Claire House – for Michael, posted by Meroe

Although not on our official “events list” this year, Ya Raqs did take part in a fundraiser for Claire House on Sunday 28th November, and we feel this should certainly be included in our round-up for the year. This was a particularly poignant event for the Ya Raqs girls, as the son of one of our number finally lost his battle against cancer, literally just a few days before this event.

I have to say that of all the events we have taken part in this year, the Claire House event has to have been the coldest – I think temperatures got down to minus 7 at one stage! Most of us had lost all the feeling in our feet quite early on as temperatures began to plummet – it is perhaps just as well that we were not dancing, although some dancing might have helped to warm us up. We were there to help meet and greet all those who had came along to support Claire House and the incredible work that they do. The afternoon came to a close with a firework display and a round of carols – although I have to say that the singing was a bit on the poor side. So, come on folks, you have got twelve months to practise your “Deck the Halls” so let’s see if we can do better next year! A big thank you to Ciggie from Roman Tours, who invited us along to the event, and to the staff at Claire House, who kept us supplied with plenty of hot chocolate to help ward off the effects of hypothermia!


A very cold Meroe, and friend

St. Wilfrid’s Medieval Fair, posted by Meroe

2010 marked a very special event in Stockport’s history - 750 years of Stockport Market. Stockport is one of the oldest markets in the country and, unlike many others, is still trading on its original site. Events were held throughout the year, with the finale being a recreation of St Wilfrid’s Medieval Fair on 23 and 24 October - and Ya Raqs were invited to join in the celebrations.

Ya Raqs’ first set, of four, was in Warren Street, to a rather small but appreciative crowd of Stockport shoppers. As the afternoon progressed the streets around the covered market slowly began to fill with jugglers, musicians, knights and even a smoke-breathing dragon. It certainly made a change from the gladiators and legionaries that we are usually surrounded by.


Phoenece, Kebi, Tameri and Aisha dancing in front of the Market Hall

Our second set followed hot on the heels of the Bed of Nails Show in the main arena. There was then a short break until our final set, which gave us a chance to join in a Medieval Dance workshop given by the ladies from the Plantagenet Society. The whole event culminated in a procession and an incredible fire and light show, which included some very impressive fire juggling.


Kebi, Phoenece, Meroe and Tameri in the Plantagenet Society workshop

For you history buffs out there – this was the eve of St. Crispin’s Day and the Battle of Agincourt! It certainly was a super event and our thanks go to Sam Tavernor and all her colleagues at Stockport City Council for not only inviting us to join in with their celebrations also for looking after us so well.

Ya Raqs girls finished the day off in style – as if a super fire show and medieval knights were not enough - by having an incredible meal at amazing Persian restaurant in the town called Rayhoon. If you are ever in Stockport with time to spare you should go – believe us, your tastebuds will thank you!