A Mid Summer Riddle, posted by Meroe

What do you get if you cross some angels with some devils, add in a couple of Romans, a dash of a samba band, a liberal sprinkling of pirates and just a hint of Arabia?

Well the answer is obvious – it’s the Midsummer Watch Parade in Chester 2013!

Getting ready for the parade

I have to say when I saw the weather forecast for the weekend I was worried – very worried in fact. I could see no way that we were going to walk round Chester for an hour on either Saturday 22nd or Sunday 23rd June and either not get very wet, or get blown away in the strong winds. But... the gods of Chester were clearly smiling down on everyone because it certainly didn’t rain on this parade!

The unicorn

What a brilliant turn out for what was rumoured to be the biggest Midsummer Watch parade ever – and there have been a few in the past 600 years! Romans, pirates, school children, angels, samba bands, tumblers, giants, ravens, fish – you name it, it was there. And right at the heart of it the ladies of Ya Raqs.

On Saturday we were strategically placed between the camel and the elephant – naturally, where else do you put a group of Arabian dancers? The camel behaved itself, not a moment’s trouble from that direction but the elephant? Well, poor Phoenece very nearly got mowed down on a number of occasions! It could have been the excitement, or even the fact that Phoenece simply wasn’t quick enough on her feet, but I think it was more to do with poor brakes on the elephant! Still Phoenece, and the rest of us, survived to tell the tale. Day one of the parade completed and celebrated with a very nice slice of cake and welcome cup of tea in Chester before heading home.

Meroe, Kebi and Naima with the well-behaved camel

Sunday was equally successful, if a tad more breezy, but the important thing was that we didn’t get wet! And where were we today? Well, in view of the events of Saturday and not wishing to traumatize Phoenece anymore, we opted to put the camel between us and the elephant – and it worked out just fine.

The crowd were amazing, the rest of the participants in the parade were amazing and the weather – well not what you’d call amazing but not bad given the forecast.

We are grateful to Russell Kirk from Midsummer Watch for inviting us to join them all and are very much looking forward to the Midwinter Watch in December – these parades really are something to see so make sure you are in Chester for the next one.

Wirral Folk on the Coast, posted by Phoenece and Tameri

The sun seems to be following us this year, and Saturday dawned a beautiful day as we headed off for sunny Whitby in Ellesmere Port.

After putting up our awning for shade(!) and wearing our vibrant black and red costumes, we got the crowd tapping their feet to the beat of our new Bedouin routines.

Many people were soaking up the sun on the green and in true Ya Raqs style we persuaded them to join our mini workshop and then dance with us.

Phoenece, Mish Mish and Naima get the audience up to dance

We were also joined by a guest from Australia, who had a splendid time modelling one of our new Bedouin costumes.

Phoenece and guest

Modelling the Bedouin costume

Going home we were sun-soaked and very happy. We returned on the Sunday afternoon, wearing another of our colourful costumes. We managed to erect our awning in record-breaking time - less than 10 minutes - which was admired by some of the crowd!

We then performed outside in the sunshire to a cheerful, appreciative, audience who joined in with the festival atmosphere.

Performing

Kiya and Mish Mish dancing with the crowd

We rounded off the day with well-deserved drinks and ice cream, which were appreciated with the sun at 24 degrees!

Much-needed shade and refreshments for Phoenece and Meroe

Wirral Folk on the Coast, posted by Naima

Another great weekend with Ya Raqs at Wirral Folk on the Coast Festival at Whitby Sports and Social Club in Ellesmere Port on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th June.

The weather was glorious once again, maybe a little too warm at times, but we had our Egyptian home-from-home to shade under. Very cosy....

L-R; Tameri, Kebi, Phoenece, Mish-Mish, Meroe, Naima, and Kiya take refuge in the shade!

We had a full day on Saturday, starting at 9.30. With busking in front of the tent, lots of henna again and dressing little girls and boys up in the mini me costumes.

Henna tattoo

After our performance in the Members Lounge, we relaxed for a little while over lunch, while we listened to some great bands that were playing. Then once again we began to do what we do best; performing for the lovely people who had come to watch us in the glorious sunshine. Meroe even managed to get some lovely ladies and little girls up to show them a few moves, then they joined us for an improvised show.

Meroe (with microphone) leads a workshop

On the Sunday, we had a later start, again the weather was kind to us. After we had performed our last routine, we took a well earned break and enjoyed ice cream in the shade of our awning.

Phoenece enjoys an ice cream

We also joined forces with another group of ladies, The Northern Belly Dance troupe, who invited us to join in with one of their routines. I think it went down well with the audience.

The two new recruits, Kiya and I, would like to thank Meroe for giving us this opportunity to join Phoenece, Mish-Mish, Kebi, Tameri and Aisha in your lovely group.

Naima and Kiya

Everyone has made us feel very welcome, and you are all like sisters to us.