The Rochdale coconut dance

The Rochdale coconut dance is a traditional Morris dance, often used by the dancers who accompany the rush-cart during the Rochdale rushbearing festival. It probably dates from the 1850s, and though the dancers were said to have half a coconut shell on each knee and in each hand, the term ‘coconut’ is also used as local slang for the wooden end of a wool bobbin, so nobody can be sure if they were always real coconuts. Written for the Milnrow band’s 150th birthday celebrations (1869-2019) this arrangement uses a combination of Caribbean rhythms and a disco groove for a modern take on an old favourite that’s impossible to sit still to. Enormously catchy, great fun to play and with something for everyone to enjoy, your audiences will be whistling this one all the way home.