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Easter Saturday 2026

Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:13:05 GMT

Easter Saturday 2026

Easter Saturday 2026 will be remembered as a truly special day for our community. With the weather staying dry from start to finish, it created the perfect setting for a fantastic turnout. Streets were filled with people, venues were buzzing with energy, and there was a real sense of togetherness throughout the day.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the venues that opened their doors and supported the Boundary Dance. Your hospitality and enthusiasm played a huge role in creating such a welcoming atmosphere. To the public,thank you for coming out in such great numbers, getting involved, and helping make the day such a success.

A special mention must go to our incredible volunteers. From marshalling routes to helping collect donations, your time, effort, and dedication did not go unnoticed. Easter Saturday simply wouldn’t be possible without you, and we are truly grateful for everything you contributed.

We were also thrilled to have Stacksteads Band providing such fantastic music throughout the day. Your performances brought energy, excitement, and a real sense of celebration that everyone enjoyed.

Finally, thank you to every single person who donated in support of our cause, Andysmanclub. Your generosity helps us continue our important work, raising awareness and supporting men’s mental health.

Together, we created something truly meaningful. Thank you all for being part of it.

A Sunny Day of Dancing in Rawtenstall

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 16:20:16 GMT

A Sunny Day of Dancing in Rawtenstall

On Saturday 21st March 2026, the team enjoyed a fantastic day of dancing in Rawtenstall. With the sun shining and the town full of people out enjoying the beautiful weather, it was the perfect setting for a day of performance and preparation.

Throughout the day, we danced at a number of venues around the town, bringing music, colour and tradition to the streets and pubs. It was wonderful to see so many people stopping to watch, smile and share in the atmosphere. Days like this remind us why we love what we do, sharing our dancing with the public and keeping the tradition alive.

The outing also served an important purpose for the team. It was a great opportunity to prepare for our upcoming Annual Easter Saturday Boundary Dance, which will take place on Saturday 4th April 2026. Getting out together, dancing several spots, and enjoying the rhythm of the day helped us get into the spirit and fine tune everything ahead of the big event.

We would like to say a big thank you to all the venues that welcomed us, and to everyone in the pubs and around the town who took a moment to stop and watch us dance. Your support and encouragement helped make the day such an enjoyable one for the whole team.

All in all, it was a really good day, great weather, great company, and plenty of dancing. Now we look forward to seeing many of you again at our Easter Saturday Boundary Dance!

A Night to Remember – Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 16:42:49 GMT

A Night to Remember – Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025

What a night! On Thursday, 20th June 2025, the Britannia Coconut Dancers proudly took home second place in the Community Group of the Year category at the Pride of Rossendale Awards , held at none other than Burnley Football Club .

Walking into the stadium’s event space, we could feel the energy in the air. The evening was buzzing with excitement, community spirit, and a genuine sense of pride in all the incredible people and groups making a difference across Rossendale. Just being nominated was an honour, but to walk away with second place—it’s hard to put into words how proud we all felt.

The event itself was a treat. There was plenty of good food, drinks flowing, and entertainment that kept everyone smiling. But more than that, it was a chance to meet other community heroes—people who, like us, are passionate about keeping traditions alive and making a positive impact locally.

To see the name "Britannia Coconut Dancers" up there, recognised for the cultural and historical role we’ve played over the years—it means the world to us. We’ve danced through sunshine and rain, kept this unique tradition going for generations, and always done it with love for our heritage and community.

Thank you to the Pride of Rossendale Awards for the recognition, and congratulations to all the amazing winners and nominees. We might have come second, but we feel like winners in every way.

Here’s to more dancing, more tradition, and more unforgettable nights like this one!

Britannia Coconut Dancers Nominated for Community Group of the Year at Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 19:26:46 GMT

Britannia Coconut Dancers Nominated for Community Group of the Year at Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025

Britannia Coconut Dancers Nominated for Community Group of the Year at Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025

We’re thrilled to announce that the Britannia Coconut Dancers have been nominated for Community Group of the Year at the Pride of Rossendale Awards 2025 !

For over a century, the Britannia Coconut Dancers – affectionately known as the “Nutters” – have been at the heart of Rossendale’s cultural identity. With their unmistakable costumes, rhythmic clog dancing, and deep-rooted traditions, they’ve not only preserved a unique slice of local heritage but also brought generations of the community together in celebration.

This nomination is a testament to the group’s continued dedication to the people of Rossendale. Whether performing their traditional Easter Saturday dance across the valley or taking part in community events, the Coconut Dancers embody what it means to keep local spirit alive. Their presence offers more than performance – it’s a living link to our region’s past, and a proud part of our future.

Being recognised by the Pride of Rossendale Awards is a special honour. These awards shine a spotlight on those who make Rossendale a better place to live, and the Britannia Coconut Dancers certainly fit that bill. Their commitment to inclusivity, cultural preservation, and community engagement sets a powerful example for other groups across the region.

We are looking forward to joining all the nominees at Burnley Football Club on Friday 20th June 2025 for the award ceremony – a night to celebrate the passion, dedication, and community spirit that makes Rossendale truly special.

To the Britannia Coconut Dancers – thank you for your energy, your history, and your unwavering pride in Rossendale. We’ll be cheering you on every step (and clog tap) of the way!

#PrideOfRossendale #BritanniaCoconutDancers #CommunitySpirit #RossendaleTraditions

Easter 2025

Fri, 23 May 2025 04:38:56 GMT

Easter Saturday 2025

A Joyful Step Through Tradition: Britannia Coconut Dancers’ Easter Saturday Success and Charitable Giving

On Easter Saturday, April 19th, 2025, the Britannia Coconut Dancers once again took to the streets for our cherished annual Boundary Dance — and what a wonderful day it was! Bathed in spring sunshine and bolstered by the cheers of an enthusiastic crowd, our dancers performed the time-honoured steps that connect us not only to our heritage but to our community.

With clogs clattering and sashes flying, we danced our traditional route through the Rossendale Valley, from Bacup to Stacksteads, bringing smiles to faces young and old. The energy was infectious, the atmosphere electric, and the sense of tradition deeply felt. As ever, this event wasn't just about dance — it was about togetherness, celebration, and support for a worthy cause.

This year, thanks to the generosity of all who turned out and contributed, we raised a fantastic £1,341.65 for Rossendale Hospice.

On Monday, May 12th, 2025, we were proud to formally present this donation at The Beaconsfield Conservative Club. Surrounded by supporters and friends of the hospice, the handover was a touching reminder of what our Easter Saturday tradition truly means: dancing not only for joy but for the wellbeing of our community.

Rossendale Hospice provides vital care and support to those facing life-limiting conditions and their families, and we are honoured to contribute to their ongoing mission. This donation is a testament to the strength of community spirit and the power of preserving cultural heritage while making a difference.

We’d like to thank everyone who came out on Easter Saturday, donated, supported, and cheered us on. Your involvement helps keep our traditions alive and fuels efforts that truly matter.

Until next year — keep the rhythm in your hearts and the spirit of the Coconutters alive!

Easter Saturday 2024

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 10:11:28 GMT

Easter Saturday 2024

In the quaint town of Bacup, nestled in the heart of Lancashire, tradition runs deep, and community spirit thrives. This was beautifully showcased on Saturday, the 30th of March 2024, as the renowned Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup graced the streets with their annual Boundary Dance. With the sun beaming down and a sense of excitement in the air, the team delivered a spectacular show, leaving attendees in awe and delight.

The success of Boundary Dance was evident by the overwhelming support from the community. People from all walks of life gathered to witness the cherished tradition, adding to the vibrant atmosphere with their cheers and applause. It was a day filled with joy, camaraderie, and a shared appreciation for Bacup's cultural heritage.

But the Britannia Coconut Dancers didn't stop there. Their commitment to giving back to the community shone brightly on Monday, the 15th of April 2024, as they welcomed Louise and Aidan from After Matters, this year's chosen charity. In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, the team presented a donation of £1,203.62, a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact beyond the bounds of their performances.

The meeting with Louise and Aidan was a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of supporting those in need. Through their fundraising efforts and the generosity of those who attended Easter Saturday, the Britannia Coconut Dancers exemplified the true spirit of community and philanthropy.

In expressing their gratitude, the team extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who came out to support Boundary Day and contributed to the charitable cause. It is through the unwavering support of the community that they are able to continue their tradition and make a difference in the lives of others.

As the Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup reflect on the success of Boundary Day and the meaningful impact of their donation to After Matters, they are reminded of the profound connection between tradition, community, and giving back. In Bacup, these values are not just ideals but lived experiences, woven into the fabric of everyday life.

As they look ahead to future performances and charitable endeavors, the Britannia Coconut Dancers remain committed to upholding the legacy of their beloved tradition while also leaving a positive imprint on the world around them. For in Bacup, the spirit of dance, generosity, and unity reigns supreme, ensuring that the legacy of the Britannia Coconut Dancers continues to inspire and uplift for generations to come.

Easter 2023 Donations

Sun, 21 May 2023 18:33:25 GMT

Easter Saturday 2023 Donations

Easter Saturda y 2023 (8th April), The Briannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup raised a fantastic £1,055.05 for the chosen charity, Parkinson's UK. On Monday the 15 ^th May 2023 the team presented a cheque totalling £1,055.05 to Steph Potts a representative of Parkinson’s UK at their meeting held at Bacup Cricket Club. Steph expressed her thanks to the team.

Easter Saturday 2023

Fri, 27 Jan 2023 05:20:05 GMT

Easter Saturday 2023

During 2022/23 The Britannia Coconut Dancers have been holding meetings regarding the arrangement of our Easter Saturday Boundary Procession. We now feel it’s important to provide an update to our followers and the community.

Our discussions with Rossendale Borough Council, Lancashire County Council & Police are to seek a way of future proofing our Traditional Easter Boundary Procession, a very unique day in the folk calendar hopefully for years to come and beyond. We are working very hard to find a sustainable way of providing the safest possible option for the day at the most reasonable cost. We are seeing these costs increasing annually and we feel this should not become a burden for the team or the community and so our discussions continue with the authorities but sadly in recent years what was never a burden is now just that so with this in mind the team continues to work towards a solution however the local authorities continue to state they are unable to offer any assistance, whilst consideration has been given to all aspects including the safety of the dancers, musicians, marshals & the public as always what is at the forefront of the day is the costing’s imposed on the team for their Boundary Procession.

In years past there has not been any issues of burden of the current situation yet we as a team are still trying to work towards a workable solution however the local authorities continue to state they are unable to offer any assistance currently to date.

We will of course update you of any progress in due course.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Easter 2022 Donations

Fri, 13 May 2022 04:35:59 GMT

Easter Saturday 2022 - Donations

On Monday the 9th May 2022, the team had the privilege of meeting representatives from The Ginger Heart Foundation and Animal Quackers at The Circle in Bacup to present them with a donation of £500.00 each from the Easter Saturday Collections.

The team would like to thank everyone who donated in the collection tins on Easter Saturday and to everyone who donated online toward the Traffic Management Cost. We would also like to thank JVT Construction, JJO and The Suttons Group of Companies for their sponsorship toward the TM cost.

Easter Saturday Statement | 30th March 2022

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 12:03:36 GMT

Easter Saturday Statement | 30th March 2022

The Britannia coconut dancers are pleased to announce we will be performing our boundary dance on Easter Saturday 16th April 2022. After a great amount of hard work, the team have now secured the funding required for the traffic management for the days event.

It has to be said that the situation we were left with was extremely unfortunate and not of the teams making and discussions surrounding those events are currently ongoing.

The team are not and will not be used within the political arena, in previous years the team have always had support from our local and county councillors the current situation we are in was the result of some very unprofessional conduct.

Our towns Heritage is important and comes with responsibilities, we are sad to see that some people feel our team should be side-lined and feel debate is the way forward for all concerned.

We would like to thank the whole community and the local businesses for their support during this time and we all are looking forward to an amazing day with everyone.

With thanks to the below for their generous donations in helping or tradition continue

Mark Butterworth

When hearing of the shortfall in funding for the traditional Easter Saturday boundary dance by the Britannia Coconutters, The Sutton Group of Companies sought to see if it could help out. The COVID pandemic has prevented the event from happening for the last two years, so it would be a real shame for the town of Bacup if it couldn't take place this year, now that we are free from restrictions. The Group, which includes Wynsors, Limelight Signs and JBI Footwear, employs many local people from Rossendale. With our support we hope the local community will be able to enjoy the return of this long-established tradition. It has always been a favourite on the calendar, which is hopefully back for years to come.

Andrew Lyth - JVT Construction

Stephen Greenhalgh - J & J Ormerod

Easter Saturday Statement | 23rd March 2022

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 11:34:08 GMT

Easter Saturday Statement | 23rd March 2022

Regretfully the Britannia Coconut Dancers are not in a position to perform their traditional boundary dance on Easter Saturday April 16th 2022. This has been brought about by circumstances relating to funding of road traffic management for our day which has been withdrawn by Rossendale Borough Council (RBC). It is the statutory requirement of the local police to provide traffic and crowd control for "traditional public processions" under the town police clause of 1847 which our Customary procession falls under from within their existing budget. They have persistently refused to do this and hence the need for Rossendale Council to step in and provide the considerable costs of hiring a commercial Traffic Management Company to support our annual boundary dance procession. Although this funding is now withdrawn, we should still express our gratitude for this support in previous years. The Team have been notified in writing of RBC’s decision by the Chief Executive Officer, we feel the notification came rather late which left us with a situation which would mean our boundary dance may be unlawful without approved traffic management support. Despite meetings to resolve matters of funding & related issues in the time available we are unable to find a way through and are extremely disappointed with the way this has been handled, we are sure that our community and businesses who so looked forward to this day after two years of covid will share our disappointment. The Britannia Coconut Dancers feel very let down by Rossendale Borough Council and its handling of our tradition which has survived over 150 Years.

Easter 2022 Statement | 8th March 2022

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 11:31:37 GMT

Easter Saturday Statement | 8th March 2022

Britannia Coconutters Easter Saturday Statement

We have recently learned that our current funding for our Easter Saturday boundary dance traffic management will no longer be funded. The team has been given this information with very short notice despite submitting all the required paperwork in good time and now face the possibility that our very unique tradition may not go ahead breaking a tradition that dates back over 100 years and we understand this could have very big repercussions for many of our local communities and local businesses but without a traffic management plan in place we have no other choice.

The Coconutters Easter Saturday boundary dance has always been a very special day in the Rossendale calendar for both the townsfolk and our team. We are now left looking for alternatives with very short notice to be able to salvage our boundary dance for 2022. We understand that a lot of effort has gone into the planning of the day by our supporters, friends and local businesses and we as a team are doing all we can to salvage the tradition even it if means the we may only be able to showcase in Bacup centre. We assure everyone that we will do our upmost to get some resolve and keep you all informed of our progress.

The Britannia Coconut Dancers

Dexter's Sponsored Walk in aid of Nutters

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 05:18:47 GMT

Dexter's Sponsored Walk in aid of Nutters.

On Saturday 10th April 2021, Dexter McNulty took park in a sponsored 6k walk in aid of The Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup. The 6k covered part of the route the takes on their annual boundary to boundary dance on Easter Saturday.

Dexter covered just over 8k on the day and managed to raise a grand total of £1,671.21 both on the day, through sponsorship form and through the donation link on the teams website.

On Wednesday 21st April, Dexter presented the teams leader Donald and teams treasurer Luke with the cheque as a handover at the ‘Nutters Gardens’.

From Dexter and the team, thank you to everyone who sponsored him.

Easter Saturday 2021

Tue, 13 Apr 2021 18:13:39 GMT

Easter Saturday 2021

Saturday 3rd April 2021 was the second Easter Saturday in lockdown. Despite all the doom and gloom in the world, the team decided that they still wated to support a local charity/good cause. This year the team chose the WaterWell Foundation CIC, a mental wellbeing and suicide prevention charity based in Rossendale.

Despite the lockdown restrictions across the UK the team held a ‘virtual’ Easter Saturday that consisted of live feeds of the route, team members sat in gardens ragged up and members of Stacksteads Band played the iconic ‘Nut Dance’ at various locations throughout the day.

Even though the UK, along with the rest of the world are battling the Coronavirus, the team managed to raise a grand total of £800.00 via online donations that were received gratefully from places as far at Australia and donations received in cash via our street collections from the great people of the Rossendale Valley. From all the team, thank-you for your generous donations!

The WaterWell Foundation CIC was presented with the Cheque on Sunday 11th February 2021. Tracy and Lia who spear head the WaterWell Foundation CIC, were very grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who donated. They explained how the donation will be spent on providing more services and activates after receiving an increase in calls following our East Saturday campaign.

Again, form all the members of The Britannia Coconut Dancers of Bacup, a massive thank you for your donations!

The Official Britannia Coconut Dancers Press Statement

Wed, 29 Jul 2020 05:05:50 GMT

The Official Britannia Coconut Dancers Press Statement - 30th July 2020

Following several press statements over the last couple of weeks from the Morris Ring concerning the use of full black/skin tone face make up a meeting was called by the executive members of The Britannia Coconut Dancers and was held on Monday 20th July 2020 to discuss the matter which was outlined by the JMO. We were saddened to receive this statement as it perceives that we and other teams who these bodies represent have a tradition that is not fit for the modern day. The Britannia Coconutters have evolved within our community upholding a folk dance & music which is honest and unique. Our age old tradition is embedded in the hearts and souls of the people of Bacup, Rossendale and overseas.

As a team we have discussed the use of black face makeup in great detail and have come to a unanimous decision that this will continue to be part of our unique mining tradition, removing any part of our costume will take away the mystique of who we are. The dances were devised by local miners. Since they all had permanently black faces on working days, from the outset it became an essential part of the tradition that they also performed with black faces. This tradition has now been maintained continuously for more than a century. It has no connection with ethnicity nor any form of racial prejudice.

We have been in discussions with the committee members of the Morris Ring over the past few weeks but have been unable to find a compromise that would be suitable for both The Britannia Coconutters and The Morris Ring.

We as a team have concluded that our membership of the Morris Ring will cease at the end of this year and trust that the JMO will understand and respect our decision to continue with the integrity and respect as we have for many centuries. We would like to wish all members of the JMO the very best for the future and hope to one day work with The JMO.

Statement from the Morris Ring:

It is both sad & regrettable that The Morris Ring and The Britannia Coconut Dancers have come to this impasse which has been driven by outside forces.

We would like to wish ‘The Nutters’ all the best for the future and hopefully in time we will find a way to work together again.

Pete Simpson.

Squire of the Morris Ring

Easter Saturday 2020

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 12:28:57 GMT

Easter Saturday 2020

Despite our annual Easter Saturday Boundary Dance not taking place this year due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19). The team decided to continue to raise money for a special local charity the Rossendale Hospice. The team has manage to raise a total of £622.23 for this key Rossendale resource. We are hoping to present the donation to members of the Hospice once we come out of lock down.

The members of the Nutters would like to thank each and everyone of you who donated online or by cash to our Easter Saturday Rossendale Hospice Donation Appeal.

Easter 2019

Sun, 15 Mar 2020 11:48:50 GMT

Easter 2019

he Britannia Cococnut Dancers held a presentation at Bacup Cricket Club on Monday evening 13th April to present two cheque for £493.00 to The Rossendale Responsible Animal Rescore (RRAR) and Millie O’shea , their nominated charities for receipt of the Easter Saturday collections. The team like to allocate the funds locally and the team felt that these two charities deserve the additional funding. Treasurer Luke Cooper and the team members presented a cheque to representatives from the RRAR and to Millie O’shea. They gave a vote of thanks to the team thanking them for their wonderful support.

New Concertina

Sat, 10 Aug 2019 10:46:07 GMT

New Concertina

Aug 10, 2019

We have managed to purchase a new Concertina after securing a grant from GrantScape. We contacted GrantScape who offers local project, clubs, organisations the funding needed to complete their projects, in our case purchase a new concertina. We managed to secure the money quickly and easily and the team at GrantScape are friendly and efficient.

Our Musical Director Harold Barnes was tasked by the team to source a Concertina that was in keeping with our tradition. As always Harold delivered after securing a beautiful box last week.