ONE of the region's stately homes will be alive with wood-tapping and skirt-twirling dancers this weekend.

Castle Howard will host a gala of historic and traditional dance on Sunday afternoon - from noble 18th Century Playford dancing in the Great Hall to clog and morris dancing in the gardens.

The performances are by local groups and include the Playford Dancers, Ebor Morris, Beverley Garland, Buttercross Belles, the North-East Steppers and the Goathland Plough dancers. They will perform in the grounds from 2pm until 5pm.

The Playford Dancers will be in full 18th Century costume and will be accompanied by Castle Howard's very own Visiting Musical Genius.

This character from the house's history will play 18th Century music on his English flute and show off his "new" instrument, the English bagpipes.

Women from the Garland Dancers will perform with their hoops of flowers, while men from the Ebor Morris group will don their bells and handkerchiefs to provide an enthusiastic display.

The Goathland Plough Dancers can trace their history back 200 years, their dance stemming from the tradition of blessing a plough and taking it around the village for good luck.

The performances are included in the normal entrance price to the house and grounds and are in addition to the usual offerings available at Castle Howard.