Ryburn Longsword have been dancing together since 1994 and in that time have established quite a reputation, performing at festivals including Chippenham, Broadstairs, Beverley and Cleethorpes. The family-based team, which is not only mixed-sex but inter-generational, is based almost entirely in the Ryburn Valley near Halifax. We are often complimented on our performance but most of all because ‘we look as if we are enjoying ourselves’!

The teams have grabbed people's attention not only because of their dancing ability, but also because of their spectacular costumes. The younger members wear tabards depicting creatures found in the valley (including a unicorn) which were designed by Chris Coe in consultation with the juniors themselves. The senior team wear a velvet surcoat or waistcoat, also designed and made by Chris with appliquéd yokes depicting scenes from the Ryburn Valley.

The velvet itself is produced locally by Denholme Velvets in Denholme, near Keighley. It is a beautiful cross-dyed acetate in Nocturne Red which looks red or black depending on the light. Even the velvets and satins used to produce the appliqués were bought at Bombay Stores in Bradford. The gorgeous colours combine to spectacular effect during the twists and turns of the sword dances especially in sunlight.

The Ryburn Longsword band is made up of Gill Baldwin on concertina, Ruth Eccles on whistle, Steve Jones on mandolin and Michael Beeke on tuba. Whenever they are available, we are joined by Pete Coe and Steve Harrison on melodeon and other Ryburn Three Step musicians on special occasions such as Sowerby Bridge Rushbearing or national festivals.