Here is a complete listing from the Somerset and Dorset Folk Diary. To receive regular updates to this listing, along with other news items, please subscribe.
Regular events, such as music sessions and dance clubs are listed separately here.
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A father-son celebration of Ashley’s 80th birthday with words and music from a life in folk music and beyond.
Ashley Hutchings ‘The Guvnor’ formed Fairport Convention in 1967, a group that went on to invent British folk-rock with the album Liege & Lief – an album that was voted the ‘Most Important Folk Album of All Time’ by BBC Radio 2 listeners in 2002, and at the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards it won the award for ‘Most influential Folk Album of all time’. He subsequently formed Steeleye Span who also had enormous success and then the first of many Albion Bands.
By 1977 the Albions became virtually the house band at the National Theatre with Ashley as Music Director. The band provided music and acted in many plays including the much-loved Lark Rise. In recent years “The Guvnor” has concentrated on songwriting, spoken word and groundbreaking shows and albums and has released one hundred albums.
Ashley’s son Blair Dunlop joins his father for this very special tour. A BBC Folk Award-winning singer-songwriter in his own right, the pair will reflect on a very special musical relationship in chat, music and song.
7.30 pm
£22
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/ashley-hutchings-with-special-guest-blair-dunlop/
Hejira’ is an outstanding 7-piece band set up to celebrate the masterpiece works of Joni Mitchell. In 1979, Joni toured briefly with a band of top-drawer contemporaneous musicians (Metheny, Mays, Brecker, Pastorius and Alias), producing the much-lauded live recording, ‘Shadows And Light’; it is from this album that the band Hejira is drawing the body of its repertoire.
Hejira is fronted by the brilliant Hattie Whitehead who has – in her own way – assimilated the poise, power and beauty of Joni’s vocals, and also plays guitar with Joni’s stylistic mannerisms. Expect the ‘great’ songs from Mitchell’s back catalogue!
Tickets: £17 to £24
7.30pm
Contact Martin Eggleston
hejirabanduk AT gmail.com
hejira.co.uk
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
We’re always delighted to host West Country Concertina Players at Halsway Manor for their packed concertina workshop weekend for intermediate and advanced level players of all systems. You do not need to be a member of WCCP to come (though you might consider joining them – it’s only £10 annually); the weekend is open to all, though this is a popular weekend and priority will be given to WCCP members through an opportunity to book early.
There will be time to relax in the comfort of Halsway Manor, with evening playing sessions in the bar, plus an informal tutors’ concert on the Saturday evening. There’s also the option to stay an extra night and book for Sunday supper and B&B – the perfect time to relax and unwind after a busy weekend of music and socialising.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/wccp-concertinas-at-halsway-2025/
The hall is on the left when travelling north. The only street light along the main road is on the hall. Roadside parking.
All are welcome, no experience necessary. We enjoy an evening with live music and a caller who will guide you through all the dances. You don't need to bring a partner. No refreshments other than water provided, feel free to bring your own.
Do come along have some fun and laughter.
£7.50
Start time: 7.15 for 7.30pm
Finish time: 9.30pm
Contact Sally Condon: 0i300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
To round off our season, Martin Clarke and Will Allen, two outstanding young folk musicians on Fiddles and Melodeon, maybe a bit of banjo…
£15
7.30 pm
Contact Colin Hugh Bowen: 01963 240282
bowencolin AT hotmail.com
hvh.chessck.co.uk
Top drawer trio with Reg on vocals and guitar, Marion Fleetwood on violin and Geraint Hughes on keyboard and accordion. Commissioned by Pete Townshend and created by Reg Meuross, Fire & Dust – The Woody Guthrie Story is a journey into the heart and soul of one of America’s finest folk musicians.
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
The Dorset Fiddlers bring together some of the county’s finest folk musicians and have been thrilling audiences in 2024 with their upbeat and original take on the rich instrumental tune traditions of Dorset. Using original source material from archival manuscripts and newly penned tunes, the ensemble weaves together an incredible variety of music in an array of exciting contemporary arrangements. Now is the chance to hear the exhilarating sound of a folk fiddle orchestra in their debut concert at the David Hall. Expect toe-tapping reels, driving jigs, elegant minuets, lilting waltzes and maybe a tune or two from Somerset!
Tickets available from The David Hall:
https://www.thedavidhall.com
See the Dorset Fiddlers via YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/ AT DorsetFiddlers
And check out our website:
https://dorsetfiddlers.com
£16.00 Adults/ £8.00 Children
8.00 pm
Contact The David Hall: 01460 240340
boxoffice AT thedavidhall.org.uk
https://www.thedavidhall.com
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s
7.30pm
Contact John Head: 01935 873555
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.
Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. December 2019 saw Mad Dog Mcrea released a 5-track EP titled ‘It’s a Sign’.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
SUPPORT ARTIST TO BE ANNOUNCED.
THIS EVENT IS FOR AGES 18 AND OVER. ID IS REQUIRED AT THE DOOR. THOSE UNDER 18 WILL BE DECLINED ENTRY AND REFUNDS WILL NOT BE OFFERED. ACCEPTED FORMS OF ID INCLUDE A VALID PASSPORT, A PHOTO DRIVING LICENCE AND A PROOF OF AGE CARD SUCH AS A PASS CARD FROM THE NATIONAL PROOF OF AGE STANDARDS SCHEME.
ENTRY POLICY:
The Marine Theatre operates a zero tolerance policy to drugs.
Anyone found with illegal drugs will be banned and reported to the police.
Only people aged 18 and over will be admitted to this event.
Customers are required to present their ID on entry.
Management reserve the right to refuse entry.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £21.00
On the door £24.00
10% off for members
Standing
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/mad-dog-mcrea-3/
Josienne Clarke is a Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist, an Indie-Folk singer, songwriter and producer who draws on traditional British Folk inspirations. Blessed with a voice of crystalline beauty and clarity that has often been
compared to Sandy Denny, Josienne is now bringing Sandy’s songs to life again, this time with an all-star, four-piece band of Folk legends.
www.josienneclarke.com
8.00 pm
£21.50. No concessions
https://www.thedavidhall.com
We are delighted that the tutors of the WCCP* Concertina weekend – Barrie Johnson, Cohen Braithewaite-Kilcoyne, Alastair Anderson, Pam Bishop will be treating us to a wonderful evening concert of folk music.
*West Country Concertina Players are a Club of friendly concertina enthusiasts formed in 1983 and one of very few teaching clubs in the country.
8pm–9:30pm
Full price £12
Concession £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/concertina-concert-2025/
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact David Witham: 01308 897403
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
Ceilidh Dance
Champion Irish Piper
Caller Alex Korom-Percy
Cash bar
Buffet
£15 . Family £25 . Under 25 £10
7.30pm for 8pm, finishes 10.30pm
Contact Linda Wilton : 07922 506765 01258 821049
Lynjean48 AT gmail.com
A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.
£17.00
7.30 pm
Contact Tony: 07939 436197
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/upwey-weymouth/st-laurence-church/daoiri-farrell-with-support-from-graham-moore/e-gxqaez
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
4.00 - 5.50 pm
Contact Stephen Yeoman: 01929 450587
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
A product of Dublin's famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.
He has received endorsements from the likes of Christy Moore ("Daoirí has assumed the mantle of Luke [Kelly]"), Mark Radcliffe ("What a voice") and Dónal Lunny ("Daoirí is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade"), with his music and live performances earning the acclaim of respected publications including MOJO, The Irish Post, Songlines and more. He has toured and played festivals across the world as well as touring the UK with the all-star Transatlantic Sessions. Daoirí’s fourth album, ‘The Wedding Above In Glencree’, recorded with Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa/The Waterboys), was released in February ’23 .
West Dorset singer, songwriter, Graham Moore, accompanies himself on guitar or English concertina. His own powerful works such as 'Tom Paine's Bones' and 'Tolpuddle Man' are sung by some of the best of UK Folk.
£17 advance, £19 door
7:30pm
Contact Tony King: 07960 471170
admin AT upweymusic.org.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-pqaxren
John and Di Cullen – A duo from the South East, who play a wide range of interesting and amusing material, using guitar and harmony.
Cheese and Weasals – Music, all kinds of music done with the style and panache of Cheese and Weasels…… that’s all you need to know!
Tom Power – is a local singer-songwriter who has been writing and performing his own acoustic music for over fifteen years. Taking inspiration from the world around him, Tom crafts songs around themes of nature, growth and everyday life. His music draws upon folk, pop and soft-rock influences, which he combines with his own reflective twist to explore a range of topics and emotions.
8pm - 10pm
Contact Pip Evans: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
A small venue gig, with only 80 tickets available for general sale.
In aid of various Dorset loval charities.
£23
8.00 pm (Doors 7.00 pm)
Contact Laurie Keane: 07726 365824
skatrooperhall AT icloud.com
https://steveknightley.com
Come and play, dance, sing or just listen and watch. Session hosted by Somerstep. There will be tunes, dances and the odd song. All welcome 8.00 pm start
https://roseandcrowneastlambrook.com
Contact Steve Cunio: 07811 680534
steve AT cunio.co.uk
A full-on, fun packed workshop weekend for Nyckelharpa players – beginners as well as more experienced players of this unusual Swedish folk stringed instrument. Vicki Swan will be leading the weekend, with support from guest tutor, David Chadwick.
The weekend includes the opportunity for complete beginners to meet and play the instrument. Eight spaces are up for grabs for the complete beginner course with a loan instrument provided. Spaces fill up fast so don’t delay!
Plenty will also be on offer for the improver / intermediate level player. Workshops will cover all aspects of playing the nyckelharpa: posture, technique, bowing, Swedish tunes, British tunes, chord playing, ensemble playing (by ear), exercises and Nyckelrythmics!
Sunday B&B is available for anyone wishing to extend their weekend. Request this extra night when booking.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at both total beginners, and those with some experience, up to about intermediate level. More advanced players should check out our ‘Harpas at Halsway: Nyckelharpa Festival’.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/spring-harpa-2025/
Katie Grace Harris is a multi-tasking, foot tapping, piano, dulcimer and accordion playing singer and story-weaver. Inspired by real stories of social injustice and with a fast-growing reputation in the UK Folk world, her sound has been described as 'boot-thumping, heart filling contemporary British folk’.
Katie’s first “instrument” is her distinctive pure voice - she uses it to draw her audiences into the story she is telling with ‘spine-tingling’ results. Her engaging live performances usually feature her playing a range of instruments including Piano, Piano Accordion and Shruti and she can often be seen toting a home-made chess board stomp box and a pair of sturdy boots for a full one-woman-band experience!
https://www.katiegraceharris.com/
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Light refreshments will be on sale at this concert.
While we encourage young people to come along and enjoy the music, we do ask that all under 16s are accompanied by a responsible adult.
The concert will take place in the Museum's Andrew Room on the 1st floor. There is access by both stairs & lift and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor.
Advance online: Adult = £13.50 / Under 18 = £12 - On the door = £15
Doors: 7:25pm - Music from: 7:45pm
Contact Folky Owls
folkyowlsevents AT gmail.com
https://wegottickets.com/event/644948
The electrifying sound of Birmingham’s fiery, (un)traditional folk band Bonfire Radicals is both intensely creative and irresistibly fun.
Experience Bonfire Radicals’ electrifying sound and energy in this special run of performances. Witness the adventurous breadth of their musical imaginations which emerge from a melting pot of original and traditional material from the British Isles to the Balkans.
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella all collide and explode into a “crashing rollercoaster of sound... alive with possibility and thrills” (Folk Radio).
Bonfire Radicals present a family friendly show with wide appeal. Catch them in this intimate concert setting while you can!
Doors open 7.30 pm Licensed Bar
Call: 07745 318486
Tickets from from Roadwater Shop or Valiant Soldier Pub or online
Price: £12, Under 16's £7
https://takeart.org/event/bonfire-radicals-live
The wonderful PHIL BEER is appearing solo at the club.
£17.OO
8.00 pm (doors open 7.30)
Contact KathY Dunn: 07590 411515
kd.79 AT live.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes).
As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between
classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from.
www.krisdrever.com
£19.50 Full. £18.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and a delicate acapella combine to make an inventive and funky evening. Tickets via www.caryfordhall.co.uk
£12 advance / £15 on door
7.30 pm
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
The electrifying sound of Birmingham’s fiery, (un)traditional folk band Bonfire Radicals is both intensely creative and irresistibly fun.
Experience Bonfire Radicals’ electrifying sound and energy in this special run of performances. Witness the adventurous breadth of their musical imaginations which emerge from a melting pot of original and traditional material from the British Isles to the Balkans.
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella all collide and explode into a “crashing rollercoaster of sound... alive with possibility and thrills” (Folk Radio).
Bonfire Radicals present a family friendly show with wide appeal. Catch them in this intimate concert setting while you can!
Over 16's only - under 18's must be accompanied by an adult Licensed bar
Tickets from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary or online
£12
https://takeart.org/event/bonfire-radicals-live
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
Doors 2pm
6 including a cold drink
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Legends of Irish music & song, The FUREYS are renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc
The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where with his brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell.
In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’ for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year.
They are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.
Eddie Furey recalls how “many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents’ collection”. Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey.
Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.
Tickets: £25
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/the-fureys-2025/
Legends of Irish music & song, The FUREYS are renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc
The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where with his brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell.
In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’ for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year.
They are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.
Eddie Furey recalls how “many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents’ collection”. Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey.
Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.
7:30pm
Tickets: £25
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/the-fureys-2025/
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
Doors open 6.15; Performance 7pm
Tickets: lamyattvh AT gmail.com
£15, £12.50 concessions, £40 family 2+2
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Banter are hosting a weekend of music, dance and song at Halsway Manor.
There’ll be workshops for all, as well as a Friday night welcome session, Saturday night concert and ceilidh, and maybe a bit of Banter fun throughout the weekend… Almost anything could happen!
The band will be equipping you with some new repertoire, while helping you to build on your existing skills, and you’ll spend the majority of the weekend working as a whole group, with some time both guided and self-led in smaller groups too.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/banter-2025/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Evening
A 'Micro' Barn Dance evening. Usual easy and fun dances, friendly atmosphere, but no bar. BYO if you wish. No need to come with a partner.
£7.50
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.15
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
7.30 pm
07843 348057
Cash bar
£12, £8 concessions (People on a low income & under 18's) £28 family 2+2
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Roving Crows are an Irish Folk Rock band who deliver the goods with unbounded amounts of riotous energy and banter. Paul O’Neill (guitar and lead vocals); Caitlin Barrett (fiddle & vocals); Laurence Aldridge (drums & vocals) and Jim Smith (bass & vocals). Their passion and energy on stage is infectious, never failing to deliver a great time with their vibrant live show!
www.rovingcrows.com
£18.50 Full. £17.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
7.30
Tickets from North Curry post office
Price: £15, under 12's free when accompanied by a ticket holder
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Please complete the enquiry form on the website to request a place on the course.
An opportunity for young musicians to work with supportive folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity. Help to create a new performance piece to be shared with parents and friends at Halsway at the end of the week!
Musician, composer and educator Becki Driscoll is back as our Creative Lead. For this years’ Young Folk Intro Week she’ll be joined by a team of professional musician-tutors: Matt Norman, Rosie Butler Hall and Kerrie Seymour.
We’ll be providing an immersive week of music, creativity and fun, in the beautiful surroundings of Halsway Manor. It will be intensive and challenging, but also supportive and fun! Young musicians will spend the week working together to learn, arrange and rehearse new repertoire, developing musical skills and performance technique, and creating their own interpretations of traditional material. The group will live, work and play together, with opportunities for informal rehearsals and social gatherings to enrich their experience and understanding of the folk arts.
Arrival on Monday is from 11.30am and you’ll have your first session with the tutors at 12pm followed by lunch. Before you go home, on Friday at 12pm, there’ll be a chance to perform the pieces you’ve been working on for family and friends. This performance usually lasts for about an hour.
We don’t allow parents to stay on site – these residentials are for young people only. If you’re looking for a musical experience that you can enjoy together, check out our Family Folk course in the summer. Our pastoral lead, Kerrie, helps everyone to settle in and feel at home. We often find that, by the end of the residential, no one wants to leave!
Full Board (accommodation and all meals) tuition and all activities: £240
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-intro-2025/
A radically fresh, boundary-pushing take on traditional songs.
Anglo/Irish folk band The Haar brings the formidable singing talent of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music scene in Cormàc Byrne (Show of Hands/Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger (both of the FATEA award-winning The Ciderhouse Rebellion).
Known for taking a familiar tune and turning it into something breathtakingly fresh and ambitious, this band of high level improvisers produce ever-changing musical soundscapes, while Molly lets her sublime vocals flow to stunning effect.
Latest album ‘Where Old Ghosts Meet’ received multiple rave reviews and has paved the way for outstanding festival appearances at Shrewsbury, Beardy Folk, and at other prestigious stages during their successful UK tours.
Expect a magical evening of stunning, made-in-the-moment renditions of some of the world’s most incredible songs.
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
£16.00 Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/the-haar/
Get a closer look at the accommodation options here.
We’re really excited to have invited Irene Watt and Graeme White to lead a weekend of Scots Song in glorious harmony.
They’ll be teaching a number of Scots Songs over the weekend – some will be traditional, and some contemporary, in English and Scots dialect. Everyone will learn the melodies and those that feel confident can learn harmonies to enrich the sound, and the weekend!
Whether you have experience of Scots Song already or not, this course will enhance your skills and offer some new repertoire. You’ll spend the majority of time working together in a large group with the tutors, with some opportunities to sing in smaller groups.
There’ll be sessions in the bar each evening, and instrumentalists are welcome to bring their instruments to add an extra element to proceedings.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/scots-song-weekend-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
A spellbinding collaboration between two musical powerhouses. Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of Ireland’s foremost Traditional fiddle players and a Classical violinist of international stature who commands both the Classical world and her Irish traditional heritage. From across the Irish Sea and the west coast of Wales, harpist Catrin Finch has also built an impressive Classical career and ventured into uncharted musical territory, most notably through her award-winning international collaborations.
www.catrinfinch.com
£22.50 Full. £21.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
The Wessex Folk Festival are holding a fundraiser Ceilidh. There will be a bar, a raffle, and a fun evening of dance is guaranteed! Everyone is welcome! The evening is supported by our very own homegrown ceilidh band, Return of the Natives, which includes local members of the South Dorset folk scene, with our very own Teresa as the caller (the lady who tells you what to do!).
You can buy your tickets online at the festival website for £10. Funds raised going to wards the Wessex Folk Festival on Weymouth Harbourside on 31st May and 1st June 2025.
£10
7 - 10 pm
Contact Martin: 07730 575241
martin AT wessexfolkfestival.com
https://www.wessexfolkfestival.com
Well known local caller and band will be playing for Bridport Folk Dance Club's Spring Dance. Soft refreshments available.
Accompanied children welcome.
£10 on the door. £1 for children with adult.
7.30 - 10.30 pm
Contact Michael Selley: 01308 863552
mandgselley AT btinternet.com
Tim Brine & Sue Franklin have been singing as a duo for over 30 years. Their enchanting style has endeared them to audiences at clubs and festivals and they never fail to please. They draw their music from both traditional and contemporary sources as well as their own self-penned songs of social comment which reflect their commitment to environmental and social causes.
Having had to cancel at short notice last November due to Covid, I am delighted that Tim & Sue have been able to rebook for our April 12th session.
The Coffee Bar opens from 7.00pm beforehand and during the interval, offering fresh filter coffee or tea. We will also have a range of soft drinks and snacks for sale (NB for cash only). You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but please note that there is a no-alcohol policy in the church building.
Music starts at 7.30pm with the first hour open to anyone who wants to sing or play. Floorsingers are invited to arrive early to sign up in the book on the evening, but as space is often limited you are welcome to email beforehand to book a slot. We try to ensure that everyone gets at least one song, but we operate a first come/first served policy.
Our guest artists perform from about 9.00pm and we finish music at 10.00pm. Our Folk Nights are free to enter, but please remember to come prepared with cash to make a generous donation to our guests performers.
For more information contact Laurie Burn laurieguitars AT gmail.com 07854 750545
Ex Ocean Colour Scene member, Dan Sealey, will be performing music from all the bands he has played in plus material from his forthcoming album. Expect stories from touring days gone by. Tickets via www.caryfordhal.co.uk
£10 advance / £12 on door
7.30
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
European Musicians German Diaz, Merit Zloch, Matthias Branschke and Mikael Marin with their instruments playing in an ensemble
Develop your ensemble playing skills on this extended weekend course for musicians. Drawing on European folk/contemporary/popular music traditions, we’ll be making new arrangements that can go in any direction! We aim to explore and combine all sorts of influences and ideas to make spine tingling music that is more than the sum of the parts.
The course is fairly intensive and includes all-day ensemble workshop sessions. We will aim to perform all the pieces we create together at a public concert on the Sunday night.
The course was started by musician/composer/arranger Paul James (Blowzabella). He now has handed over the leadership to Merit Zloch, harpist, composer and music tutor from Berlin, Germany. We are delighted that Mikael Marin (Väsen), Germán Diaz and Matthias Branschke will return to tutor in 2025 – with Merit taking care of the administration!
As you can see you will be in safe hands with a very experienced tutor team, playing in a mutually supportive atmosphere. We’ll have a lot of fun too with time for relaxation and informal music making.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/european-ensemble-weekend-2025/
It's Good Friday but we still want to dance.
The hall is on the left when travelling north. The only street light along the main road is on the hall. Roadside parking.
All are welcome, no experience necessary. We enjoy an evening with live music and a caller who will guide you through all the dances. You don't need to bring a partner. No refreshments other than water provided, feel free to bring your own.
Do come along have some fun and laughter.
£7.50
Start time: 7.15 for 7.30pm
Finish time: 9.30pm
Contact Sally Condon: 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
The band shares decades of skilled musicianship and award-winning song-writing, playing a dazzling array of instruments. The line-up brings together former members of folk rock band Shave the Monkey, which was an established name on the European folk scene for 20 years. They have since been making music in a multitude of projects including the late Judy Dyble’s Band of Perfect Strangers, Dragonsfly and the Boxwood Chessmen.
Penni McLaren Walker – Lead vocals, guitars, whistles, keyboards, percussion
Bryan Causton - Guitars, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, cittern, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Duncan Moss - Hurdy gurdies, bagpipes, flutes, saxophones, rauschpfeife, piano, keyboards, vocals
Fran Broady - Violins, harp, vocals
John Campbell Armer - Guitars, basses, bass pedals, synths, percussion, vocals
Martin Lindridge - Drums, percussion, congas, cajon, bass, vocals
www.tingiants.co.uk
8pm
Contact -: 01643 863117
The Magpie Arc is a cross-border band featuring acclaimed musicians
Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom Wright, Alex Hunter, and UK folk legend Martin Simpson on electric guitar. Formed to blend their songwriting and musicianship into a fresh take on the British folk/rock sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the band quickly gained recognition for its unique mix of Folk, Rock, Country, and Prog-Rock elements.
www.themagpiearc.com
£25 Full. £24 Concessions
7.30 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
A fun and friendly ‘House Party’ for all who enjoy folk dancing and playing and want to try a range of dance styles. There will be dance workshops each morning, afternoons are free to explore this lovely area or take a ramble in the Quantock Hills. Bring your walking boots and instruments. There’s a dance each evening with the occasional music session and sing-around in the bar afterwards.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/easter-house-party-2025/
The Magpie Arc is a cross-border band featuring acclaimed musicians Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom Wright, Alex Hunter, and UK folk legend Martin Simpson on electric guitar.
Formed to blend their songwriting and musicianship into a fresh take on the British folk/rock sound of the ’60s and ’70s, the band quickly gained recognition for its unique mix of folk, rock, country, and prog-rock elements.
Their debut album, Glamour In The Grey (2022), spent 12 months on the UK Official Folk Chart, debuting at number 9 and Mojo magazine compared it to Fairport Convention’s ground-breaking 1969 release, calling it “Liege and Lief-affirming” with “an elemental racket.”
Expect excellent songs, lush harmonies, scything electric guitars, gorgeous fiddle lines and rock solid bass and drums.
www.themagpiearc.com
www.facebook.com/TheMagpieArc/
X (formerly known as you know what) – AT themagpiearc
Instagram – AT themagpiearc
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £22.00
Advance: £20.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/an-evening-with-the-magpie-arc/
Album Launch of Turnstone
The Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music...
Their high-energy, virtuosic performances appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental, and they have garnered praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire, where they were described as ‘melodically folk-rooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre’.
Beginning life as a trio - with legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight being joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack - the line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray. As collaborations go, it doesn't get much more mouth-watering than this.
While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades.
Characterised by riotous inventiveness, technically gifted individual playing and subtle collaborative interaction, this coming together of several of the biggest names on the folk-roots scene, combines a deep knowledge of roots traditions with a ceaselessly boundary pushing approach. Taking self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, they produce richly atmospheric arrangements layered within a wealth of subliminal musical influences.
£27.00
7.30pm
https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/venues/christ-church
Mirek Salmon (bandoneon), Daryl Kellie (guitar), Jimi Can (voice/percussion). Virtuosity and engagement which is gripping. Tango Calor are often called upon to accompany Argentine artists and collaborate regularly with orchestras to perform the works of Astor Piazzolla.
Tickets £14
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Much loved folk trio, the Young’uns, celebrate 20 years of singing together. One night in Stockton On Tees, three teenagers heard strange sounds coming from the backroom of a pub. They went in. They heard people singing songs they’d never heard before. Songs without instruments. Songs in their own accents. Songs about places they knew. Folk songs. They joined in. Because they were the youngest ones there by several decades, they were soon labelled ‘the Young’uns.’
20 years on and they’ve carried their unfortunate name around the world, from Sydney to Vancouver, from Radio Tees to Radio 4, won 3 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and gained a reputation for singing life affirming songs of social conscience in immaculate 3 part harmony. But as well as their 20th anniversary, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle will each be celebrating their 40th birthdays on tour!
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £24.50
On the door £28.00
10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/the-younguns-20/
Legendary Irish Folk music band Dervish, are one of Ireland’s best known traditional bands and are described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”.
Dervish have a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy
Jordan. Regarded by many as the most distinctive voice and finest front-woman in Irish traditional music today – the instrumental line-up of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, mandola, bodhran and accordion draw from seemingly limitless depths of talent, finesse, subtlety and fiery energy.
www.dervish.ie
£26. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Sound of the Sirens are a foot stomping, tear jerking, crowd engaging female folk/rock duo whose strengths lie in their passion and chemistry. Tickets via www.caryfordhall.co.uk
£16.50
7.30 pm
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
Direct from the West End and riding high on the success of world tours, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners brings the ultimate feel-good Irish show to a theatre near you.
In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghues, we invite you to join a talented cast of seasoned musicians dedicated to bringing the music of this iconic group back to life.
Steeped in song, story and revelry, this spectacular tale celebrates The Dubliners, Ireland’s favourite musical sons in authentic style. This critically-acclaimed production spans half a century, invoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.
Come join us for an unforgettable night out and see why lifelong Dubliner devotees and new fans alike are singing high praise for this amazing production direct from the West End.
£30.50
7.30 pm
Phone: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/seven-drunken-nights/
Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character. The band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival.
Advance £18.00 | On the door £22.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/gnoss/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
A very popular dance weekend for experienced dancers. Join the A-team of callers Maggie Daniel and Lucy Slemmings, and Irish musicians Rise the Dust for another rip-roaring weekend at Halsway.
Maggie and Lucy will teach daytime workshops helping you to brush up on your skills, and there will be ceilidhs on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon for you to enjoy dancing to top-notch live accompaniment. We recommend that you book early for this course!
There’s the option to stay Sunday night for an extra £60 per person, to include light supper, B&B. Bring instruments if you have them, and enjoy a relaxed evening session!
Who is it for?
This course is for experienced dancers to come together and enjoy a great weekend of high energy dancing with a great Irish band!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/irish-set-2025/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Evening
A 'Micro' Barn Dance evening. Usual easy and fun dances, friendly atmosphere, but no bar. BYO if you wish. No need to come with a partner.
£7.50
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.15
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Taking audiences by storm, SALTLINES is a compelling Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, a top tier lineup which features some of the most influential names on the British folk scene.
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is compelling and transporting in equal measure.
By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and
those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
Beginning life as a trio formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the line-up has
been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental
duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray.
£29.50
7.30pm
https://cedarshallwells.co.uk/events/saltlines-the-gigspanner-big-band-and-raynor-winn/
Taking audiences by storm, SALTLINES is a compelling Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, a top tier
lineup which features some of the most influential names on the British folk scene.
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is equally compelling and transporting. By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
£29.50
7.30pm
Contact Box Office: 01749 834483
boxoffice AT cedarshallwells.co.uk
https://cedarshallwells.co.uk/events/saltlines-the-gigspanner-big-band-and-raynor-winn/
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is compelling and transporting in equal measure.
By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and
those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
Beginning life as a trio formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the line-up has
been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental
duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray.
£30/£28
7.30pm
Phone: Box Office: 01305 266926
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2024/11/18/sun-4-may-saltlines/
Brand new for 2025, and by popular demand – we’re so pleased to be hosting a midweek course for woodwind players interested in the English folk repertoire and style. The course will be led by Andy Watts, Finn Collinson, and Sam Partridge, three wind players whose expertise covers both a multitude of styles and historical periods.
This will be an opportunity to breathe some life (pun intended) into the English folk dance tunes currently dormant in manuscripts in the library, waiting to be discovered and reinvigorated.
During the week, you’ll also explore the music of some 17th century Broadside Ballads, as well as diving into the techniques you might need to own these tunes on your woodwind instruments.
You’ll (hopefully!) leave Halsway with a deeper understanding of, and connection to, folk repertoire as wood-wind players, and with the tools to enjoy this repertoire authentically, as well as having made new friends and been a member of an exciting new wind ensemble!
This course is suitable for players of all wood-wind instruments, who consider themselves to be working at an intermediate or advanced level.
Diatonic instruments will be welcome, providing you have a range of instruments that enable the playing in keys of up to 4 sharps or flats (e.g. whistle players will need to bring several different instruments along).
You don’t need to be able to read music for this course, but the focus will be on learning by ear. However, if this is new to you, the tutors will be sharing tools and techniques to help you approach the skill, and notation can be made available during the course if absolutely required.
You’ll receive a timetable in advance and other material during the course, and you won’t need to prepare anything in advance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-woodwind-week/
We’re delighted to be welcoming back 2024’s crack team for the 2025 Halsway Manor Contra Camp! This weekend is part of *The Halsway Contra Festival* – and is followed by American Spring Contra!
Join callers Louise Siddons and Heather McAslan, and band WillPower (Will Allen and Will Chamberlain) for an intensive weekend of contra dancing. Expect high energy and plenty of action on this workshop-packed weekend, complete with late-night ceilidhs and sessions.
The team will be using gender-free calling to guide you through the dances, with morning workshops available for ‘DIY’ sessions – bring a dance you’d like to work on.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/contra-camp-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Daphne’s Flight are an exceptional force in British music. Chris While, Helen
Watson, Julie Matthews, Melanie Harrold and Miranda Sykes are among the
UK’s most-loved and respected artists individually, but when they join forces on stage something magical happens. Imagine, if you can, the instrumental
sparkle and songwriting creds of The Traveling Wilburys combined with the
striking vocal prowess of Sweet Honey in The Rock. Then add the warmth and
down-to-earth humour of The Derry Girls and you’ll be somewhere in Daphne’s
territory. They create a unique sound and energy which unites singer-songwriter, Folk, Blues and more.
£20.50 Full. £19.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
*The Halsway Contra Festival* – this course follows the weekend’s Contra Camp!
Our much loved annual midweek Spring American Contra course is hosted by Meg Winters, with a great all-American team of caller Sue Rosen and musicians Bruce Rosen (piano, guitar) & Audrey Jaber (fiddle)!
There will be dance and music workshops in the mornings, afternoons are free for you to explore this lovely area, and there are dances every evening. This is a really popular week so early booking is advised.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/american-spring-contra-2025/
One of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller embarks upon an intimate trio tour joined by two of Scotland's finest musicians, Innes White on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle. This acoustic setting is the perfect opportunity to see Siobhan's richly celebrated Scottish folk songs up close and personal.
Siobhan’s musical prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including four BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year titles and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track. Her discography boasts five solo releases, all of which have been shortlisted for BBC Alba STMA Album of the Year, including her latest album, Bloom.
An out and out, freewheeling celebration of much-loved Scottish songs, Bloom deftly balances a love of traditional song with modern influences. Joyous and cathartic, it adds to the wide-ranging accolades and radio-play enjoyed throughout Siobhan’s solo career.
Having grown up in Scotland’s rich folk scene, Siobhan has been a regular performer at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival, where she was Artistic Director for the 2016 Opening Concert and featured amidst the star-studded Transatlantic Sessions line-up in 2022, duetting with Paul Brady and Sarah Jarosz.
Siobhan’s unique vocal style has been honed through collaborations with many of Scotland’s top musicians, including Eddi Reader, Kris Drever & Phil Cunningham. She has also made guest appearances with the National Theatre of Scotland, spent a season on Broadway, returned to the US for a month-long residency in Boston’s Majestic Theatre for Brian O’Donovan’s Celtic Christmas, and can be spotted on US/UK TV drama Outlander.
This is a rare opportunity to see Siobhan Miller in intimate surrounds, and experience her stunning vocals and lyrical songs in a truly special setting.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M. Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £18.00 On the door £22.00 10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/siobhan-miller/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Halsway’s hugely popular weekend dedicated to the DG melodeon in all its diatonic glory returns in 2025!
Melodeon players can spend time with their instrument in a supportive programme packed with workshops to take your playing to the next level. This weekend is not aimed at total beginners. You’ll need to have a basic grasp of your instrument – as a guide you should at least be able to play simple tunes with both hands together – with plenty to inspire and challenge more experienced and accomplished musicians. The programme includes workshops designed to take your playing to the next level. Each group will spend time with each tutor. In addition to the workshop programme there will be some additional time to socialise and take part in informal sessions.
The tutors will give an informal concert on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-dg-melodeon-weekend-2025/
The evening marks the Ukrainian Vyshyvanka festival which is the day before. Stunning harmonies and vocal arrangements of folk songs from the Ukrainian countryside.
Tickets £12. Ukrainians / hosts free.
7.30 pm
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
We are delighted that the tutors of the Halsway DG Melodeon Weekend will be treating us to a wonderful evening concert of folk music.
Hailed the smiliest man in folk by Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe, Dave Gray is an enthusiastic and experienced melodeon player and educator. A graduate of the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music degree, he began working on the multi-award winning musical ‘Beyond the End of the Road’ in 2018, and has been performing with Katie Doherty ever since, alongside fellow Navigator Grace Smith. Dave is also one third of French dance band ‘Cri du Canard’. In addition to regular private teaching he continues to work as a mentor for Ethno music camps, the international programme for young musicians playing folk, world and traditional music. He has taught on the EFDSS National Youth Folk Ensemble and Sage Gateshead’s Folkworks Summer Schools.
Hazel Askew is one of the country’s leading melodeon players and is one of the most experienced melodeon teachers in the UK. She developed the melodeon courses for EFDSS’s Saturday Folk Music School, which she still leads, and has run courses/workshops for many organisations including FolkWorks at The Sage Gateshead, Melodeons & More, Halsway Manor, Adderbury Music Weekends and various festivals across the country. Hazel also teaches freelance workshops and one to one lessons, and has even taught long-distance over Skype! Hazel’s photo is by Elly Lucas.
Mel Biggs is a musician, performer and melodeon teacher based in Derbyshire, England. Renowned the world over for her perceptive, patient and mindful manner in teaching groups and individuals, Mel is a leading light in the world of melodeon teaching; both on and off-line. Having been teaching since 2009, Mel has an ever expanding toolkit of techniques at her disposal which she adapts to every new teaching scenario. You can expect a bespoke blend of learning-by-ear, call and response playing, analogies, visualisations and pattern recognition, tune deconstruction and notation in moderation. Mel is a consummate performer, vocalist and accompanist wracking up a wealth of experience in trio Moirai with Jo Freya & Sarah Matthews, playing for various morris & traditional dance sides, and most recently as an actor-musician in the 2022-23 UK & Canada tour of Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical.
8.00 pm
Full price: £12
Full-time student: £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-melodeons-2025/
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
We’re delighted to be hosting another enjoyable summer weekend of Ukulele music and song for players of all levels of experience.
The mix of the three tutors is what makes this course special. Jon deals with the ‘tools of the trade’, introducing new fingerstyle and strumming techniques along with some theory. Sam takes you down the classical route with tablature and ensemble playing. Phil is a jazz and blues specialist who introduces a bit of extra spice in your playing. There will be plenty of time to relax and socialize too. The evenings include opportunities to perform your own material, plus enjoy an informal concert on the Saturday by the tutors.
In the past, the weekend workshops have covered:
•New chords from the blues/jazz repertoire and how they fit together
•Strumming techniques suitable for different styles and songs
•Fingerstyle playing as well as strumming
•How to accompany yourself on a song
•Advice on purchasing instruments, strings, etc
•How to read and interpret tablature
You’ll also be able to develop Ukulele Band skills, using pieces arranged for different ability levels; gain performance tips – get thinking about how you want to present your music improve stage craft and presence – and develop confidence and song writing skills, unlocking some creative potential!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-weekend-2025/
Since 2009, Skinny Lister have been at the forefront of first-rate folk/punk in the UK. Making waves with the irrepressible energy of their debut album ‘Forge and Flagon’ in 2012, the London-formed crew went on to sign with Xtra Mile Recordings for the release of their classic second album ‘Down On Deptford Broadway’ (2014) and so beginning a partnership that has birthed a further four records with the label including ‘The Devil, The Heart, The Fight’ (2016), ‘The Story Is…’ (2019), ‘A Matter Of Life & Love’ (2021), and most recently ‘Shanty Punk’.
Given its mastering polish at the iconic Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright, their latest effort ‘Shanty Punk’ finds the band delivering their most autobiographical and arguably most definitive Skinny Lister album yet. A concept album all about the myths and madness that have have defined Skinny Lister themselves, it was warmly received by The Morning Star who praised in a 5* review “If you’re feeling out of sorts and in need of festive cheering up, the exuberant Deptford sextet Skinny Lister are the remedy, the balm that no festive season can do without. Ever.”, whilst RNR Magazine hailed the record as “very good…raucous!” (4*).
As the band’s career continues to see them passing the growing flagon of their experiences with every album and tour. They’ve led an endless parade gathering fans old and new, from the respected folk circuit to the riotous Download Festival, igniting pogoing mosh-pits at each. Over the past ten years they’ve travelled from rain-soaked London to the vast arteries of the USA, upgrading from narrow boat to Salty Dog Cruise, played huge tours across Europe and North America and headlined themselves across festivals, sweatboxes and ever-larger venues. Performing with some of music’s most tenacious live acts from Dropkick Murphys to Frank Turner, Boy George to Beans on Toast to The Bouncing Souls, not to mention reigniting their US fanbase with an epic tour across America with Flogging Molly in 2023; Skinny Lister’s formidable live rep more than proceeds them.
And now with the tantalising promise of new material on the horizon, catch Skinny Lister doing what they do best at the Marine Theatre.
Standing
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Tickets: Early Bird £19.00, Advance £21.00, On the door £25.00
10% off for members
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy. Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/skinny-lister/
An un-tutored course for experienced singers and players of early instruments. Non-fixed ensembles of recorders and viols form the main part of the week with a variety of small singing groups depending on participants. Evening sessions for all are conducted and include music for instruments and voices. All of these sessions are at 440 pitch. We usually have harpsichords available and arrange chamber groups at 440 and 415 and are also able to welcome baroque oboe, flute, and violin as second instruments. Cornett, cornamuse, sackbut, curtal and crumhorn are also welcome as second instruments and we can usually arrange sessions for these. The repertoire is primarily renaissance and baroque.
Who’s it For?
The association organises two meeting a year (end May and mid-September). Those who wish to join us must be experienced on viol and/or recorder, able to play one to a part, and be good sight readers. We welcome additional harpsichords (the owner will not be expected to play continuo exclusively all week).
The Team
This course is a partnership event, organised by The Voices, Viols and Recorders Association who can be contacted via Halsway Manor or directly through our email vvr-association AT hotmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/voices-viols-recorders-association-3/
Singer and guitarist, Jack Badcock is a hugely experienced performer, having toured throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, predominantly as frontman and founding member of his multi-award winning, internationally renowned world-folk band ‘Dallahan’. He is a critically acclaimed solo artist and has also performed or recorded with Rura, Siobhan Miller, Adam Holmes, Dougie MacLean and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra among many others and was a finalist in the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award. His career has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious folk music events including Tønder Festival (DK), Festival Ortigueira (ES), Celtic Connections, (SCO) Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Festival Dranouter (BE) and countless others.
Raised in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland and later Yorkshire, England, before moving to Scotland as a teenager, Jack has a split national identity shared between the three countries. At eighteen, in Edinburgh, he formed a partnership with multi-instrumentalist Ciaran Ryan, touring the UK, Germany and Denmark. The duo would go on to form Dallahan in 2013, which rapidly became one of Scotland’s busiest international folk bands. To date the band have recorded four critically acclaimed albums, earned several awards and many nominations and toured extensively on four continents.
Having previously sung mostly original interpretations of traditional songs, In 2020, Jack began writing original songs, initially incorporating them into Dallahan’s music before beginning to write and release solo recordings. In 2021, Jack released his debut solo EP, The Driftwood Project. Funded by Creative Scotland, the EP was drip-released throughout the year and showcased a plethora of musical influences and outlooks, featuring a large lineup of some of Scotland’s most accomplished instrumentalists from the jazz, classical and folk worlds. It was nominated for Original Work of the Year (Sponsored by PRS) at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards 2021. He was then invited to write, arrange and perform the prestigious New Voices commission at Celtic Connections 2022 with a show of all-new original material with a six-piece band.
Jack Badcock is a singer whose solo material reveals an astute songcraft exploring enormously wide ranging subjects delivered with a musical sensitivity clearly influenced by American folk, funk and soul music as much as the traditional music of Britain and Ireland and all served with a healthy dose of storytelling and humour.
Website: www.jackbadcock.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JackBadcockMusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/JackBadcockMusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZEC5eIFq5kRQGFTRj5S1t?si=XoIbJUFMS2ainPcFRkBJqg
Youtube: www.youtube.com/JackBadcockMusic
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £13.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/jack-badcock-dallahan/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
The Halsway Playford Weekend is always a stimulating and enjoyable experience, and we are delighted to welcome back dancing master Andrew Swaine with musicians Purcell’s Polyphonic Party for the 2025 event.
A vigorous and fun weekend of dancing, the course is aimed at dancers – both experienced and new to Playford are welcome – who want to explore the music and dances published in the English Dancing Master.
An extremely brief history of Playford, in Andrew’s words: “John Playford was a publisher in the mid-17th century who published a lot of “country dances” which were being danced in the English Inns of Court at the time. It’s commonly believed that that they were initially dances for light relief based on what the common folk were doing, but dancing masters got involved and many of the dances are quite elaborate! They evolved considerably when Charles II came back from exile and country dancing became very popular throughout the nation and much of Western Europe, declining in the early 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century Cecil Sharp, reviving interest in all things traditionally English, reinterpreted and and taught these dances.”
Andrew likes to promotes a relatively lively and accessible style of Playford dancing, aiming to rediscover what made these dances fun in the first place. Expect a varied and joyful programme of workshops and social dancing, aimed at interpreting the dances for a modern audience with enthusiasm and enjoyment, whilst also setting the dances in historical context and referring back to the original sources.
There will be a Playford Assembly Ball on the Saturday evening – costume strongly encouraged!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-playford-assembly-2025/
The famous yearly FREE Wessex Folk Festival returns to Weymouth Harbourside on the 31st May and June 1st 2025. Festival Music from top Folk acts and Bands. Local musicians and great Morris Dancing, sessions and workshops, mixed in with Trade stalls and great food. Kicks off at the Sailors Return Weymouth Friday evening 30th May. All welcome so come and enjoy! Visit the Wessex Folk Festival website for up to date details.
Contact Martin: 07730 575241
info AT wessexfolkfestival.com
https://www.wessexfolkfestival.com
Hobsons Choice are delighted to bring you an evening of guaranteed laughter, fun and frolics with some great music to dance along to. This lively fiddle led band has been entertaining Folk throughout the south west for many years
and continue to bring joyful memories for all occasions.
Sarah will be bouncing around on bass guitar whilst calling dances and says “If you can walk, you can barn dance, so come along and have some fun whilst supporting The Great David Hall”.
www.hobsonschoice.org.uk
£12.50 Full. £11.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Two exceptional musicians, world-renowned Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Aoife Ni Bhriain, one of Ireland's foremost traditional fiddle players and a classical violinist of international stature, who's serendipitous meeting during a brief respite in covid lockdown has blossomed into a ground breaking musical partnership.
Double You, Catrin and Aoife’s debut album as a duo, features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from various genres, taking listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea and inspired by the cultures of their home countries.
Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of her generation’s most versatile and gifted violinists, a dazzling musician who commands both the classical world and her Irish traditional heritage. From across the Irish Sea and the west coast of Wales, harpist Catrin Finch has also built an impressive classical career and ventured into unchartered musical territory, most notably through her international award-winning collaborations. Double You, their debut album as a duo, features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from various genres, taking listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea and inspired by the cultures of their home countries.
Both are incredible virtuosos of their respective instruments, who started young and trained hard with great dedication to achieve the highest world-class standards of their art. Both went through rigorous classical training and grounded their careers in the classical world. Given her family heritage, it was inevitable that Aoife would also become a master of the Irish tradition; and given her fearless and inquisitive nature, it was equally inevitable that Catrin would seek artistic satisfaction beyond the confines of the classical world. “Audiences just want to come away from a performance having been moved,” says Catrin. That becomes the key creative force, transcending the boundaries of genre.
Running through their stories – as individual creatives, remarkable women, and now as an inspirational duo – are universal themes of identity, self-belief and the courage to be who you really are, to find yourself, particularly when others expect you to conform. Theirs is a story of being brave enough to follow your own path. From fighting against cancer and embracing sexuality, to being courageous enough to express their full creative potential, both Catrin and Aoife have been forging their own paths of challenge and discovery.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M. Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £21.00 On the door £25.00 10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy. Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/catrin-finch-and-aoife-ni-bhriain-2/
Get a closer look at the accommodation options here.
Join Eliza Marshall (Freedom To Roam), Deborah Norris (Ballet Folk), and Katie Whitehouse (Company of Song) for an inspiring retreat designed to reconnect you with the natural world and your creative self, with a touch of folk tradition woven into the experience.
Come as you are, and leave with renewed energy, ideas, and connection to nature.
Through the interconnected disciplines of writing, music, movement and nature-based activities like mindful walks, you’ll explore how creativity can deepen our relationship with the earth, and each other, encourage meaningful connections, and inspire positive change.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Halsway Manor, this retreat offers a unique blend of nature immersion and artistic exploration. Evenings will be spent sharing nature-inspired songs, stories and dance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/connected-creativity-2025/
Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour and tales of life on the road. Kip (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) “simply has a voice to die for” ( John Roffey, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave (vocals, guitar and banjo) is now rightly recognized as being amongst the top tier of British songwriters, with his songs sung in Folk clubs across the UK and beyond. Together, their voices are sublime.
£17. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Join us for a Bal, with Topette!! The evening will kick off with a short performance by students on the Topette!! playing weekend, followed by dancing and merriment for all! Everyone welcome, and bring instruments if you play – there will likely be a session afterwards.
The Band
Topette!! occupy a unique position in the current folk and traditional music landscape. A collaboration between five highly-regarded individuals from two countries, they’re the kind of perfect idea that, if they didn’t already exist, someone would have to invent. Yet Topette!! are no mere ‘project’ band. They’re a fully-formed and functioning group of the kind that rarely comes around nowadays. Topette!! are a true collective – bonded as much by the joy found in each other’s company as in their shared musical vision.
Julien Cartonnet is a powerhouse on both bagpipes and banjo. Fiddler James Delarre’s innate melodic and harmonic sensibilities make him the perfect match for accordion virtuoso Andy Cutting. Tania Buisse’s propulsive bodhrán playing and Barn Stradling’s singularly distinctive bass grooves complete a sound that is irresistible to ears and feet alike.
Full price £15 Concession £7.50
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bal-topette-2025/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
We are delighted to be welcoming back the British BMG Federation for their 2025 Summer School. Choose from 3 courses – Classic Finger-style 5-string Banjo with Danielle Saxon Reeves; The Art of Playing in Ensemble with Roland Gallery; Traditional Music from the British Isles for Mixed Instruments with Nigel Gatherer – and let us know your choice when booking.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bmg-summer-school-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Marion Fleetwood (TRADarrr, Feast of Fiddles, IOTA, The Sandy Denny Project, Fleetwood Cave) performs her stunning music alongside Gregg Cave (TRADarrr, Fleetwood Cave).
These two seasoned performers bring a fresh and lively aspect to traditional folk songs and folk rock, plus self penned contemporary music.
Blandford RBL open from 7pm.
£15, ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 07590 411515
kd.79 AT live.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
This is, as always, a day of free entertainment for all ages and will include music and dance performances, workshops, stalls and much, much more!
FREE EVENT
Entertainment will take place all day, throughout the village. Key venues
will include The David Hall, the Market Square, the Blake Hall, St Peter and
St Paul Church and the Brewers Arms.
www.pethertonfolkfest.co.uk
If you’re just getting started (or restarted) with the fiddle, our Summer Fiddle Weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to take the next steps and consolidate your learning so far. Tutor Becki Driscoll will help you explore a variety of different fiddle techniques, and lots of lovely tunes over the weekend. Learning will mostly be by ear, but notation will be available in case you need it. There’ll also be the chance to get together with fiddlers from the Intermediate and Advanced course, as well as enjoying sessions in the evening, and Halsway’s beautiful surroundings.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-fiddle-weekend-beginners/
Our Summer Fiddle Weekend is dedicated to developing your fiddle playing through a range of repertoire and a deep dive into fiddle technique. We want you to go home with ideas and skills that you can implement into your playing for years to come!
We’re delighted to welcome back Tom Kitching with Bridget Slater to work with any player who considers themself to be working at an intermediate or advanced level.
If you are a beginner or an improver, check out our Beginners and Improvers Course instead – same dates, same place.
Workshops will touch on or explore technique, expression and some repertoire. You’re also welcome to use our extensive folk library to discover tunes that you’d like to work on. There will be plenty of time to play together on this intensive weekend of workshops for fiddle players who can play folk dance tunes up to tempo either from the music provided, or by ear.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-fiddle-weekend-2025/
Hailing from Merseyside, Contemporary five-piece acoustic Roots combo Elbow
Jane blend acoustic Folk instrumentation with a fresh exciting sound and energy. Bouzouki, mandolins, guitars, piano and percussion are complemented by expressive vocals and stunning harmonies - likened by some to `Crosby
Stills & Nash’. They’ll make you laugh; they’ll make you cry and leave you shouting for more.
www.elbowjane.com
£19.50 Full. £18.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Enjoy the pleasure of group singing as you discover the potential of your own voice. Singers of all abilities are invited to join Hilary James to explore the wealth of songs within the British folk tradition and take a peek beyond into blues, swing and comic song. You’ll be working largely ‘by ear’ with simple improvised vocal harmony but, for the more experienced, written parts for some songs will be available.
This week runs alongside the Simon Mayor Mandolin Week and Ben Walker’s Guitar Study Week.
Ben, Simon and Hilary will perform an informal concert on the Thursday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-song-week-2025/
Back by popular demand, join Simon Mayor, one of the country’s finest mandolin players for this mid-week masterclass.
Simon’s January ‘Mandolin Workshop Weekends’ have been hugely successful and consistently prompt requests for more. This time it’s a smaller group, but a longer, mid-week gathering, suitable for intermediate and advanced players. There’ll still be some ensemble playing, but this will be a chance for students to share their performances and for Simon to offer personal critiques – as always, in an atmosphere of mutual support.
The music of the Irish harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) has featured from time to time in Simon’s mandolin workshops over the years. This is a chance for mandolinists – or players of other mandolin family instruments – to get more intimately acquainted with his music in a mandolin ensemble setting.
Carolan’s tunes for the most part follow the format of a typical traditional jig, reel or march: two sections, each usually repeated. Stylistically, they differ a little from a typical trad tune because he was also influenced by the classical music of his day, in particular the Italian composers Corelli and Geminiani.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mandolin-with-simon-mayor-2025/
Ben Walker returns to Halsway Manor to lead a mid-week guitar masterclass for intermediate and advanced level guitarists.
Together we will explore ways of arranging traditional folk tunes on the guitar, look at ways to arrange melodies and chords, and then put it all together to form a complete performance.
We’ll cover advanced guitar techniques, alternative tunings, whilst allowing for plenty of time to work at your own pace. There will also be the opportunity for 1-2-1 sessions with Ben who is one of the UK’s foremost acoustic guitarists.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ben-walkers-guitar-masterclass-2025/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Legendary 70’s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar.
With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along.
8.00 pm
£33
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/lindisfarne/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Politically charged singer/songwriter with roots in folk, country, and punk
With a sound that recalls Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along with the cynicism of grunge and punk, nobody could believe wry singer/songwriter Willy Mason was only 19 when he appeared on the indie scene. Mason is a songwriter who has become harder to define as the years go on. Often outside of time musically, his lyrics reflect the humanness of now and our steps toward transcendence.
His voice and performances have only improved with age. Todays shows are tight and powerful; full of passion and conviction, humour and love.
Advance £19.00 | On the door £25.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/willy-mason/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne