Clogfest brings all the bells and whistles

More than a dozen dance teams took part in the Clitheroe Clogfest, with dancers travelling from across the country to compete for the Lancashire and Cheshire Championship Hornpipe Belt.

More than a dozen dance teams descended upon Clitheroe this weekend for the town’s annual clog dancing festival.

Now on its third year, the Clitheroe Clogfest saw 18 of the nation’s top clog dancing teams - including London’s Camden Clog and the famous Lancashire Wallopers - jingle to Clitheroe Castle for two days of board-bashing to traditional live music.

As well as live performances, family activities, and a special display by one of the UK’s last remaining clog makers, the Clogfest also played host to the 2026 Lancashire and Cheshire Clog Dance Competition, where dancers went clog-to-clog for the chance to win the Lancashire and Cheshire Championship Hornpipe Belt.

“It’s a real community thing,” organiser and three-time champion Robynne Wood told the Lancashire Evening Post before the event. “There aren’t a lot of these competitions – there’s only this one, and another in the North East.

“Having the Clogfest is really, really important because it’s a place where clog dancers can come and mix and socialise.

“There’s something really magical about it being in front of an audience.”

With dancers travelling from across the country to take part, it’s fair to say the event brought all the bells and whistles to Clitheroe.

Here are 12 pictures from the weekend.