The performance at Market Square, near to Cross Street, began with a traditional mumming folk play centred around the slaying of The Derby TUP – associated with house visiting customs around Christmas time – followed by carol singing then traditional sword dancing.
The team were dressed in military-style uniforms and used swords in a rapid and complicated sequence which culminated in the swords being woven into the ‘lock’ carried aloft by the Captain as he led his team off. Pictures by Peter Wolstenholme.
1. Smiles all around for the Sword Dancers
The 2019 Handsworth Sword Dancers team Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
2. Slaying of the Derby Tup
Handsworth Sword Dancers with the Butcher and the Derby Tup - also known as the Old Tup or the Derby Ram Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
3. The butchered Derby Tup
The Derby Tup story explains how the ram is butchered and made into useful and desirable items for the local people to use Photo: Peter Wolstenholme
4. Swords Dancers during their performance
The dancers carry long-swords of inflexible steel about one metre in length Photo: Peter Wolstenholme