Here's a Cumberland Square Eight variation that's worth trying. South of the Tyne they call it the "Durham Square Eight" – on our side of the river, it's often called the Northumberland Square Eight.

When calling it for reasonably experienced dancers, I usually start with the traditional CSq8, and introduce this as a variant when they've hit their stride after 2-3 times through. So far, it's always worked well.

A1 & 2: all four couples gallop simultaneously – you have twice as much music, so go as far away as you can (or dare!), but get back to place in time

B1 & 2: Right & left hand stars in eights (again, twice as much music to use here)

A1 &2: Basket of eight (again, make it last twice as long)

B1: everybody circle left

B2: promenade home (except last time through, when you just swing your partner)

It's a lot of fun – but the usual health and safety warnings apply.

Wassail!