Organisers of Sandbach Day of Dance say they are "reflecting on the event" and "taking account of positive feedback" after funding was withdrawn at a recent meeting of Sandbach Town Council.

A decision was made at the last full town council meeting in Sandbach to stop the funding of £3,000 for next year and the year after for the annual event.

Councillor Sandrene Wright brought a motion at the meeting to cut funding from the group saying there were concerns regarding one of the dance groups whose 'grey faces caused racial offence to the black community'.

The event also made national headlines today in The Sun newspaper here and The Daily Mail newspaper here who both ran stories about the funding saga.

Now Day of Dance organisers have responded saying they are taking time out following the event on June 7th and they are delighted by the amount of positive support received following this year's event.

Morris dancers from far and wide have performed at Sandbach Day of Day. (Photo: Nub News)

"The committee and volunteers spent a large amount of time planning, preparing and delivering the festival then dealing with the Sandbach Town Council motion," said a statement.

"We are taking account of the positive feedback we have received from local people and businesses in Sandbach and visitors to the Day from across the country."

Sandbach Day of Dance says it is focused on delivering "positive and diverse Morris dance traditions across the town of Sandbach each year to the benefit of the town, local businesses and people". 

They said previously: "Diverse Morris tradition means the inclusion of many different groups of both morris and traditional dance originating from areas around the UK, who each perform in a variety of styles.

"The styles include Border Morris, Clog Step, Cotswold Morris, Longsword, Maypole, Molly, Mumming, North West Morris, Rapper Sword and Stave dancing.

"This year's Day of Dance saw a total of almost 200 Morris dancers and musicians (all volunteers), in thirteen sides from across the country performing at seven locations around the town."  

A Facebook post about this year's feedback received positive comments. One person said: "I certainly hope it isn't the end of the Day of Dance....hope donations and fundraising replaces the money taken away - a few have spoiled it for so many."

Dancers perform at a series of locations across the town. (Photo: Nub News)

Another said: "I really can't believe it. It was an absolute joy this year even in the rain. Sandbach was I am sure designed with Morris dancing in mind. It's a day of such fun."

What do YOU think? Should Sandbach hold a Day of Dance and is there an issue with Morris Dancers painting their faces? Email [email protected]

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