Traditional English Dance - Morris Dancing

Every solstice, outside the pubs of Palmerston North, strangely clad people can be seen leaping into the air, waving handkerchiefs and sticks, with bells jingling from their shins. This traditional ritual to welcome the return of the sun and spring is called Morris dancing, and it goes back at least to the 15th century in England. 

The origins of Morris dancing have been lost in history, but prevalent opinion is that Morris is based pre-Christian fertility or luck-bringing ceremonies. Over time, these 'pagan' dances were assimilated by the church (first the Catholic, then the Protestant) and by the 1500s, Morris was being performed for Easter, May Day and other local festivals.

Morris is still danced all year round to ensure a good crop, to provide entertainment, or to commemorate important events. Today, Morris is still performed in England and New Zealand on days such as Plough Monday, Easter, and the start of spring. Some of the dances have not changed in over a hundred years and because of this long history, Morris dancing is considered a living tradition.

We would love you to try Morris dancing. We practise at Palmerston North Fire Station on Wednesday evenings.

Alternatively, if you would like us to dance at an event that you are organising please contact our Squire, Rob Freeman, or Lis Todd.


Rosewood Morris Dancers

Palmerston North Central

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The Manawatū Scottish Society (Inc) was established in 1925. Its mission statement is to foster Celtic Heritage through the promotion of Celtic literature, customs and accomplishments, and social interaction within New Zealand. This is achieved through promoting three Pipe Bands and Scottish Country Dancing based in the Society’s Hall, which is available for hire to approved hirers. In addition, the Society hosts the Jenny Mair Highland Square Day, now in its 41st year, and the Claidheamh’mor and Targe Solo Invitational Piping Contest, now in its 36th year.

Manawatū Scottish Society (Inc)

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Established in the Manawatū in 2000. University of the Third Age (U3A): a community of older people who seek a greater understanding of life. Taps the reservoir of knowledge, skills and experience of older people through self-help learning. Provides opportunities for reading, research, discussions and field trips. The atmosphere for learning is informal and friendly. There are no compulsory activities or examinations. Costs are minimal.

We meet in small learning groups (usually less than 15 people). We currently have over 30 interest groups. Each group has a coordinator who organises and oversees the group. Groups meet in members’ homes, in libraries, art galleries or other spaces. You may join as many groups as you like (there are waiting lists for some groups). Sometimes we go on visits, for example to art galleries, museums.

In addition to the groups we usually run two seminar series each year with themes of general interest.

U3A Manawatū Incorporated

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The Palmerston North Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists was established in 1972. We promote the study of family history and genealogy. We meet monthly and all are welcome at our meetings. At our meetings we often have talks by experienced genealogists and our many research resources are available (databases and library). Our volunteers help members and the public both at our monthly meetings and weekly at the Palmerston North City Library (Wednesdays and Fridays 10.30am – 1.30pm, Saturdays 1 – 4pm). We have a monthly newsletter with news, events and articles. 

Palmerston North Branch NZSG

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Join us for our live performances each month in the Evelyn Rawlins Room at Square Edge. Enjoy the sounds of many eras and styles - much-loved music performed by local pianists, singers, woodwind, strings and more.

Our annual Musica Viva Young Performers' Scholarship is a performance competition for local musicians under the age of 25. Prizes are offered in Piano, Instrumental, and Vocal categories. Participants perform in our May-September concerts, with the preliminary competition taking place on Sat 26 Sept. Applications to participate in the YPS programme are due in March 2021. Contact our secretary for information.

Musica Viva Manawatū

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Amélie of Palmy is a community project for lovers and yet-to-be lovers of the French hit film Amélie (2001). A series of creative events connecting aspects of the film to Palmerston North, including acknowledging Amélie's birthday on 1 June. Bienvenue! 

Amélie of Palmy

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Chamber Music New Zealand (CMNZ) is the leading presenter of top quality chamber music concerts throughout New Zealand. Chamber music delivers a unique experience of great music that is up-close, personal, immersive and created for sharing – Music Up Close. Our mission is to nurture the love and understanding of music, create remarkable experiences throughout Aotearoa, foster live music by solo performers and small ensembles, as well as encourage and support New Zealand performers and composers. Through our unique year-long presentation of live music, CMNZ present a Music Up Close experience that is vibrant, distinctive and diverse. Every year, we bring together international performers with local musicians and composers, inspiring and engaging audiences across the country. The annual concert season offers audiences an array of experiences to explore: from period-instrument performances to jazz collaborations, string quartets to wind ensembles, cross-genre to cross-art form explorations.
 
CMNZ also plays a vital part in introducing the inspiring world of chamber music to young minds. We achieve this through special school packages, school visits and educational concerts. We are also responsible for the longest running chamber music competition for secondary students, the NZCT Chamber Music Contest.


Chamber Music New Zealand (Manawatū branch)

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The Manawatū County Club, based in Palmerston North, was established in November 1928. It welcomes women of all ages, professions, ethnicity and educational backgrounds to participate in a diverse program of informative, stimulating and social activities, both at the Club Rooms and at selected offsite venues.

Within the Club are many interest Groups. These include Gardening, Antiques and Collectibles, Music, Arts and Travel, Bridge, Bolivia, Mah Jong and Oral History. They each develop their own annual program of activities. All members are encouraged to belong to those groups which interest them. There is also a program of key annual events and two luncheons, with interesting speakers, are held at the Club each month. 

The Club offers a warm and welcoming environment in comfortable surroundings for individual members and groups to meet, find friendship and support, share interests and participate in a range of social activities.  


Manawatū County Club Inc

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Alliance Française Palmerston North is a well-known French language and cultural centre located on the first floor of the Square Edge Creative Centre. It is one of the oldest cultural organisations, established in Palmerston North under the name of ‘Cercle Français’ in 1949. 

Alliance Française is a NZ registered charity which actively promotes interest in French language and culture. Our mission is to encourage the study of French language; to raise awareness of French and French-speaking cultures in all their dimensions; to foster cultural, intellectual, artistic and friendly exchanges between  French-speaking world and local communities; and to promote cultural diversity by highlighting all cultures.

Alliance Française offers and supports continued learning both in and out of the classroom by offering French courses for all ages and levels, cultural events, a French community library and official language diplomas.

Alliance Française supports refugees and migrants from different backgrounds and cultures, in particular French-speaking, by providing literacy and numeracy classes, as well as English classes. We facilitate social interaction and mutual exchanges with the local community.

Alliance Française also supports teachers in schools by offering competitions, workshops, professional development, and exams.

Alliance Française Palmerston North

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For Dutch and Dutch descent people, their families, friends, and Dutch culture appreciators. We are a small but fun and friendly community of all ages. We meet irregularly (usually connected to an event). A lot of our activities are at Te Awahou Nieuwestroom in Foxton. Keep an eye out for Dutch Week, which happens in April, around Koningsdag (Kings Birthday) - now bigger and more orange than ever!

Dutch Club Manawatū

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Palmerston North Brass Band is the oldest organisation in Palmerston North, technically pre-dating Palmerston North City itself! Established in 1868, we have been providing entertainment to Palmerston North residents for over 150 years.

We play a wide range of music, from classical, traditional brass band pieces, right through to arrangements of pop songs. We get involved in community events as frequently as possible, and you may have seen us at Relay for Life, Anzac Day services, Explore Esplanade Days, in the Christmas Parade, or just popping up for a spontaneous performance around town!

In addition to our brass band, we also facilitate lessons for anyone who wants to learn a brass instrument and run an 'academy band' for learners to try playing in a band setting without the pressure of being in a full band.

Palmerston North Brass Band

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We are a local Scout Group that would love to show your child the benefits that Scouting will bring to their world. Our excellent hall is centrally located behind Palmerston North Girls High School and we enjoy the wonderful Ongley park on our doorstep.

For more information about SCOUTS NZ visit our website.

Te Awe Awe Scout Group

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Makkika Dum is an Egyptian Drumming group in Palmerston North. We perform and teach Egyptian and middle eastern drumming styles. We play modern, folk, and classic Egyptian rhythms with passion and love. Singing folk songs and incorporate oriental instruments in our public performances.


Mazzika-Dum Egyptian Drumming 

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Square Edge Community Arts supports a vibrant community of artists and creative folk, arts and community organisations. 

We run a monthly exhibition programme, offer community workshops, hold markets and events, and host forums and performances. Our tenants and users include artists, a picture framer, photographers, a signage designer, sound healer, plastic free grocer, café, yoga, art, voice, drama, and language teachers, a garment centre, and much more. We offer studio spaces for artists, and bookable rooms for a diverse range of user groups. There are many opportunities to join in with a wide range of activities here.

Square Edge Community Arts 

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