Hundreds of youngsters celebrated the end of a fourteen month dance project.

1,500 youngsters from Cambridgeshire primary schools celebrated the end of a massive dance and traditions project with a festival in the grounds of St Andrew's Primary School, Soham.

Pupils of 14 primary schools have been involved in this project, entitled Cambridgeshire Roots, a project that brings history to life through real learning, involvement, research and fun. With funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cambridgeshire County Council and the schools developed the Cambridgeshire Roots project to introduce young people, their families and communities, to rural customs of Cambridgeshire – through Molly Dancing – to conserve local customs. Pupils also be learnt about West African customs, dance and art; Indian seasonal dance; and Polish dance particularly those aspects associated with the agricultural year such as ploughing and harvest.

Through the creative process, the young people learnt about the traditions that inspired each of the dances, combining local history and stories, many of them based on the agricultural traditions before the First World War.

The day was officially opened by Cllr John Powley, Vice Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council and County Councillor for Soham and Fordham Villages. This festival featured many stunning dance performances that had been learnt and rehearsed over several months. The children also took part in drumming and storytelling workshops, surviving the hottest day of the year so far.

Another of our honoured guests was Roy Swanston of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Roy joined in the Molly Dance and procession, which involved over 500 (mostly young) Molly Dancers dancing together in one place – more that ever before! In his speech afterwards, Roy called this Living History in the making.

A film crew from BBC Look East arrived early and stayed for most of the day, featuring the Festival on the lunchtime and evening news.

More feedback and pictures will follow, watch this space.

The project is funded by £124,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cambridgeshire County Council, and a contribution from the schools themselves.

Workshops began in May 2008,
Participating schools:

St Peter's Junior School in Wisbech,
Millfield Primary School in Littleport,
Stretham Primary School,
Manea Primary School,
Alderman Jacobs Primary School in Whittlesey, Ramsey Junior School,
All Saints Primary School in March,
Glebelands Primary School in Chatteris,
Beaupre Primary School in Outwell,
St Andrews Primary School in Soham,
St John's Primary School in Huntingdon,
Bushmead Primary School in Eaton Socon,
Benwick Primary School
and Lionel Walden Primary School in Doddington.