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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This is a course to explore all things queer and folk, in collaboration with Queer Folk! Through workshops and discussions you’ll be making new music, learning old songs and having the opportunity to share music and stories that are important to you.
There’ll be chances to meet new musicians, create new ensembles, take part in sessions, delve into archives and perform. You’ll gain research skills and get tips about finding interesting resources online and in print. The course will be a mixture of guided and self-led learning, as a whole group and in small ensembles.
There will be sessions and an informal sharing for members of the group.
The team will also be guiding you through the process of queering folk song, discussing what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in the folk scene, and establishing ways in which queer history can be discovered. They’ll also be introducing you to (potentially) new repertoire. Come and join the LGBTQIA+ folk community!
Aged 35 and under?
We'll take £100 off room rates in the manor, and £90 off camping and non-residential places. Let us know on your enquiry form.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/queer-folk-weekend-2024/
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 under 16s free
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.30
Contact Sally Condon: 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
Celebrating 200 years since the foundation of the RNLI with readings and songs of the sea by the
Wareham Whalers.
Tickets available from: https://www.wegottickets.com/event/607532
£8
7.30pm
Contact David Blakeley: 07923 020946
wareham.whalers AT gmail.com
http://www.wareham-whalers.org.uk/
Ceilidh
Doors open 6.45, dancing 7-10
Tickets £15 standard £12 Concession
Booking recommended 01202 203630 or online www.pdsw.org.uk
Frequently heard on BBC Radio 2, including its Pick of the Week show, and described by countless audience members and reviewers as ‘uplifting’ and ‘inspirational’, Mark Harrison is a totally original songwriter, a stunning guitarist, and a master storyteller.
With a very distinctive guitar style, he takes elements of folk and blues to create something new that is very much his own genre. Constantly touring and multi-awards-nominated, he is widely considered one of the top artists in UK roots music.
Mark will be accompanied by the brilliant Charles Benfield on double bass, who brings a quite unique style to the songs. With catchy tunes, lyrics than intrigue and engage, and striking rhythms, they make you smile, think and move.
£16.50
7.45 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/mark-harrison-charles-benfield/
Join esteemed folk musician Tim Laycock, assisted by folk singer Alastair Braidwood, for an evening of words and music from the county and beyond all to do with Spring, May Day, the turning of the year towards summer, and the people who live and worked, past and present, on the land.
These two local actors and musicians join forces to bring readings and poems from Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, traditional folk tunes and songs, and hearty good cheer together for an enjoyable and educational evening celebrating May Day, and all its associated traditions.
£12
7pm
Phone: 01747 852910
manager AT shaftesburyabbey.org.uk
https://www.shaftesburyabbey.org.uk/event-details/o-flowry-may
dance workshop from 6 - 7 pm, main dance from 7 - 9.30pm, live music by the resident houseband, tea and coffee provided, free parking in the town car parks
£4
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
For the very first time, we’re excited to have invited Jon Doran to help you make progress with your overall ability on the Irish bouzouki, primarily as an accompanist, but also as a tune player. During the course you will explore different strumming and picking patterns in common time signatures and transfer those skills to work with your melodic playing. You will work on developing your skills in harmony and improvisation and explore how you can apply them to create a countermelodic accompaniment for tunes and songs.
Jon will introduce or reintroduce you to the skills required to adapt your tune playing to allow for self-accompaniment, and will be adding to your accompanist’s toolbelt by sharing his wealth of playing and accompanying experience.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/developing-your-irish-bouzouki-playing/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
A social weekend of dance for club members and friends. The Falconers Folk Dance Club is a registered club of the English Folk Dance and Song Society from Bromyard. English and American country dancing with live music from The Falconers Band.
Who is it for?
Whether you have done a lot of dancing or none, the Club will make you welcome and help you have an enjoyable time! Although this is a club partnership event, there may be space for additional dancers so please get in touch!
The Team
This course is a partnership event, organised by The Falconers Folk Dance Club. For more details: http://www.falconers.org.uk or email btyler186 AT gmail.com.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/falconers-dance-club-2024/
£18
8.00 pm
Tickets available from ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
+ Gerry Colvin
Salisbury based duo Ribble are making a big name for themselves on the folk club and festival scene. The played to a very appreciative audience at New Forest Folk Festival in July 2023.
The wonderful singer-songwriter Gerry Colvin is opening the evening performing some of his iconic songs solo in a special 1 hour set. Just Gerry, up close and informal. You don't want to miss this!
£15, ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact John Butcher: 017474 850 212 or 07590 202203
j.w.butcher AT btintrnet.co.uk
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Ceilidh in a Church
A rare opportunity to dance in the nave on an ancient church! The thrilling band Tatterdemalion will provide the music and the renowned Angela Laycock will call at this popular event, part of the Cerne Giant Festival, a week of events celebrating humanity in the landscape.
Soft drinks, wine, Cerne Abbas ale, and nibbles will be on sale.
Doors open 6.30pm
£8 adults and £4 children
7pm - 10pm
Contact Cerne Giant Festival
https://cernegiantfestival.org/
Accompanied by Hugh Bradley (double bass)
He’s been described as “a complete guitarist,” “a singer songwriter of rare talent” and “absurdly accomplished.” He’s toured with John Renbourn, Maggie Boyle, WAZ, Ballet Rambert and daughter Martha. The writer of the classics The Slipjigs and Reels, The Naked Highwayman and Here’s to Tom Paine; his songs have been covered by a who’s who of the folk world. The boxed-set retrospective Reaching Back is a fitting celebration of the life and music of one of our finest performers. After 50 years in the business he’s on as fine form as ever; his new album Such Times out now.
www.stevetilston.com
Tickets: £17 Full. £16 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/steve-tilston/
Join Vicki Swan & Jonny Dyer for a Spring course of Scandi playing for bowed string players and accordionists! (Yes, we know Jonny’s playing the guitar in the picture, but he’s a multi-talented musician!)
You can expect to become acquainted with polskas, schottises, vals, and långdans, and there’ll be an expedition to hunt for that elusive third beat. Workshops will include ensemble playing and some optional technique sessions, mostly focused on Swedish music.
Vicki will be leading the strings and Jonny the accordions, and there’ll be opportunities for the two groups to come together in the evenings. Bring your walking boots as there will be an opportunity to head up the hill behind the house to take in the spring scenery.
This week also coincides with Valborg – the Swedish May Day celebrations so expect some festivities on and around Tuesday 30th April! Anyone who also wants to celebrate May Morning in a decidedly English folkie fashion should rise before dawn on May 1st and head to catch a glimpse of the Minehead Hobby Horse as it makes its way round the town.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/spring-into-scandinavia/
Join esteemed folk musician Tim Laycock, assisted by folk singer Alastair Braidwood, for an evening of words and music from the county and beyond all to do with Spring, May Day, the turning of the year towards summer, and the people who live and worked, past and present, on the land.
These two local actors and musicians join forces to bring readings and poems from Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, traditional folk tunes and songs, and hearty good cheer together for an enjoyable and educational evening celebrating May Day, and all its associated traditions.
Supper available for extra. See website.
£15/£20
Start time: 7.30pm, doors from 7pm. Supper from 6pm.
Phone: 01305 848363
https://www.athelhampton.com/events-1/o-flowry-may-wednesday-1st-may-2024
Since his inaugural performance with the fledgling Steeleye Span in 1970, Peter Knight has been a mainstay of the British folk scene.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Peter has carved a reputation as a relentlessly questing musician “as mercurial as quicksilver” (Simon Jones/fRoots), and it is never quite so apparent as in his work with the various Gigspanner line-ups.
In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, Peter turned his full attention to the Gigspanner Trio and established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene, inspiring Maverick magazine to write "Gigspanner are pushing at the boundaries, and in the process are making some of the most beautiful music the genre has to offer" 5***** Maverick Magazine
£22/£20
7.30pm
Phone: 01747 854321
https://shaftesburyartscentre.org.uk/events/the-gigspanner-trio/
She has been likened to an ‘up-tempo Mazzy Star’, Phoebe Bridgers and First Aid Kit.
Born and bred in the heart of NYC, Annie's musical journey started at an unexpected crossroads. The night of her high school graduation, she picked up the family guitar for the very first time and discovered a hidden passion that would change her life. Inspired by icons like Simon & Garfunkel, Carly Simon, and Ben Kweller, she began crafting her own melodies, often humming her thoughts like a secret soundtrack to city life.
£13(adv) £15(doors)
7.30 pm
Contact Chapel Arts: 01225 461700
info AT bathboxoffice.org.uk
https://chapelarts.org/events/annie-dressner/
A wide selection of International Dances take place at dance sessions during the weekend. You will also have the opportunity to explore the beautiful varied area of the Quantocks and Somerset coast and to join organised walks. The period of stay is Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with the choice to stay the Monday night for an additional charge should you wish.
The Team
This partnership event is organised by the Society for International Folk Dancing, with an experienced caller leading the dancing to both recorded and live music.
The Society for International Folk Dancing are a UK-based, voluntary, non-profit-making, non-political association that aims to encourage people to learn and enjoy Folk Dances from many countries. There are many groups and classes all over Britain – almost all can be joined by people of any age with no previous experience, and singles are as welcome as couples. New dancers do not need to be members of the Society, although membership will naturally confer benefits. Details are available on the SIFD website.
For details and booking of this partnership event please contact:
Ian Green: icgreen AT tiscali.co.uk or phone 07934 909968
- the 80s and 90s
Oysterband DECADES
Four decades of Oysterband songs over two evenings: from their early acoustic roots, through the roaring 90s, onwards to a new century … and songs for the future.
Saturday 4 May at 8pm
OYSTERBAND – the 80s and 90s
From Step Outside to Holy Bandits and beyond.
Featuring: Oxford Girl / Hal-an-Tow / Too Late Now / When I’m Up / Granite Years
Sunday 5 May at 7.30pm
OYSTERBAND – into a new millennium
Through Meet You There to Read The Sky.
Featuring: Rise Above / Here Comes the Flood / Dancing as Fast as I Can / A River Runs / Corner of the Room
… and many more …
www.oysterband.co.uk
Tickets: £26. No concession
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/oysterband-the-80s-and-90s/
– into a new millennium
Sunday 5th May 2024 AT 7:30 pm
£26
Saturday 4 May at 8pm and Sunday 5 May ay 7.30pm
Oysterband DECADES
Four decades of Oysterband songs over two evenings: from their early acoustic roots, through the roaring 90s, onwards to a new century … and songs for the future.
Saturday 4 May at 8pm
OYSTERBAND – the 80s and 90s
From Step Outside to Holy Bandits and beyond.
Featuring: Oxford Girl / Hal-an-Tow / Too Late Now / When I’m Up / Granite Years
Sunday 5 May at 7.30pm
OYSTERBAND – into a new millennium
Through Meet You There to Read The Sky.
Featuring: Rise Above / Here Comes the Flood / Dancing as Fast as I Can / A River Runs / Corner of the Room
… and many more …
www.oysterband.co.uk
Tickets: £26. No concession
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/oysterband-into-a-new-millennium/
A regular evening of music and song at Halsway Manor.
Halsway Manor open their doors to all on the first Sunday evening of each month for an evening of folk and acoustic music. Singers and musicians of all abilities are invited. If you are curious about folk music and just want to listen with a drink from the bar, you are also welcome.
There has been a Sunday Club meeting at Halsway Manor for many years.
This ‘Sunday Club’ for musicians and singers is informal and relaxed. We have a folk theme, but really all types of acoustic music, song and poetry are welcome. The evening generally combines some playing together with individual spots. We don’t frown on you having your words or music in front of you, and certainly encourage beginners.
Just come along, or give Roger Phipps a call on 01278 671685 if you would like to find out more.
Halsway Music and Song Club is held 8pm on the 1st Sunday of each month (with the exception of an August break for Sidmouth Folk Festival).
Free to attend – donations welcome.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/sunday-club-2/2024-05-05/
Still residing as BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year, Ríoghnach Connolly’s taste for musical adventure is eclectic. Along with her companion players, Honeyfeet, they collectively drive a broad terrain of musical textures from esoteric protest songs to foot-tapping and floor-thumping dance rhythms. Ríoghnach (pronounced ree-oh-nah) and the Honeyfeet ensemble are equally proficient in headlining festival stages as they are stripping back to sublime obscure jazz on theatre stages.Deadpan wit courses through Connolly’s veins. Known for her broad, smiling on stage banter, she often describes the delight of her multi-cultural voyage of discovery while pushing aside life’s banality in favour of mischievous energy and creative joy.
Traditional and folk are fundamental in Connolly’s musical canon. Coming from a long line of singers on both sides of her family, she channels the music of her grandparents and can draw from a breadth of styles and folk traditions across the world. In her voice, you can hear equal parts Sean-nós Caoineamh, west African griot ululation and American deep-south resonance. She performs in the more traditional form with Stuart McCallum as The Breath whilst corralling her more heavily layered and theatrical songs into her performances with Honeyfeet.
Alongside Ríoghnach, the Honeyfeet lineup is; Lorien Garth Edwards, bass; Ellis Davies, guitar; John Ellis, keyboards; Biff Roxby, brass; and Phil Howley, drums. An eclectic troupe based in Manchester, Honeyfeet’s heavy sound spans from the bountiful to the subtle, with everything from big-band swing to Alabama blues-tinged folk, all held together by the powerful vocals and flute from Ríoghnach. From the start of lockdown, they used their time to write new material and explore multiple genres of music. Then, on the gradual journey back to live audiences, in May 2021, they re-opened Manchester’s Albert Hall taking the room by storm with a long-awaited return to the stage.
For more than a decade, Honeyfeet have been ‘on the road’. When lockdown rules didn’t interfere, the norm was headlining stages at Shambala, Beautiful Days and Moovin Festivals and wowing audiences at Glastonbury, Boomtown, Wilderness, Secret Garden Party and Kendal Calling. During the lockdown, the band invested their time recording a new album, stretching further than before into string arrangements, greater dynamics and implementing sparse introductions to Ríoghnach’s vocal stream, where her poetic consciousness gives rise to honest, personal, heartfelt lyrics. This obviously means a new Honeyfeet album is on the way. The new album will follow a single in late July in August 2022. Honeyfeet’s album, Orange Whip, came out on Wah Wah 45s in March 2018 and was BBC 6 Music’s Album of the Day in April 2018.
Please note this is an 18+ all standing event, and the venue is accessed by stairs with no lift. If you have any enquiries please email thetreehouse AT cheeseandgrain.com
£10 + BOOKING FEE
7.30 pm
https://www.cheeseandgrain.com/events/rioghnach-connolly-honeyfeet/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
Ahoy there—local group The Chantry Buoys sing traditional sea shanties and other well known songs. Join them for a fun sing-along with local drinks, old seafaring melodies, and maritime frolics.
Based in Colyton, they sing traditional sea shanties, and other well known songs. They have performed at many Sea Shanty festivals, including Falmouth, Teignmouth, and recently performed on Lyme’s Marine Parade, to close Lifeboat week.
Sea shanties were work songs, set to a rhythm for working, to reduce the monotony of undertaking repetitive tasks aboard ship. But they were also Foc’sle songs, which were storytelling verses to be listened to at leisure, to remind sailors of home and these helped to keep alive traditions and record local events and people.
Bar opens 7:30 P.M.
Starts 7:30 P.M.
Free entry - no tickets
https://www.marinetheatre.com/the-shanty-sessions-30/
Halsway’s hugely popular weekend dedicated to the DG melodeon returns in 2024!
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.
Who is it for?
Players of the D/G melodeon (diatonic button accordion) of all levels except complete beginners. You’ll need a DG melodeon (2 row, 8 bass as a minimum). The course is taught predominantly by ear at all levels.
The Team
John Kirkpatrick, Archie Churchill-Moss and Lucy Huzzard.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-dg-melodeon-weekend-2024/
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 480737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Timothy Dean, a Burnham based folk singer/song-writer – and collector of Somerset’s myths and history – has produced a unique programme of stories about pirates, murder, ghosts, and mysteries.
Think you know Somerset? Local folk musician Timothy Dean is about to change your mind! Timothy has been collecting stories of Somerset, (some more true than others!), and has set them to music in this highly entertaining and engaging show. There'll be pirates and highwaymen, murderers and ghosts, and of course cider! Part of the proceeds from this event will go to the Somerset Crisis Fund.
£12
https://www.bridgwaterartscentre.co.uk/
Help celebrate Somerset day in the village where Sharpe collected some of his songs.
Refreshments available from Tricky’s cider bar
Tickets from:
Carla. Gemasis AT yahoo.co.uk
Karen. Kerrincook AT hotmail.co.uk
£5
6.30pm
Contact R Goodswen: 07970 436331
Raydosido AT gmail.com
Thornbridge Trio began life in the 1990s with the blending of two surnames. These days they combine two generations as well. Barbara Rusbridge is joined by her son Jon, and Guy Hawthorn is joined by his daughter Rose, between them creating a new "Thornbridge" in four part harmony!
They sing folk songs new and old, all beautifully arranged by Barbara, gently accompanied from time to time on acoustic guitar and reed organ, all performed with gentle good humour. Sit back and relax!
Music will begin at 7.30pm. As usual floorsingers are welcome to sing and/or play in the first half - until the break at 8.30pm - space permitting. As time is limited to one hour, I advise you to come early to sign up in the book on the night, or email in advance.
Coffee Bar offering fresh filter coffee or tea beforehand and during the interval. We will also have a range of soft drinks and snacks for sale (for cash only). You are welcome to bring your own refreshments, but please note that currently there is a no-alcohol policy in the church building.
laurieguitars AT gmail.com
Folk rock pioneers Steeleye Span changed the face of folk music forever, taking it out of small clubs and into the world of gold discs and international tours.
Five decades on and this six-piece line up celebrate over fifty years of this wonderful music playing all the favourite songs and tunes from their long and glittering career.
£29.00
7.30 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/steeleye-span/
The combined vocal and multi-instrumental talents of Rowan Rheingans, Hazel Askew and Hannah James make up the uniquely captivating band Lady Maisery who have for well over a decade enraptured audiences throughout the UK and Europe.
Individually three multi award-winning artists, Lady Maisery form a unified voice, carrying stories of sisterhood, human struggle, the joy of living and the vitality of song with the “freshest possible take on traditional music” (Folk Radio UK). Their long-standing effervescent collaboration has been described as “adventurous and beautiful” (Mark Radcliffe, Radio 2) “exquisite and thrilling” (The Guardian) with “a generosity of spirit and joie de vivre that seems to emanate from every minute of their recorded output as well as from their exuberant live shows” (Folk Radio UK).
Their fifth studio album Tender was released at the end of 2022 to far-reaching acclaim.
*Tender* entered the Official Indie Album Charts at number 18, the Official Indie Album Breakers Chart at number 3 (rare accolades for British folk!) before spending a whole year in the Official Folk Chart’s top 40.
7:30PM
Tickets: Adult £18, Concs £16
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/lady-maisery-tender/
Our much loved annual American Contra Dance Week is hosted by Meg Winters with guests: caller Will Mentor (USA), and the top contra band, fabulous fiddle player Audrey Knuth (USA), beats maestro Stuart Kenney (USA), plus Alex Cumming (Somerset born now Boston USA based)! 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-contra-dance-week/
When The Fureys make their eagerly awaited return to the Taunton Brewhouse stage, they will treat audiences to one of popular music’s richest legacies.
They are one of Ireland’s all-time most acclaimed and influential middle-of-the-road folk and traditional bands.
Furey’s classics like “I Will Love You”, “When You Were Sweet 16”, “Red Rose Café”, “Leaving Nancy”, “The Old Man”, “From Clare to Here”, and “The Green Fields of France” have become the soundtrack to the lives of fans all over the world.
£25.50
7.30 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/the-fureys/
There’s something of the proverbial elder statesman about Peter Knight, in terms of his place in music, which cannot be overstated. It’s not just in the quality of his playing...there’s a focus on the sheer inventiveness of Peter’s playing, in the adventurous arrangements he shares with his collaborators, and in his musical leadership”
Northern Sky Magazine
Since his inaugural performance with the fledgling Steeleye Span in 1970, Peter Knight has been a mainstay of the British folk scene.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Peter has carved a reputation as a relentlessly questing musician “as mercurial as quicksilver” (Simon Jones/fRoots), and it is never quite so apparent as in his work with the various Gigspanner line-ups.
In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, Peter turned his full attention to the Gigspanner Trio and established their reputation as one of the most genuinely ground-breaking forces on the British folk scene, inspiring Maverick magazine to write "Gigspanner are pushing at the boundaries, and in the process are making some of the most beautiful music the genre has to offer" 5***** Maverick Magazine
Described by Folk Radio UK as one of the “most quietly brilliant sets of musicians in the folk world and beyond”, they take self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, and with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, produce richly atmospheric arrangements “with notes seemingly plucked from the stars and rhythms from the equator” (Spiral Earth).
£20/£22
8.00pm
Phone: 01984 623308
jbond36086 AT aol.com
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/the-silver-street-sessions
Pioneers of folk-rock, Steeleye Span changed the face of the genre forever, taking it out of small clubs and into the world of gold discs and international tours. Five decades on and the band continue to celebrate their famous past alongside their recent history. That is true of their latest release, The Green Man Collection – bringing together tracks from their recent albums with new versions of three Steeleye classics (including a reworking of ‘Hard Times’ featuring Status Quo’s Francis Rossi) and a cover of Elvis Costello’s ‘Shipbuilding’. The title track is of special interest to Steeleye fans, a song by Bob Johnson - who was a member of the band throughout the early years and responsible for many of their classic ballads from that era. Previously lost for 40 years, the song addressed the issue of climate change long before it became such a widespread topic.
The band will undertake a full UK tour in support, their first live dates of the year, where they will be joined by new member Athena Octavia – part of indie folk band Iris & Steel and an acclaimed classical violinist. As ever – and with such a rich history to choose from – the night will offer a selection of songs from across the years and albums, coupled with firm fan favourites.
£30.80
7.00 pm
Contact The Forum Bath: 01225 443114
hello AT bathforum.co.uk
https://www.bathforum.co.uk/Articles/678920/SHOW_INFO/Steeleye_Span_24.aspx
One of the most talked-about folk bands of the 21st century, Talisk have been tearing apart stereotypes and redefining the genre for almost a decade. With over 15 million streams, 10,000 albums sold worldwide, and sold out shows across five continents - from Paris to New York, London to Tokyo, Glasgow to Vancouver - alongside headline appearances at festivals the world over, the Scottish trio have amassed a global, die-hard following.
Wielding instruments that have rarely seen the likes of their music, Mohsen Amini (concertina), Benedict Morris (violin) and Charlie Galloway (guitar) have stacked up major awards for their explosively energetic sound – including five between BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland, and two highly coveted BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards.
Never afraid to push musical boundaries, or test the live production capabilities of just three people (yes, it’s all live), there’s captivating a crowd, and then there’s Talisk.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Standing £19.00
On the door £22.00
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/talisk/
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!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/irish-set-dance-weekend/
Blowzabella is a genuinely unique band that makes an inimitable, driving, drone-based wall-of-sound played with a fabulous sense of melody, rhythmic expertise and sheer feeling They compose their own music which is influenced by English and European traditional folk music and song – a shared culture with ancient roots.
Andy Cutting – diatonic button accordion; Jo Freya – vocals, saxophones, clarinet; Paul James – vocals, bagpipes, saxophones; David Shepherd – violin; Barn Stradling – bass guitar; Jon Swayne – bagpipes, saxophones.
Many of their tunes are “standards” in the modern British/European folk repertoire and are played by people all over the world. Bands across Europe who experiment with folk music often cite Blowzabella as a major influence. Much loved and respected, there is no one else quite like them.
There will be a short dance workshop at 6pm, which will introduce you to the basics you will need for joining in. This is a good starter or reminder for those who have not done the general ‘bal’ folk dances before or for a long time. All are welcome. Cost: £5 per person
www.blowzbella.co.uk
Tickets: £19 Full. £8 Under 21s
8.00 pm (workshop at 6.00)
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/blowzabella/
+ support
Let’s Get Out of The Rain Album Tour
‘Let’s Get Out of the Rain’ will be Blair’s first studio album since 2018 (‘Notes from an Island’). Where ‘Notes’ was an introspective analysis of Brexit Britain, the new collection is a celebration of spring, newness and freedom. Songs of metamorphosis and wide screen road trips prevail.
Blair has been hailed as one of the UK’s most accomplished songwriters since he burst into the folk scene with his debut ‘Blight & Blossom’ (2012). BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards followed along with critical acclaim. In 2016 Blair released on his own label (Gilded Wings) and received wider acclaim and BBC Radio 2 playlisting for singles ‘The Egoist’ and ‘356’. Appearances at Glastonbury and the major folk festivals followed, along with breakthrough tours of Australia; and Blair is now firmly established as a household name amongst respected British songwriters.
On the new collection of songs and the album Blair says: “It’s been 5 years since my last record, comfortably my longest gap between releases, so it feels really good to be able to put this out in the world. Jim Moray is producing, and that’s very exciting as he’s someone I’ve admired for many years. He was one of the reasons I first got into traditional music in my teens. Since then, my personal style has evolved, but there are aspects of traditional storytelling that seep into my original works. I would say that Midday Mass is a reflection of that. It’s a song about a café back in my hometown of Chesterfield, but I guess that it’s a vehicle for a social commentary as much as anything else.
Overall, I would say the sound of the record is more positive than my previous work. That’s due, in part, to the world opening up post-pandemic, and is ultimately born from a will to connect with people and get out into the world again. The industry hasn’t fully recovered yet, but it is a blessing to be able to tour in any capacity again. Freedom is a theme that runs throughout (unintentionally), and I reckon that’s reflected musically as well as lyrically. I’ve reached a point in my career where I just want to make the music I want to make, and give less consideration to where it may sit in terms of stylings and genre. That’s an empowering place to be and it opens up a world of sonic possibilities.”
blairdunlop.com
Bar open from 7pm
Doors 7:15pm
Music from 7:45pm
£16 adv + £1 booking fee / £19 otd
info AT bfcpresents.co.uk
https://bfcpresents.co.uk/product/blair-dunlop-2/
Taking audiences by storm, Saltlines is a Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn and folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the most celebrated names on the British folk scene.
Together they have created an emotional odyssey which explores the beauty, stories and traditions of the South West Coast Path.
The vibrant and thought-provoking compositions by Raynor have been especially written for SALTLINES and artfully wrapped around songs and tunes that were originally gathered from the route of the South West Coast Path by the great song collectors Cecil Sharp and Sabine Baring-Gould, whose centenary is celebrated this year.
SALTLINES is however far more than a contemplation of the beauty of the South West Coast Path...with a gentle hand Saltlines touches on social and environmental issues that face not only coastal communities but the world at large. It is a modern piece, thoughtfully and creatively delivered.
Formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the Gigspanner Big Band line-up features acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, Roger Flack on guitar and Sacha Trochet on percussion.
www.gigspanner.com/saltlines
£29/£35 on Door
7.30pm
Phone: 01297 442394
https://www.marinetheatre.com/saltlines-2/
Come and hear the tutors from our Dulcimer course in concert, showcasing the varied and interesting repertoire for both Hammered and Mountain Dulcimers.
This year’s tutors are:
Ken Kolodner (Hammered Dulcimer)
Mary Lynn Michal (Hammered Dulcimer)
Rob Brereton (Mountain Dulcimer)
Jeff Furman (Mountain Dulcimer)
Janet Furman (Mountain Dulcimer, Fiddle)
8pm–9:30pm
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-dulcimers-2/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
Jon Bennett, Sam Muir and Phil Dolman return for 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. To get you started, there are some video tutorials and other materials at www.ukuleleoxford.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-weekend/
+ Simon Loake
A concert of much musicality and humour with club patrons PJ Wright and Guy Fletcher.
Opening support is from folk, blues, rock giant Simon Loake
£15, ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact John Butcher: 017474 850 212 or 07590 202203
j.w.butcher AT btintrnet.co.uk
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
Accessible – Thought-provoking – Visual delight
Presented through the Bharatanatyam with English narration, a beautiful, ancient, internationally popular
Indian Classical Dance style.
The main piece of the show is Dashavatara (ten incarnations) of Vishnu, one of the principal deities in Hinduism.
Vishnu descends to earth to save the world from its own excesses to restore peace and harmony.
As the world becomes more aware of the troubles it faces due reckless human actions, the concepts in the show have great relevance to the issues in the current world.
Performed by one of UK’s most talented and mesmerising dancers.
Vibha was awarded the Devon Ignite commission from Exeter Phoenix for the initial development of this work.
7:30PM
Tickets: Adult £16, Concs £14, Under 16’s £8
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/dashavatara/
At the turn of the 20th century Cecil Sharp began on his journey, here in Somerset, collecting traditional songs and tunes-many of these in the Mendip area. As well as meeting musicians and noting folk dances he is said to have collected over 1500 songs and tunes in England over 3000 in three trips to the Appalachian mountains in America. As well as writing down the words and music he heard, he photographed many of the performers most of whom who were ordinary working people, shepherds, sailors, factory girls, farmworkers, as well as inmates of the Victorian workhouse. Seven Somerset musicians and singers will give a flavour of the material he found, along with a slide show of photographs from the time and a commentary by Chris Storie local Cecil Sharp enthusiast.
Tickets limited in advance Bar Proceeds to go towards the renovation of Theale Village Hall
£10
7.30pm
Contact Bernard Coulter : 07855 297861 01749 670212
bernard.coulter AT gmail.com
https://punchsfolkclub.yolasite.com
A fantastic folk evening. Jemima will be accompanied by invited folk bands The Farey Family and Arquebus Trio singing traditional songs and original compositions.
Arquebus perform a mixture of traditional folk songs and tunes as well as self written songs performed in an upbeat contemporary style with the energy of a band that loves entertaining. They cover jigs, reels and hornpipes from the British isles and beyond, all arranged in a toe tapping and upbeat manor and songs that span from the purely traditional through to numbers more reminiscent of the English folk revival.
The Farey Family perform a variety of music, ranging from original songs to traditional folk, gospel and old-time country. Each member of the family sings and plays an instrument. Most songs are accompanied by guitar or piano with harmonica and tin whistle. Other instruments include saxophone, banjo, clarinet, trombone and auto harp. Their main instruments, however, are their voices which have a natural blend of strength and empathy.
Tickets can also be purchased by ringing 01460 54973 or visiting us during opening hours.
General admission: £16 Students: £5 with valid student ID Children 12 and under: Free, accompanied by a paying adult (max 3 children per adult)
Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available.
Contact Ilminster Arts Centre: 01460 54973
info AT ilminsterarts.org.uk
https://www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances
An exclusive intimate performance from two of the South West’s finest troubadour singer-songwriters Jamie Yost and Taylor T.
Expect thought provoking lyrics, pop melodies, and raw yet powerful vocals. Both singer-songwriters capture a diverse indie folk sound; Jamie with a blend of modern electronic elements and Taylor with raw stripped back sincerity.
For fans of Dermot Kennedy, Ben Howard, and Bon Iver.
£11.50
7.45 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/jamie-yost-taylor-t/
London-based She’Koyokh have been stars of the UK klezmer scene for over 20 years, described by the Evening Standard as “Britain’s Best klezmer & Balkan music band”. All seven members of this astonishing ensemble are virtuoso musicians, absorbing, performing and enjoying the rich folk music traditions of countries across the world. Their music is a melting pot of culture and style, from 19th-century Eastern European Jewish wedding music to festive music from the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey. From performances in the famous concert halls of Europe, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the Gasteig in Munich and London’s Southbank Centre, to TV appearances and live sessions on BBC Radio 3, She’Koyokh have also performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Cheltenham and WOMAD. With a sumptuous mix of violin, accordion, clarinet, double bass, guitar and percussion, and vocals from acclaimed Turkish singer Cigdem Aslan, expect a night of exhilarating and invigorating music.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county's rural arts charity.
Balkan & Yiddish Dance Workshop with Live Music from She'Koyokh
4pm-6pm. £5pp – booking essential
Ahead of the concert there is the opportunity to take part in a dance workshop led by members of She'Koyokh, with live music from this wonderful 7-piece band. The workshop will include Balkan and Yiddish circle dances as well as a few set dances. No partner is required and the workshop is open to all ages and levels.
Adult £14/U18 £6/Family £35
7.30 pm
Contact Administrator: 03336 663366
boxoffice AT themowlem.com
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/shekoyokh
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-may2024/
London-based She’Koyokh have been stars of the UK klezmer scene for over 20 years, described by the Evening Standard as “Britain’s Best klezmer & Balkan music band”. All seven members of this astonishing ensemble are virtuoso musicians, absorbing, performing and enjoying the rich folk music traditions of countries across the world. Their music is a melting pot of culture and style, from 19th-century Eastern European Jewish wedding music to festive music from the Balkans, Greece, and Turkey. From performances in the famous concert halls of Europe, including Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the Gasteig in Munich and London’s Southbank Centre, to TV appearances and live sessions on BBC Radio 3, She’Koyokh have also performed at festivals such as Glastonbury, Cheltenham and WOMAD. With a sumptuous mix of violin, accordion, clarinet, double bass, guitar and percussion, and vocals from acclaimed Turkish singer Cigdem Aslan, expect a night of exhilarating and invigorating music.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county's rural arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk
Balkan & Yiddish Dance Workshop with Live Music from She'Koyokh
4pm-6pm. £5pp – booking essential
Ahead of the concert there is the opportunity to take part in a dance workshop led by members of She'Koyokh, with live music from this wonderful 7-piece band. The workshop will include Balkan and Yiddish circle dances as well as a few set dances. No partner is required and the workshop is open to all ages and levels.
Adult £15/ U18 £7 / Family £40
7.30 pm
Contact Administrator: 01258 475137
info AT stur-exchange.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/shekoyokh
The Free Wessex Folk Festival will take place on 1st and 2nd June 2024 on Weymouth Harbour and Hope Square. Please visit the Wessex Folk Festival Website and Facebook pages for latest details.
Contact Martin: 07730 575241
info AT wessexfolkfestival.com
https://www.wessexfolkfestival.com
Cara Dillon, an extraordinary, multiple award-winning Irish folk singer, and acclaimed musician and producer Sam Lakeman, will captivate listeners once again with their exquisite and enthralling live performance. Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs.
Throughout an enviable career which has seen them explore opportunities to tread many different paths – from releasing folk crossover albums on indie label Rough Trade; recording on Disney soundtracks to collaborations with orchestras and even leading dance DJs – Cara has continuously chosen to firmly plant herself within the landscape of her Irish cultural heritage and that’s something to celebrate.
Their enduring partnership has ensured they have remained at the very pinnacle of the folk genre for well over two decades and this performance will feature a selection of acoustic songs from previous releases and may also include material from her highly anticipated 2024 release, “Coming Home”, her first in over six years. Within it Cara effortlessly blurs the lines between spoken word and song to stunning effect, exploring profoundly personal memories, her native Co. Derry and the people, places and customs she holds closest to her heart; revealing a newly found freedom to express herself within the tiniest of details and life’s larger mysteries.
Join Cara and Sam for an intimate evening full of exceptional music and the genuine warmth they bring to the stage.
www.caradillon.co.uk
Tickets: £24. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/cara-dillon/
Taking audiences by storm, Saltlines is a compelling prose and music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the biggest names on the folk scene.
Together they celebrate the beauty, stories, and traditions of the South West Coast Path in a seamless performance of old songs with their origins in the South West, and brand new compositions written by Raynor Winn especially for this production.
£30.00
7.30 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/saltlines-with-raynor-winn-and-gigspanner-big-band/
Taking audiences by storm, Saltlines is a Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn and folk-roots supergroup The Gigspanner Big Band, which features some of the most celebrated names on the British folk scene.
Together they have created an emotional odyssey which explores the beauty, stories and traditions of the South West Coast Path.
The vibrant and thought-provoking compositions by Raynor have been especially written for SALTLINES and artfully wrapped around songs and tunes that were originally gathered from the route of the South West Coast Path by the great song collectors Cecil Sharp and Sabine Baring-Gould, whose centenary is celebrated this year.
SALTLINES is however far more than a contemplation of the beauty of the South West Coast Path...with a gentle hand Saltlines touches on social and environmental issues that face not only coastal communities but the world at large. It is a modern piece, thoughtfully and creatively delivered.
Formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the Gigspanner Big Band line-up features acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, Roger Flack on guitar and Sacha Trochet on percussion.
www.gigspanner.com/saltlines
£30.00
7.30 pm
Phone: 01823 283244
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/saltlines-with-raynor-winn-and-gigspanner-big-band/
A regular evening of music and song at Halsway Manor.
Halsway Manor open their doors to all on the first Sunday evening of each month for an evening of folk and acoustic music. Singers and musicians of all abilities are invited. If you are curious about folk music and just want to listen with a drink from the bar, you are also welcome.
There has been a Sunday Club meeting at Halsway Manor for many years.
This ‘Sunday Club’ for musicians and singers is informal and relaxed. We have a folk theme, but really all types of acoustic music, song and poetry are welcome. The evening generally combines some playing together with individual spots. We don’t frown on you having your words or music in front of you, and certainly encourage beginners.
Just come along, or give Roger Phipps a call on 01278 671685 if you would like to find out more.
Halsway Music and Song Club is held 8pm on the 1st Sunday of each month (with the exception of an August break for Sidmouth Folk Festival).
Free to attend – donations welcome.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/sunday-club-2/2024-06-02/
We’re thrilled to be hosting Emmanuel Pariselle, Didier Oliver and Nathalie Oliver Selsis for another week exploring French music, music for dance, and the dancing itself. This week is for players of melodeon (DG), fiddle, and for dancers; you’ll need to let us know when booking which study group you would like to join.
Emmanuel will concentrate on working with melodeon players, exploring the use of chords and rhythms in accompanying traditional French dance tunes and songs (you do not need to be a singer!).
Didier will work with fiddle players, using traditional French repertoire – from south west France (rondeaux, congos, bransles etc.), central massif (bourrées, mazurkas, scottishs) and bretagne (gavottes, plinn, andros) – to explore and develop style and technique.
We’re delighted that Nathalie will be back to lead dancers in the ways of the Rondeaux, Branles, Ronde do Quercy, Congo, Scottiche, Planière Bourrée, Mazurka and more.
The evenings present opportunities to relax, play and dance informally together, and we’ll have a public Bal on the Thursday evening, with music from Emmanuel and Didier, and the students too!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-music-dance-week/
Following the colossal success of supporting Bellowhead on their comeback tour in 2022, Sam Sweeney is taking to the road to play his genre-defying landmark album, Escape That, with his all-star band. Featuring Louis Campbell on electric guitar, Ben Nicholls on double bass and Archie Moss on acoustic guitar, this will be a gig you don’t want to miss.
£21.00 advance / £25.00 on the door
10% discount for members
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/VpsCrixBnjdq
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
2021 JUNO Award Nominees Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, Rum Ragged have quickly become known as the finest purveyors of their musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Honest, thought-provoking, and humorous, their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an unforgettable experience. Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has performed at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues and festivals, and recorded four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Don’t miss this exciting quartet as they visit Dorset whilst on a wider UK tour.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county's rural arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk
Adult £12/U18 £5/Family £30
7.30 om
Contact Francesca Hurrell: 07771 554601
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/whats-on
It’s the return of the Summer Fiddle weekend – a course dedicated to developing your fiddle playing through a range of different repertoire. We’re delighted to have Rachael McShane and Catherine Geldard with us for the first time to work with intermediate and advanced players. If you are a beginner or an improver, Becki Driscoll will be your guide in this weekend. Have a look at our Fiddle Playing Levels to help you choose the right group.
Workshops include technique, expression and repertoire (using our extensive folk library) and there will be plenty of time to play together and receive some individual help. This is an intensive weekend of workshops for fiddle players of all ages who can play folk dance tunes up to tempo either from the music provided, or by ear. Some music will be supplied in advance. Other tunes will be chosen at the event in response to participants’ requests – a Saturday afternoon ‘Open Space’ session offers a chance for workshops on areas requested by course participants, and for individual tuition.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-fiddle-weekend/
2021 JUNO Award Nominees Rum Ragged take a bold approach to the distinct folk music of their home, the Eastern Canadian island of Newfoundland. With a reverence for their roots and a creative, contemporary edge, Rum Ragged have quickly become known as the finest purveyors of their musical tradition. Boasting bouzouki, fiddle, bodhran, banjo, guitar, and button accordion, these new champions of East Coast music enliven and enlighten audiences with their signature brand of Newfoundland folk. Honest, thought-provoking, and humorous, their combination of striking vocal harmonies, staggering musicianship, and captivating storytelling gives concert-goers an unforgettable experience. Since their inception in 2016, Rum Ragged has performed at some of the world’s premier folk, celtic and roots venues and festivals, and recorded four acclaimed, award-winning studio albums. Don’t miss this exciting quartet as they visit Dorset whilst on a wider UK tour.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county's rural arts charity.
www.artsreach.co.uk
Adult £12/U18 £5/Family £30
7.30 pm
Contact Tim Clayton: 07443 659912
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/whats-on
Jez Lowe, Bob Fox & Julie Matthews together in a concert of songs and spoken word: “The New Radio Ballads” – In the Footsteps of Ewan MacColl
In the 50s and 60s Ewan MacColl along with Charles Parker and Peggy Seeger created the groundbreaking Radio Ballads broadcasts for the BBC Home Service using an audio documentary format to highlight the experiences of real people, weaving the voices of rarely-heard communities with songs written from and about their recorded interviews. Almost half a century later, in 2006, a new set of Radio Ballads were commissioned by BBC Radio 2 using the same format but this time involving a whole team of stellar musicians, singers and songwriters from the folk/acoustic/roots music scene under the guiding hands of producer John Leonard and musical director John Tams. Now three members of that team, Bob Fox, Jez Lowe and Julie Matthews, have put together a selection of songs from the 2006 New Radio Ballads for a concert performance.
All three are consummate engaging performers of meaningful songs and stories and are multi-instrumentalists whose skills have been honed by decades of live touring. They have all recorded extensively, worked in collaboration with many of the top folk roots artists and bands as well as having highly successful solo careers and are well loved and respected by audiences and colleagues alike. Expect to be entertained and enlightened by songs of joy, love, hardship and humour. http://www.bobfoxmusic.com www.jezlowe.com http://www.whileandmatthews.com
Tickets: £23. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/in-the-footsteps-of-ewan-maccoll/
Critically acclaimed Southwest based alt-folk duo Jacob & Drinkwater formed in 2014, playing their first gig together at the iconic Glastonbury Festival.
Jacob’s sweeping vocals never fail to captivate, delivering many a spine-tingling moment; the fluidity and precision of his fingerpicking underpinned by Drinkwater’s nimbly rhythmic double bass; at times sweetly soaring, haunting, percussive and driving. Featured numerous times on BBC Radio 2, BBC6 Music and lauded by their musical peers, the pair are one of the most accomplished acts touring the circuit today.
7:00PM
Tickets: £15.00 (incl £1.00 cmsn) Venue: Studio
https://www.strodetheatre.org.uk/whats-on/view/jacob-and-drinkwater/
Do you struggle to pick up tunes by ear? Would you like to be freed from behind your music stand? Experienced musicians and tutors Rob Harbron and Miranda Rutter are bringing a brand new course to Halsway Manor, designed to help you get to grips with the essential ‘folk’ skill of learning by ear.
You’ll learn different techniques and strategies to improve your confidence to play by ear in solo and ensemble contexts, using some accessible folk tunes as a starting point. Once you’ve got the hang of those, you’ll have chance to play them with other people, and even go on to think about how you might turn the tables and teach them to someone else!
Learning will mostly take place in a big group, guided by the tutors, with some time in small groups, both guided and self-led. You won’t need to prepare anything in advance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/learning-by-ear/
This course, looking at essential technique for fiddlers, is designed to address (or readdress!) the fundamentals of violin playing with a view to helping you get more from subsequent fiddle tuition.
Many fiddle players attempt to run before they can walk and this course is an in-depth look at the crucial elements of playing. It will give you new skills and technique, building on what you already know about playing your instrument.
On this intensive weekend version of Sam’s ‘Technique Week’, you’ll work as a group (max 9.) on topics like bow hold, point of contact, tone and intonation, It will give you the foundations you need to be able to progress and succeed in more advanced technique and repertoire-based courses. If you’d prefer to work with Sam for a bit longer, check out his upcoming Technique Week in December.
You won’t need to prepare anything in advance, so you’ll just need to bring your fiddle(s), bow(s), rosin, strings and if you have a particular chair you like to sit on, you can bring that too!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/essential-fiddle-technique-weekend-june/
After a successful 2023 festival, this year will be the 11th annual folk festival and plans are under way to make it another truly memorable experience. Special thanks go to Pete Wheeler who retired as chair after his many years of dedication.
As in previous years, 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.
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!!
www.pethertonfolkfest.co.uk
French + Breton Folk Dance for all
dance workshop from 6-7pm, main dance from 7-9.30pm, live music by the resident houseband, tea and coffee provided, free parking in the town centre car parks
£4 at the door
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
A summer holiday at Halsway Manor in which to share textile crafting skills, songs and stories. With host Meg Rose and very special guest the multi-talented Tim Van Eyken.
The week presents a unique opportunity to develop your own craft projects in a supportive and convivial atmosphere, working with our hands whilst exploring related aspects of folk music, song and story telling. This is not an instructional course as such. Presentations on various topics of interest and techniques are programmed throughout the week. The emphasis will be on learning from each other by show and tell and there will be free time to walk and relax too.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/songs-threads-and-yarns-2024/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
The Halsway Playford Weekend is always a stimulating and enjoyable experience, and we are DELIGHTED to welcome dancing master Andrew Swaine to lead the 2024 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/
+ Mel Langton
A fabulous concert featuring the 4 piece band BANTER who are Simon Care on melodeon, Nina Zella on keyboards & vocals, Tim Walker on drums, percussion, brass, vocals, and Mark Jolley on bass, fiddle, guitar & vocals.
Opening support is from East Anglia's finest folk artiste, Mel Langton.
£15 ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact John Butcher: 017474 850 212 or 07590 202203
j.w.butcher AT btintrnet.co.uk
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
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/
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-2024/
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/
Enjoy a drink from the bar, and an informal evening of folk music from some of our most popular tutors.
This gig brings together two virtuoso musicians in guitar and mandolin alongside the fine voice of Hilary James.
Simon Mayor is one of the world’s leading mandolin virtuosos and composers. His many faceted career includes his own series on BBC Radio 2, an album in the Classic FM Top Ten chart. His playing moves effortlessly between classical, traditional folk, jazz & blues. He’s also a fine guitarist & fiddle player, with a delicious sense of humour and dazzling technical skills.
www.mandolin.co.uk
Hilary James has recorded six critically acclaimed solo song albums including English Sketches, which appeared in the Sunday Times Ten Best World Music Albums of the Year. Her voice is quintessentially English but easily crosses the great musical divides from British folk song to blues and Berlioz.
You can find Hilary at hilaryjames.com
BBC Folk Award winner Ben Walker is hailed as one of ‘the best acoustic guitarists in the world right now’ by Total Guitar magazine. A versatile composer and producer, as well as a celebrated instrumentalist, his passion is putting old jewels in new settings. Ben’s signature style has been sought out from punk to Proms, from Rough Trade to the Royal Shakespeare Company. His solo album, Echo, was released in July 2019 to critical acclaim and his characteristically warm, whimsical and virtuosic solo set regularly delights folk audiences in the UK and further afield.
8pm–10pm
£12 - Adults
£6 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-simon-mayor-and-hilary-james-ben-walker/
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 480737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Ceilidh
Doors open 6.45, dancing 7-10
Tickets £15 standard £12 Concession
Booking recommended 01202 203630 or online www.pdsw.org.uk
Leveret features three of England’s finest folk musicians – Andy Cutting, Rob Harbron, Sam Sweeney – in an acclaimed collaboration, and we’re delighted to welcome them back to Halsway.
Leveret’s music is firmly rooted in the English tradition but sounds fresh and new. With their albums New Anything and In The Round and over a long string of sell-out gigs, the trio have built a strong reputation as consummate musicians and captivating performers. Now they return with Inventions, a new album of original material that brings Leveret’s trademark groove, energy and intuitive playing to bear on a set of new tunes composed by the trio, three of today’s finest tunesmiths in the folk field.
Join us for an intimate gig with the trio who will be in residence at Halsway tutoring on a midweek musicians’ workshop.
8pm–9:30pm
£12 - Adults
£6 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-leveret-3/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
New(ish!) for 2024!
Our accordion weekend has had a bit of a refresh in response to guest feedback – this popular course will be aimed at Level 1 to Level 3 players in 2024. If you consider yourself to be a Level 4 player, please take a look at Murray Grainger’s Advanced Accordion Weekend in September.
Perennial favourite Paul Hutchinson will be joined for the first time by Scottish accordionist Valerie Barr and Tamsin Elliot, multi-instrumentalist, composer and film-maker.
The weekend offers workshops honing technique, repertoire and interpretation of folk tunes and accompaniment. There will be time for informal evening sessions and a Saturday night tutors’ concert.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-piano-accordion-weekend/
Plus Special Guests
Heart-Pounding Revelry A high-energy folk-rock band from the West Country, The Leylines mix raucous violin dynamic guitar riffs and acerbic lyrics. All of which culminate in a whirlwind show that will get heart, and mind, pounding.
The band have a reputation of playing rowdy, high-energy shows, and with their infectious feel-good tunes, The Leylines are firm favourites of the festival and independent venue circuit.
The Leylines are: Steve(vocals/acoustic guitar), Hannah (violin/keys/bs), Dan (lead guitar/bvs), Sean(bass guitar/bvs) and Dave(Drums)
www.theleylinesmusic.co.uk
Tickets: £18 Full. £17 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/the-leylines-a-chance-to-dance-event/
An informal evening of music featuring the tutors from our Piano Accordion Weekend – Paul Hutchinson and Valerie Barr – plus some spots from course participants too. An entertaining celebration of all things accordion!
Paul Hutchinson studied piano and church organ before being persuaded at the age of 17 to take up the accordion and form a ceilidh band. Since then he’s become one of the best-known and in demand players on the folk scene. In the UK and beyond he was one half of duo Belshazzar’s Feast, a trio Hoover the Dog, Pagoda Project (with Karen Wimhurst), and PLF. Paul is a regular tutor and musician at Halsway Manor, and the accordion tutor for EFDSS at Cecil Sharp House.
Scottish accordionist Valerie Barr has been playing accordion since she was four and studied with world renowned accordionist, Djordje Gajic, at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland where she graduated with a Masters in Music Performance in 2020. She and Paul Hutchinson have been working together recently on education projects in the North of England. Her new trio, Triskelion, draws on its members’ shared cultural history of Ireland and Scotland to present their home traditions of music and contrast this proud heritage with original arrangements of classical favourites and new music.
8pm–9:30pm
£12 - Adults
£6 - Concessions
Concessionary priced tickets are available to children and students - of any age - in full-time education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-accordions-at-halsway/
A regular evening of music and song at Halsway Manor.
Halsway Manor open their doors to all on the first Sunday evening of each month for an evening of folk and acoustic music. Singers and musicians of all abilities are invited. If you are curious about folk music and just want to listen with a drink from the bar, you are also welcome.
There has been a Sunday Club meeting at Halsway Manor for many years.
This ‘Sunday Club’ for musicians and singers is informal and relaxed. We have a folk theme, but really all types of acoustic music, song and poetry are welcome. The evening generally combines some playing together with individual spots. We don’t frown on you having your words or music in front of you, and certainly encourage beginners.
Just come along, or give Roger Phipps a call on 01278 671685 if you would like to find out more.
Halsway Music and Song Club is held 8pm on the 1st Sunday of each month (with the exception of an August break for Sidmouth Folk Festival).
8pm–10pm
Free, but donations welcome.
Highlights include Suntou Susso, a phenomenal singer-songwriter in the Griot tradition from The Gambia. Breabach are securely ranked among Scotland’s most skilled and imaginative contemporary folk acts, whilst all-acoustic The Fugitives from Canada have been described as the missing link between Leonard Cohen and The Pogues. Other treats include the delightful Gnoss from Scotland, and the 15-piece Filkin’s Ensemble with their distinctive style of orchestral folk. The Sam Sweeney Band bring the groove and swagger of traditional English music with the festival spirit of bands coming out of the Celtic and Scandinavian music scenes, whilst The Haar from Ireland create spontaneous and beautiful versions of traditional songs.
Reg Meuross will be performing with Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne and Suntou Susso songs from his ‘Stolen from God’ song-cycle. We are also delighted to host returning festival favourites Sheelanagig with the amazing violinist Aaron Catlow.
As in previous years, we have great Fringe and Dance programmes shaping up too. We will be running an extensive programme of workshops (instrumental, singing and different dance styles) and will have lots on offer for children and teenagers as part of the Children’s Festival. There will be visual art and comedy in the mix as well, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy! Keep a look out on our website as we announce more details over the coming months.
Early Bird Tickets on sale till 29th February 2024
Now your appetites are whetted, why not buy your tickets now? Our discounted Early Bird Tickets for this year’s festival went on sale on 1st December and are available up to 29 February 2024. If you buy now, you can save up to £12 on the full price.
Stewards – We Need You!
People often comment on how well run our festival is, and a key element of this is down to our fantastic volunteer stewards. Teams of stewards work throughout the festival in all the venues, car park, campsite and throughout the site welcoming visitors during the weekend and in setting up and taking down the site before and after. In exchange for 2 x 4- hour shifts, you will receive a weekend ticket (with camping if you need it) and the knowledge that you are an essential part of the friendly Festival team.
For more information about the roles and on how to apply, please see our website
Ticket prices vary look on the website
https://www.priddyfolk.org/
Banding Together summer weekends provide advanced and fluent English system concertina players with the opportunity to join with others of similar proficiency to play as a big concertina band. The music is varied and challenging but help with preparation is provided. The result is an electrifying big band sound!
Banding Together is very excited to announce that its 2024 weekend will be led by guest conductor Major Craig Hallett, Director of Music of the Band of the Household Cavalry. Craig says, “you have a wonderfully enthusiastic group and I am delighted to be working with you”.
Partnership Event
For more information and to book please email Sue at nog_walsh AT hotmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/j25-banding-together/
The Furrow Collective invite you to join them for a deep dive into folk songs from England, Scotland and beyond. This course is for people who would like the opportunity to sing together in harmony, both with and without instrumental accompaniment, and who are keen to develop their practical knowledge and repertoire of traditional songs, whether to perform as soloists or in groups.
The band will teach a selection of the songs that they have gathered from their decade of collaboration and four album releases, delving into their history, stories and contemporary relevance. As well as lots of practical singing opportunities, you’ll get an insight into the way they usually work together, from finding and adapting the songs to how they approach the practicalities of playing together.
There will also be some opportunities for instrumental & vocal tuition and guidance along the way. Participants will have the chance to work on songs together in large and small groups, and to engage with repertoire sourced from Halsway’s well-equipped library.
This course will offer you some new repertoire, new insights into old repertoire, and will aim to build on your pre-existing skills and techniques as singers and instrumentalists. You’ll spend the majority of the sessions being guided by the tutors in groups of various sizes, and there’ll be some opportunity for working in small groups on self-led collaborations, plus the chance for one-to-one vocal or instrumental guidance if it’s of interest.
Please note: Rachel Newton is currently on maternity leave and is not able to commit to the course dates at this time, but as Lucy is over from Canada, we couldn’t miss the opportunity for at least 3/4 of the band to share their week with you!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-songs-with-the-furrow-collective/
Folk dancing
It's £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun!
Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909
The Violin making workshops are extremely popular at Halsway Manor, with many of the participants coming back year after year. The workshop gives maximum continuous time at the workbench supported by Neville Gardner, who has been teaching violin making for the last twenty years. He is joined by Corrie Schrijver to ensure that there is a ratio of 1 tutor to no more than 5 participants giving plenty of patient and knowledgeable support.
This course is for all levels of ability and beginners are very welcome. As well as the violin family, support can also be given for making a Rebec (an ancient ancestor of the violin). The class size is limited so that participants have plenty of support from the two tutors. Before enrolling please contact Neville Gardner – Neville AT nevillejgardner.co.uk – to discuss the suitability of the course for your needs.
Neville Gardner was a University Lecturer and has been teaching violin making for twenty years.
Corrie Schrijver graduated from the Welsh School of Violin Making, with Merit in 1980. Since then she has worked at various workshops, making and restoring for professional players.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/violin-making-summer-2024/
Join us for a midweek country dancing break, in the height of the Somerset summer.
This will be a week of lively dance encompassing all forms of social folk dancing. We will have an opportunity to enjoy American and British contra as well as traditional English, Playford, American squares and some of Mark’s own composition.
There will be dances each evening, workshops in the mornings, while the afternoons will be left free to enable dancers to enjoy the Somerset countryside in all its summer glory. Afternoon trips out will be arranged on an ad hoc basis depending on the weather and demand.
Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jam sessions and cloggers experienced or beginners to bring footwear. Callers aspiring or experienced may like to bring their notes or queries for an open mic session.
This course runs alongside the July Violin Making course.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-country-dance-week/
This course will appeal to classical players who want to get off the page, improvise and exercise their imagination, and trad players who wish to push the boundaries out beyond what they might meet in sessions.
Paul Hutchinson, Sophie Renshaw and Gabi Maas bring their combined experience to this ‘crossover’ course. They are seasoned performers of folk music and dance, classical music and trad instrumental styles, ranging from Haydn, Brahms and Purcell, to Scandinavian polskas, Irish reels and Scottish airs. The trio offers a weekend of creativity and collaborative musicmaking.
Participants will be working in small ensembles, exploring a wealth of musical ‘ingredients’ that will enable them to take popular and less well-known tunes and re-invent them.
Every tune has a life of its own and can suggest a variety of flavours; much depends on the performer’s own imagination. Workshops will cover elements of musical composition such as working with chord substitutions, adding ‘spicy’ notes, layering counter melodies and improvising rhythmical accompaniments. Participants will create unique arrangements and perhaps invent their own tunes, leaving the weekend equipped to explore a variety of musical collaborations.
Please note that jazz harmony will not be covered.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-meets-classical-2024/
An opportunity for young musicians from the South West and beyond to work with leading folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity, and create a new performance piece.
We’re delighted that Becki Driscoll is back as our Creative Lead for 2024, and joining her will be our brilliant professional musician-tutors Archie Churchill-Moss, Matt Norman, and Rosie Butler-Hall, with Kerrie Seymour also returning as Pastoral Lead.
We’ll be providing an immersive week of music, creativity and fun, in the beautiful and peaceful 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.
The week will end with performances at Sidmouth Folk Week! Participants will need to make their own arrangements to get to Sidmouth.
Full board (accommodation and all meals), tuition and all activities:
£265
Apply via the website
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-intermediate-2024/
Please note: This is a family break, and bookings should be made as a family group. We're sorry, but we won't be accepting bookings from adults without children.
Bring your family to a creative and fun Summer folk break at Halsway!
There’ll be a programme of activities each morning and evening, focused around children but suitable for the whole family – mum, dad, aunties and uncles, granny and grandad, even close family friends! – to join in with. You’ll be able to spend quality time together exploring creative and accessible folk activities (no experience necessary) and we’ll make the most of Halsway’s beautiful setting and outdoor spaces to inspire us!
Typical activities might include:
Singing for everyone – learning some traditional songs or perhaps creating some of our own…
Fun Folk Dancing for everyone – using up some excess energy or refining your best moves!
Music-making for all, where everybody can join in whatever their age, instrument or experience, and make a great sound together
“Have a go” workshops where we create new dances or learn something new or perhaps try new musical instruments
Games, crafts and outdoor play exploring the environment around us
All activities will be optional, so if you want to take some time out to relax or do your own thing that’s fine, but we do expect children to be supervised by a member of their family at all times.
Afternoons are free time for trips around this lovely area; there’s plenty to see and do including the West Somerset Railway, the seaside and Exmoor. One day a week is left completely free for you to plan your own day trips, or to relax at the Manor if you prefer.
Stay in our beautiful Manor house – large family rooms are available, and also comfortable double / twin rooms for accompanying grandparents, for example – or you can set-up camp in our lovely grounds. All meals are provided, so you can relax and enjoy yourselves in a convivial, family-orientated atmosphere!
The Team
David Faulkner is a multi-talented musician, dance caller, band leader, vocal coach – you name it! – with many years’ experience in running inclusive and creative folk arts activities and projects in all kinds of community and education settings.
Alison Rowley is a versatile and capable folk musician, ceilidh caller, workshop leader and private instrumental teacher, underpinned with a solid Cambridge University musical education.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/family-folk-week-2024/
As thunderous as a herd of wildebeest, as sly as a wagonload of Spike Milligans and as sonorous as a cloister of monks, the Spooky Men’s Chorale are the gift that keeps on giving.
They emerged blithering and blinking-eyed from the Blue Mountains of NSW in 2001, and armed with no more than their voices, a nice line in deadpan and an ill-matched set of hats, have been gleefully disturbing audiences everywhere since.
Always renowned for a combination of Visigothic bravado, absurdist humour and eye-moistening tenderness, the Spookies in middle age, and fortified with a new generation of wunderkids, are more masters of their territory than ever before. They will delicately garnish their much-loved black-catalogue with new incursions into beauty and stupidity, somewhat like a chocolate muffin with bits of chocolate in it. You must see them, really you must.
7.30pm
Tickets: £25/£23 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2024/02/29/sun-4-august-the-spooky-mens-chorale/
This course will teach folk songs in choral, a cappella harmony. The songs have been carefully picked and uniquely arranged by Julu and Heg (Suthering) and are a combination of traditional folk and contemporary songs by influential modern folk songwriters. Every song is carefully selected and arranged especially for a cappella choral harmony – from easy rounds and loop songs to more challenging choral material which aims to help you expand your harmony singing skills.
This weekend is a chance to learn new repertoire and unique arrangements which you can take home, and be part of the Suthering singing community which promotes inclusivity, respect and encouragement!
Who is it for?
This is a course primarily aimed at participants with some previous harmony singing experience, choir singers, and those who feel confident singing in harmony, who want to build on their current skills, and hope to pick up some new techniques and repertoire along the way.
Heg and Julu teach by ear but sheet music can be provided if you prefer to have the dots. They can also provide lyric sheets for those who like to work with the words in front of them.
Julu and Heg are folk duo Suthering. A couple in life and music, the pair met in a choir whilst living in Bristol. They moved from Bristol to Devon in 2019, just before the pandemic hit, in a bid to create a life more connected to community and nature. These themes can be found woven into their retreats as well as their own music and in their band name (which means “the sound of the wind through the trees”) which was inspired by the Robert Macfarlane book Landmarks.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/suthering-singing-weekend/
An enjoyable folk holiday that has dancing at its heart, alongside optional folk related activities for all to enjoy.
Hosted by Jane and Brian Thomas, the team brings together caller Ivan Aiken, musicians Richard Jones and Chris Jewell, plus their partners, for an enjoyable summer holiday in the beautiful setting of Halsway Manor.
Each morning will include two workshops, one for dance, one for another folk activity, which might be dance, song-based, or musical, depending on audience preference. There will be an early evening sing before dinner, and dances every evening/night. The team have organised a programme of fun things to do which make use of the Manor and its lovely gardens for both indoor and outdoor activities. All of these are optional and there is free time each day after lunch (packed lunches available if preferred) plus one day completely free, giving you time to explore the area, or to relax at the Manor.
Both the dance workshops and the evening dances will be of a professional standard both in terms of calling and music, and will include dances from across the UK. Novice dancers are very welcome, and there will be sufficient quality and variety to entertain more experienced dancers too.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-folk-dance-holiday/
The Halsway Young Folk Advanced course aims to challenge and inspire the next generation of professional folk musicians – could this be you?!
Led by Archie Churchill-Moss, you’ll work to develop your musical and performance skills. This is the course to do if you have aspirations of being a professional musician or educator, or are planning to continue your musical education at University.
Full board (accommodation and all meals), tuition and all activities:
£260
Complete this form on website to apply.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-advanced/
Now in its seventh year, our popular Halsway Young Folk Juniors is a great introduction to folk music and song for ages 7 – 12. Led by an experienced creative team, this short residential will be filled with fun and imaginative folk activities, using local traditions and customs as inspiration. Children will explore music and song, and create and perform a show for family and friends.
The course starts at 11am on Wednesday and finishes with a performance for family and friends at 2pm on Friday.
Who is it for?
For young musicians aged 7 – 12. Any instrument, and any level of proficiency welcome. The main thing is that you enjoy music, song and dance, and being creative!
Full board (accommodation and all meals), tuition and all activities:
£95
Complete form on website to apply.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-juniors/
Along with all the usual FREE music and dancing, ceilidh, workshops and sessions, there are three stunning headline concerts - and once again a bonus matinee performance in the Marine Theatre.
Friday August 23 - Steve Knightley
Saturday August 24 - Angeline Morrison
Sunday August 25 - Nick Hart
Sunday August 25 (Matinee)
Ghosts, Werewolves & Countryfolk - The Sabine Baring-Gould Centenary Project
with Jim Causley, Miranda Sykes and John Palmer
https://www.lymefolk.com/
Our beloved Folk Summer School is back for 2024. There’ll be music, dance and song – for adults of all abilities – led by a crack team of tutors who have detailed knowledge and extensive experience of a wide spectrum of folk music. Throughout the week, you will work towards a full-group ensemble piece which includes the whole summer school cohort – the ‘Big Ensemble’; it’s a powerful way of bringing everything and everyone together in one shared experience, allowing you to learn about how to structure a performance, work together, use all levels of skills (in small and large groups), and create something that’s amazing and all-inclusive.
Who is it for?
Singers, dancers and musicians of all levels of experience; there’s something for everyone!
Choose from classes in guitar, fiddle, piano accordion, singing, or dance. Let us know which group you’d like to be part of when you book.
Guitar with David Delarre
Fiddle with John Dipper
Piano Accordion with Paul Hutchinson (you’ll need to be able to read music)
Mixed instrument band with Kevin Dempsey
Singing with Jo Freya
Dance with Kerry Fletcher
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-summer-school/
Join dance teacher and caller Georgia Delve and The Warleggan Village Bandfor another weekend exploring the Regency period through dance. She will be looking at the evolving fashions of social dancing through the Georgian period, culminating in the iconic Regency era. Halsway is excited to offer this weekend masterclass of steps, patterns, music and manners, not forgetting that all-important ballroom etiquette. With a mixture of country dances, cotillions, quadrilles and even some scandalous couple waltzing, it’s sure to be a weekend to enjoy.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/the-halsway-regency-assembly-2024/
Jon Boden is best known is the lead singer of the progressive Folk juggernaut Bellowhead who have sold 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and sold out hundreds venues including The Royal Albert Hall. Alongside Bellowhead Jon has continued his development as one of the foremost names in English Folk music.
Solo, Jon performs the self-penned songs of Songs From The Floodplain, Painted Lady, Afterglow and Rose In June, material from Bellowhead, Spiers & Boden, and his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 Folk songs in one year, as well as music from his most recent album Last Mile Home (Hudson Records) and more.
Tickets: £23. No concessions
www.jonboden.com
https://www.thedavidhall.com/event/jon-boden/
Evocative and distinctive, folk duo Suthering transport audiences with their exquisite vocal harmonies and their message of hope during hard times.
Soaring above the cascading piano and delicate, fingerstyle guitar, it’s the duo’s beautifully matched voices and their fresh approach to folk which make their traditional and self-penned songs stand out.
£16.50
7.45 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/suthering/
Julie July Band is a British folk-rock band performing original music inspired by the folk, rock, and blues movement of the 60s and 70s but with a contemporary 21st century twist.
With over a decade of gigging and recording experience, they make their debut performance at Taunton Brewhouse celebrating their new album Flight of Fancy, together with songs from their critically acclaimed albums Lady of the First Light and Wonderland, plus a selection of Sandy Denny favourites.
£20.00 - £24.00
7.45 pm
Contact Hannah Harrison: 01823 704041
marketing AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/julie-july-band/
Christina Alden & Alex Patterson are multi-instrumentalists and songwriters from Norwich. Their music is rich with intertwining harmony, sensitive accomplished musicianship and a creative song-writing style that is both delicate and moving. Deeply inspired by the world around them, they have a keen environmental eye to craft stories with the natural world at its heart, reflecting on the relationship between humans and the wild.
They have enjoyed touring extensively in the UK and Europe; including a twenty-three-date concert hall tour with Show of Hands (including Union Chapel and St David’s Hall Cardiff), a show at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall for Celtic Connections, headline and main stage performances at some of the UK’s most prestigious folk festivals and performances in Norway, Belgium, France and Ireland. They have written and self-released four albums, composed music for a BBC Radio 4 documentary series and have had over a million streams on Spotify.
£14
7.30pm
Contact Box Office: 01749 834483
boxoffice AT cedarshallwells.co.uk
cedarshallwells.co.uk
Celebrating 20 Years of Bellowhead
In 2004, Bellowhead burst onto the British folk scene like nothing before or since. Famously conjured up by duo Spiers & Boden whilst sitting in a traffic jam, they roped in friends, and friends of friends until the big band was born. In their early years Bellowhead played to hundreds of thousands of people at festivals and on tour and were regularly lauded as “One of the country’s greatest live outfits.” They recorded 5 studio albums (selling over a quarter of a million copies), were the proud recipients of 2 x silver discs and won a staggering 8 x BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.
2024 marks Bellowhead’s 20th Anniversary, it’s also 20 years since the release of their debut 5 track E.P.Onymous and 10 years since the release of their Top 20 studio album Revival which featured favourites including Gosport Nancy and Roll Alabama.
The band say “The reunion tour in 2022 meant such a lot to all of us after such a difficult time, and seemed to bring so much joy to our fans, that we thought we'd probably best do it again!
Tickets: £27.50 / £35.00 / £45.00 (plus booking fees)
Please note under 18 to be accompanied by an adult.
7:30pm
https://www.bathforum.co.uk/Publisher/Article.aspx?ID=676272