Morris Dancers in need of new venue after Pontins closure

The Prestatyn holiday park, which opened in 1971, closed on Thursday, November 30.

The site has been used for Morris Dancing championships for years.

Lisa Thompson, one of the organisers, said: "I have been dancing for 40 years. I have my own troupe - Elite. We take lots of troupes to Pontins in Prestatyn. It is like a holiday for them, and for some, it might be the only holiday they have.

"The championships take place in September for me and for others, October and November. There is usually around 12 troupes involved at a time, around 1,200 dancers. There are around 15 /20 organisations just in the North West.

Morris dancers and their families look forward to the event every year (Image: Submitted)
"We usually go on a Friday and come back on the Monday. Sunday is the favourite day as that is 'results day' and everyone gets something. 

Lisa wanted to launch a petition. Organisers got the endorsement required but because it was a private issue, the Government were unable to help.

"I was in America when I found out that Pontins was closing," Lisa said.

"Finding a new venue is proving very difficult because of the size required and affordability.

"Lyons Holiday Parks very kindly reached out to us but we need so many caravans and chalets - they can't take us all.

"Pontins also reached out but the site they offered is four hours away in Suffolk. It doesn't work.

Elite in 2023 (Image: Submitted)
"I have got all these children and young people and no home.

"We don't have an association like football for example. We look after them and we use word of mouth. We are not-for-profit."

Lisa said she doesn't want to let the Morris Dancers down.

"Pontins was amazing to us," Lisa said.

"People say it is unclean, it's dated and yes... it is stuck in the 80s and needs work, but they were always good to us and to our Morris Dancing community.

"They shut so quickly. If they had been transparent and just let us know they were closing, we could have planned something.

#Saveourchamps 2024 - sign left at Pontins Prestatyn (Image: Submitted)
RELATED STORIES

• Pontins explains why Prestatyn Sands Holiday Park has closed

• LETTER: Hopes a solution can found to save Pontins Prestatyn

"It is like losing your job, being made redundant but with no explanation.

"There is a lot of pressure on me not to let people down.

"I have spent two weeks driving around Wales... driving around Towyn.

"We need somewhere that will accommodate about 1,000 people for a four day weekend.

"We leave nobody behind."

Anyone that is able to help the Morris Dancing Troupes or can suggest a venue suitable for the championships, is asked to contact Lisa. Email lisa.thompson1971@ntlworld.com