A Weekend at Moira Canal Festival

Geoff Pursglove, one of the Moira Canal Festival Organisers with the Lord and Lady Mayor

Top Lodge Dancing Dogs were honoured to be invited to demonstrate the KC Sport of Heelwork To Music and Freestyle at the festival  2013.   Entering the well attended ring is Karen with Erin, Fly and Kes.

 Next to be welcomed into the Arena was Lesley with Hamish and Dewy.

And finally Kath was welcomed with her dogs Amber, Denby and Spice - already looking for the popcorn on the floor!! 

To open the entertainment was Karen and Kes - who is now  a remarkable very fit 15 yrs old and still thoroughly enjoying her dancing, training and displays.

Followed by Lesley and Hamish dancing - and singing! - to Capone to the delight of the audience.

Karen and Fly invited children and adults into the Arena to dance like a Top Lodge Dog.  There were many volunteers to come along and take part and the audience were amazed as to how well behaved the children were throughout their time copying Fly's moves.

Each day the trio allowed four adults to work with their dogs - this was a weaving race which the audience chose and cheered for their favourite dog to win.

Amber, Spice, Denby and Hamish took part and the winner was Hamish and the Moira Canal Festival Treasurer!!!

 He proudly wore his 1st place Red Rosette all day.

Spice took on the hill in the arena with gusto and managed to get Kath to keep up with her in Mr Blue Sky skipping up the hill!!!

This year the Festival invited the Civil War re-enactment society Open Rope, with their weaponry display, firepower, and drill displays, to re-enact the battle for the swing bridge.

The canon was fired twice a day - but with good notice so that the Top Lodge Dogs were looked after well!!

Morris Dancing - attending the festival in 2013: Bakanalia Border Morris;   Rattlejag Morris;   Black Pig Border Morris ,  Black Dog Molly 

 The different groups took it in turns to perform in front of the furnace.

  Wow - when they hit sticks - bits fly off!!!   Very entertaining.

 Fabulous costumes!!!   For once the Top Lodge Team were the only ones there in costume!!

 Hawkeye Falconry were also at the festival both days to entertain.

 The battle re-enactment camp with its own "hospital".

 The Moira Furnace Long Boat taking passenger for rides up and down the canal.

 The actual Moira Furnace - the central point of the festival.

 More from the battle re-enactment followers with a Wood Chopper.

And of course more from the Top Lodge Dancing Dog Team - this time young Dewy shows moves to the audience.

Karen with Fly dancing their fabulous Crufts 2012 routine to the music "Singing In The Rain" - luckily the weather was perfect both days.

Lesley and Hamish hit the Arena again with Capone!!  Looks like Hamish is singing along again!

And Karen with Kes wowing the crowds at 15 yrs old - that's Kes who is 15yrs old!!!  "Me Ol Bamboo"

Kath and Spice still working their way around the hill side skipping!!!

And back at base, the leader of Leicestershire County Council popped in to say hello and congratulate the Top Lodge Team on their display.

 And with an extra photo call for Dewy!!!

 The Spitfire "Fly over"!!  so low and very fast.

 Well done to the Top Lodge photographer Allan for capturing these moments!

 And at a slower pace - the old Steam Roller.

 Finishing the day with another weaving race in glorious sunshine.

And yes - Hamish won again!!!!!!!!  Let's hope the others in the team rise to the challenge next time!

The Top Lodge Team would like to thank everyone involved in the Moira Canal Festival for a great weekend.

Hope to see you again another year!