Exhibition set to dance through decades of culture

A North East museum is set to celebrate six decades of global dance and folklore with a captivating new exhibition.

Preston Park Museum and Grounds, in Stockton, will host 'World Cultures, Traditions and Friendships', a collection showcasing international folklore artefacts gathered by the team behind the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance. 

Visitors can explore masks, dolls, a Samurai helmet, a Mexican drum and many other cultural treasures.

The exhibition also features paintings, scrapbooks and a special documentary marking the festival’s 60th anniversary, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

Olga Maloney, artistic director of BIFF 2025, said: “The merger of local and international heritage is the combination that has captivated so many people over the past six decades as they took part in the Billingham International Folklore Festival of World Dance.

“The lifeforce of the festival has been the memories and stories that have been enjoyed and shared down the generations by individuals, families, audiences, performers and visitors to the region.

“Billingham has become a sought-after destination for international dancers who see performing at the festival as a proud medal to be worn around their neck. 

“And their continued presence in the town and later across Tees Valley has ensured people of all ages have gained an enriched experience of culture, customs and heritage from all over the world.”

Volunteers will be on hand at the museum to collect Folklore Festival memories, which will be preserved in a lasting digital archive.

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s cabinet member for the environment, leisure and culture, added: “We’re proud to host this unique exhibition. 

“The Folklore Festival has brought the world to our doorstep and we’re delighted to share its incredible legacy with visitors of all ages.”

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