It’s time to get your dancing shoes ready as the much-loved Paddy’s Bush Dance returns for another lively night of Irish jigs, old-fashioned hospitality and family fun.
Hosted by the Macclesfield Institute and led by the Wild Matilda’s Bush Band, the sell-out event is a favourite for locals and visitors of the Macclesfield community.
This year, the dance serves as Macclesfield’s contribution to the broader Otunga Country Tourism Weekend, which sees neighbouring towns like Meadows, Paris Creek, and Flaxley host local events to celebrate the region, so attendees can expect an even bigger celebration.
The tradition stems from Macclesfield’s Irish roots, with the town’s small but very active history group first organising the Matilda’s three years ago as a celebration of local heritage.
“Many Irish Catholic people emigrated to South Australia as part of the mass exodus from Ireland following the Great Potato Famine of 1845 to 1849. By the 1870’s, the Macclesfield district was home to a large percentage of Irish Catholic families. In fact, at one time, it was called Paddy’s Town,” explains June Conroy, Macclefield Association secretary.
“The idea was to honour that with a dance and it was a huge success. We sold out the first event with 80 people, the next with 100, and we’re expecting another full house this year.”
The dancing is led by the popular Wild Matilda’s Bush Band who, according to June, do a fantastic job of getting everyone involved. Whether you’re a professional dancer or have two left feet, they’ll take care of you.
“They’re fantastic at guiding everyone through, even if you get it wrong. They bring humour to it, and no one feels out of place,” June says.
“Imagine a hundred people in a hall and trying to get them coordinated, they’re just brilliant.”
All you need to do is follow their instructions, dance to the beat and jig around in a circle, smiling to your heart’s content.
What also makes the dance unique is its wholehearted embrace of community. The night is alcohol-free, family-friendly and includes a good ol’ fashioned supper prepared entirely by local volunteers.
“It’s the kind of food people might’ve eaten 50 years ago… simple, homemade, and made with love. It’s really special.”
For a celebration of music, delicious food and community, and all while doing something a little more unique than you’re average dance, make sure to pay the Bush Dance a visit. How many times have you been Irish Bush Dancing?
“It’s such an uplifting night. The room is buzzing, people are laughing, moving, and connecting and for a few hours, it feels like the world slows down.”
WHAT: Paddy’s Irish Bush Dance
WHEN: Saturday May 10 7:30pm – 10.30 pm
For tickets, click here.
For Facebook, click here.
More News
