A SPECIAL concert is to be held to celebrate Oxford folklorist Percy Manning.

In 1899, Mr Manning tracked down Morris dancers from the Headington Quarry team for a concert of folk songs and dance that revived the team and led to their discovery by folk revivalist Cecil Sharp, and the start of a folk music and dance revival.

In a unique collaboration, the modern Headington Quarry Morris Dancers and the folk group Magpie Lane are recreating the 1899 concert at St Andrew’s Church in Linton Road, Oxford, on Friday at 8pm.

Mr Manning died 100 years ago and the occasion is being marked by several exhibitions and events around the city.

Reviving the Revival alternates songs and dances in an exact re-enactment of the 1899 concert and includes some direct descendants of the 1899 team.

In 1899 the songs and tunes were performed by members of the Taphouse family, from Oxford’s well-known music shop, and this time they will be performed by Oxford folk band Magpie Lane.

Dave Townsend, the Squire of the Headington Quarry dancers, said: “Headington Quarry will be dancing as briskly as ever in their fourth century of performing.”

The Bodleian’s Weston Library is also holding an exhibition running until April 23 entitled Percy Manning: The Man who collected Oxfordshire.

And the Pitt Rivers Museum is hosting a display entitled Oxfordshire Folklore and Customs: Celebrating the centenary of antiquarian and folklorist Percy Manning until May 8.

For tickets visit folkinoxford.co.uk