decade after the team were thought to have been established Photo: ugc