This film is currently unavailable
Bacup Coconut Dance
Rare colour footage of the controversial Britannia Coconut Dancers performing on home turf in Bacup, Lancashire
Overview
Come Easter Saturday, the Bacup Nutters dance their way in and out of pubs and around the town boundaries, dressed in a curious get-up of kilts, clogs, bonnets, 'coconuts' (castanets made from bobbins from the local mill), and blackface makeup. This rare colour footage of the beguiling, bizarre, and increasingly controversial custom was shot by the English Folk Dance and Song Society in 1950.
Though the film is silent, close-up shots of the two concertina players help to evoke a sense of the dance's musical accompaniment. The controversial custom of 'blacking up' - explained by some as a reflection of the region's coalmining heritage (though this is disputed) - appears all the more arresting here, thanks to the film's rich colour.
Related
British Cinema Breaking with Convention British Cinema Breaking with Convention
Inside Film 2010 30 mins
Jonathan Romney and a panel of directors defend the unorthodox and original in modern British cinema.
Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here Rhianna Dhillon introduces I'm Still Here
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Critic and broadcaster Rhianna Dhillon introduces the Oscar-winning Brazilian drama.
180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A 180° Rule - BFI LFF 2020 - Q&A
Inside Film 2020 11 mins
Farnoosh Samadi, the director of 180° Rule, and actor Sahar Dolatshahi in conversation following an online screening at LFF 2020.
Dreams of a Life (Q&A) Dreams of a Life (Q&A)
Inside Film 2011 14 mins
Director turned detective Carol Morley (and actor Zawe Ashton) explain how an anonymous death changed both of their lives.
The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A The Extraordinary Miss Flower - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 28 mins
Directors Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard talk about their film, which unpacks a suitcase of love letters that inspired an album by Emilíana Torrini.
Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A) Afrika Bambaataa on Afrofuturism (Q&A)
Inside Film 2014 45 mins
Afrika Bambaataa and DJ, musician and filmmaker Don Letts discuss the development of Afrofuturism and its key artists.