I thoroughly enjoyed a Border side dancing in Chorlton, Manchester, last night. They were very dramatic and exciting and the music was excellent. A range of colours on the face, lots of pinky brown but no "Blackface"

Lots of people watched, some appeared to be of Asian and of African origin but that may not have been. Passers by stopped and at the last venue, the far famed Beech, the crowd were encouraged to dance. Quite a few did and some appeared to be of African origin. The side did a brilliant job, enthusing and explaining what to do.

It might have been possible in this situation for someone who supports "Blackface" to explain the 'disguise' origin and maybe be even to explain and justify the 'Minstrelsy' influence.

But what could be said to someone who is not convinced? What if they simply say 'I find white people painting there faces black and dancing in public offensive?

Last night an old English custom did what it does best. It entertained and surprised a lot of people, quite a few of which were Mancunians who originated somewhere else.

That's what all good "Folk Art" does. Please don't offend people for no good reason.

Best wishes

L in C
Off to the Beech for some songs