High Spen

High Spen Traditional Rapper Sword Dancers are the only traditional rapper sword dance team still performing today. Contact via

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

@MsAmyOB @hansmollman It's actually five generations. Ricky had a son Freddy (who is no longer with us) but his second son Gary also has a son called Freddy.

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Peter Brown as Betty for Monkseaton Morris, new years day in Monkseaton @7manrapper

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Details for the Rapper Workshop on 25 June are finally out. Tickets went on sale via Eventbrite at midnight on the 1st May. Follow the link for further information. https://t.co/l4QuZ4dw5o

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Save the date! The High Spen Sword Dancers will be hosting workshop open to all. We will be teaching the High Spen First Dance (including the High Spen 'Bulldog') Sunday 25th of June at a venue to be confirmed later. Register your interest now. More details soon. #savehighspen

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

There's a meeting at the Barley Mow pub tonight (Tuesday 28th) for anyone interested in preserving the High Spen Sword Dance tradition. Sword dance enthusiasts, dancers and musicians all welcome #savehighspen

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

After nearly three years of no public performances, High Spen are performing at the Northumbrian Piper's Society Annual Concert at the Newcastle University King's Hall tonight. #rapperdancing

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

High Spen start practicing again tomorrow (13th) at Barley Mow Community Centre 7:30 till 9:00. If you would like to have go at learning the oldest remaining traditional rapper sword dance then just turn up on the night. You will be made most welcome.

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Well that went better than expected! #sworddancing

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

High Spen practices re-commence this evening at the Barley Mow Community Centre. PM the team if you are thinking of coming along. #sworddancing

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

High Spen met up in the pub tonight for the first time since lockdown. Great to meet up again. #smallsteps

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Wow! Our entry in the Dert of Derts online rapper competition was judged first in the open section by both the official judges and the public vote. Thanks to all the judges, the public who voted for us and a special thanks to the organisers for An incredible event. well done all

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Breaking news... Kingsmen are winners of the north east rapper competition (NERC) held today at the Old Coal Yard, Byker #sworddancing #nerc

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

High Spen practices start again on Jan 7th, 7:30 Barley Mow Community Centre. Everyone is welcome!

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

@MsAmyOB @7manrapper What time of day is NERC this year?

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Addison rapper crawl in Winlaton tonight!

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

... and the winners are Star and Shadow (open) and Sallyport (traditional) #rappersword

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

Sitting in The Red Lion in Earsdon waiting for the North East Rapper Championships to start. Not dancing, just watching. #rappersword

[Mini Pony Hire @MiniPonyHire]

@HighSpenRapper Great to meet Ricky today - really enjoyed learning about the origins of Rapper Sword Dancing.

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

That went ok. Well done Sallyport and High Spen! #sworddanceontv #rapperdancing

[High Spen @HighSpenRapper]

High Spen and Sallyport should be appearing on The Antiques Roadtrip this afternoon at 16:30 (BBC1) #sworddanceontv #rapperdancing