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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Singers of all abilities are invited to join Hilary James this Spring and enjoy the pleasure of group singing as you discover the potential of your own voice. Explore the wealth of songs within the British folk traditions and beyond: from ballads to blues, sea songs to lullabies, comic ditties and more.
You’ll be working largely ‘by ear’ with simple improvised vocal harmonies but for the more experienced, written parts for some songs will be available. As well as singing acappella, there will be the opportunity to work with mandolin-backing from Simon Mayor’s Spring Mandolins.
Workshops will take place each morning, with afternoons free for personal practice, exploring the local area, delving into the library, or impromptu ensemble work.
Halsway Manor will be hosting this workshop alongside Simon Mayor’s mandolin course.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/spring-sing/
Join Simon Mayor, possibly this country’s finest mandolin player, for Spring Mandolins, an extended chance to work on techniques, musicianship, and an eclectic range of repertoire. Simon will cover all right & left hand techniques including position shifting, tremolo, decoration, tone production & more. There will also be the opportunity to accompany songs with singers from Hilary James’ Spring Sing.
Workshops will take place each morning, with afternoons free for personal practice, exploring the local area, delving into the library, or impromptu ensemble work.
Halsway Manor will be hosting this workshop alongside Hilary James’s course for singers.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/simon-mayor-spring-mandolins/
An illustrious, witty and virtuosic collective playing everything from beautiful folk ballads to Carolan, Vivaldi, hot-swing fiddle, tangos and rags… and a comic ditty or two!
Featuring mandolins, mandola, mandocello, mandobass, violin, violoncello, classical guitar and voices.
‘Wicked and wonderful’ BBC Radio 3
‘Wit and sparkle from the eclectic, virtuosic quartet.’
BBC Radio 2
‘A stunning acoustic tour de force, played by a quartet at the top of its game.’
Sing Out!
Simon Mayor: mandolin, guitar, fiddle, voice
‘One of the world’s leading mandolinists’ (BBC Radio 3), as well as a fine fiddle player, guitarist, composer and wit, Simon’s many-faceted career two nights at Wembley Arena as soloist with the BBC Concert Orchestra, his own series on BBC Radio 2, an album in the Classic FM Top Ten chart, causing mayhem at a Canadian humour festival, having a song featured on The Simpsons, and, most memorably, a trip through the square window on BBC TV’s iconic Play School!
Florence Petit: mandocello and violoncello
An innovative and exciting young violoncellist, and the recipient of a diverse host of awards, Florence has appeared many times on BBC Radio 3, and is in huge demand in the world of baroque music. She joins the Mandolinquents adding the mandocello to her armoury.
Elias Sibley: guitar, mandolin, mandola, ukulele
Given his consummate skill as a classical guitarist, it’s easy to overlook Elias’ other talents. He’s one of the finest finger-style ukulele players of his generation, and an authority on classic banjo (pre-bluegrass styles of ragtime and early jazz). Going back a few tears, Elias was a young musical prodigy feted for his fine mandolin playing Now, after a long absence he’s been tempted to pick up the instrjument again by Simon…. Vivaldi’s Double Mandolin Concerto beckons!
Hilary James: voice, mandobass, guitar
Hilary has recorded six solo albums, including collections of Scottish, English and Irish folksongs, traditional blues and occasional forays into French chansons, Berlioz and Irving Berlin. She has featured on Radio 4 (Woman’s Hour), Radio 3 (In Tune), Radio 2 (top ten playlist) and Classic FM, as well as stations from Los Angeles to Latvia. As well as her fine singing she plays guitar on anything from Vivaldi to an Irish jig. She also has an unlikely taste in bass instruments, most famous amongst them is her mighty mandobass!
8pm–9:30pm
Full price: £12
Full-time student: £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-the-mandolinquents/
Chard Folk Dance Group meet from 7.30 hrs until 9.30 pm and it is £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and a piece of cake - Lots of fun on a cold evening!
Our popular Bagpipe workshop weekend returns in 2025, running alongside the Hurdy Gurdy Weekend, in a frenzy of reeds, drones and buzzing things! Our thanks to the Bagpipe Society for their support of our bagpipe events.
You’ll need to select your level (beginner or intermediate/advanced) and will be working with the same tutor over the whole weekend. Outside the workshops, there will be plenty of opportunity to socialise with the other tutors and participants not in your group.
For an extra £65, participants can stay until Monday morning, including supper and B&B. Please enquire when booking.
Who is it for?
Beginners’ Course with David: This is a course for complete beginners. You will be finding out how the instrument works, posture, tuning, basic techniques, and simple repertoire to enjoy when learning to play. Most of the learning will be by ear with music scores provided to support our learning. We will aim to have a bit of fun too!
Instruments will be available for course participants to borrow. You will need to let us know when booking if you’ll require a loan instrument.
Intermediate/Advanced Course with Isabelle: This workshop is dedicated to everybody who wants to make music out of the bag! There’ll be a focus on technique – rappels, vibratos and other finger gymnastics – but musicality will be the main aim.
The Team
We’re sorry to say that Rémi Decker can’t join us in February but delighted that David Faulkner is able to take his place on the team.
David Faulkner has been playing pipes for over 25 years with groups such as the Eel Grinders and Jon Swayne’s Zephyrus, and performs regularly as a duet with accordionist Steve Turner. He has toured in Europe, Canada and America and taught piping courses in the UK and abroad and has worked as a community musician for nearly 20 years.
Isabelle Blô trained as a classical percussionist specialising in traditional music & dance from central France . A multi-instrumentalist Isabelle plays the French bagpipes, the hurdy-gurdy, the diatonic accordion and the chromatic accordion. She has also organised music & dance masterclasses in France, Great-Britain, Belgium and Switzerland.
www.bagpipesociety.org.uk
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bagpipe-weekend-2025/
Guaranteed to be one of Halsway’s noisiest weekends, this popular Hurdy-Gurdy Weekend runs alongside our Bagpipe Weekend with masterclasses, workshops, sessions and a Saturday night concert/dance. A frenzy of reeds, drones and buzzing things! Early booking advised.
This course is for players of the hurdy-gurdy who already have their own instrument.
The weekend is hosted by Claire Dugué, hurdy-gurdy maker and repairer, and she’ll be available to help people get the most out of their instruments with tips for maintenance. Our international tutor team includes:
Ariel Ninas and Clémence Oppin (Intermediate/Advanced Hurdy Gurdy Workshop – one group each)
Jon Loomes (Beginner Hurdy Gurdy Workshop).
Each tutor will dedicate themselves to a specific group for the full weekend allowing for maximum learning and progression. You will need to decide which tutor you wish to work with and tell us when booking; numbers in each group are limited. Because course places are limited, we aren’t able to take bookings from those not wishing to fully participate in one of the workshop groups (unless you’re coming as the friend or partner of a participant, and sharing a room).
For an extra £65, participants can stay until Monday morning, including supper and B&B. Please enquire when booking.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/hurdy-gurdy-weekend-2025/
Barn dance
The hall is on the left when travelling north. The only street light along the main road is on the hall. Roadside parking.
All are welcome, no experience necessary. We enjoy an evening with live music and a caller who will guide you through all the dances. You don't need to bring a partner. No refreshments other than water provided, feel free to bring your own.
Do come along have some fun and laughter.
£7.50 under 16 free
Start time: 7.15 for 7.30
Finish time: 9.30
Contact Sally Condon: 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
Join us for perhaps the most vibrant gig of the year at Halsway Manor. More pipes and gurdies than you can shake a stick at! Tutors of international reknown are coming to Halsway to lead the popular Pipes and Gurdies weekend. You can experience their magic at this concert performance.
Our International tutor team includes gurdy players Ariel Ninas, Clémence Oppin and Jon Loomes and pipers Isabelle Blô and David Falkner.
8pm–9:30pm
Full price £12
Concession £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-pipes-and-gurdies-2025/
Americana to some, Folk to others, The Black Feathers have those qualities in expansive quantity. Sian Chandler’s soaring, dramatic, melodious but powerful
voice is a perfect counterpoint to Ray Hughes’ piquant vocals and his sparkling and occasionally spicy guitar motifs. This is a duo who love what they play and play what they love with panache, humour, delight and rather
a lot of commentary on the downside of being a human.
www.theblackfeathers.com
£17.50 Full. £16.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Two of the UK’s most iconic voices have finally combined as a duo and will be touring a new album in 2025.
Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley have known each other for nearly 20 years and in 2024 they united with John Palmer to create and tour a show celebrating the centenary of the death of the song collector and author Sabine Baring – Gould.
They enjoyed working together so much and audience feedback was so positive that they made plans to record and tour an album together.
“The Last Of The Singers” is a collection of traditional, self penned and contemporary songs bringing their magical voices together.
7:30PM
Tickets: Adult £20, Concs £18
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/miranda-sykes-and-jim-causley-the-last-of-the-singers/
At last, an Irish music show that has come out of Ireland without the clichés that usually follow! There are no flat caps or twee costumes here. Instead you get incredibly talented musicians and dancers who simply want to bring you the sound and fun of Ireland in an intimate and homely setting.
The live music, Irish dancing and banter is infectious and enters the psyche in seconds. The show itself features All Ireland champion musicians and dancers who combine a unique blend of light hearted audience interaction with fascinating stories about the music and the instruments themselves.
The original show was set up in Dublin by a group of musicians who wanted visitors to the city to experience what a real Irish house party is like. It’s all presented in a fun and humorous way resulting in a fabulous theatre going experience.
Look forward to seeing you at The Irish House Party soon!
7.30pm, doors and bar 7pm
£22/£20 members and concessions
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2024/09/09/sat-22-february-the-irish-house-party/
Artsreach invites audiences to join them in person and online for their annual celebration of poet William Barnes, who was born in Bagber near Sturminster Newton on 22 February 1801. A scholar, linguist, artist, priest and inventor, Barnes wrote over 800 poems in the Dorset dialect. Barnes also relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.
Alongside a delicious cream tea, The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Phil Humphries and Tim Laycock, present a carefully curated programme that will include folksongs and dance tunes collected from across Dorset at the turn of the 20th century. This year’s programme includes I Live not Where I Love, collected in 1906 by the Hammond brothers from Robert Barratt of Puddletown, Hark, Hark! from Marnhull, and Major Malleys Reel and Tink a Tink from the Hardy family music books. The afternoon will also include several new pieces - a setting of William Barnes' poem 'Rustic Childhood', and two contrasting instrumental pieces by Nick Dunckley, Skekler's Waltz and the Fiddleford Polka. Recitals of some of Barnes' much-loved poems will keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset.
Those unable to join us at the event in person will also be able to tune in from home and watch the event being live-streamed online.
£16
3.00 - 6.00 pm
Contact The Exchange: 01258 475137
info AT stur-exchange.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/tea-with-william-barnes
Antoine & Owena - inspired by traditional and contemporary folk music, they create their own original blend of folk music that provides a feast for the ears, the heart and the feet. Together they combine the interpretive folk violin styles of Owena, with the folk-rock guitar and bouzouki rhythms of Antoine to create an eclectic mix of original and traditional material inspired by history, tragedy, love and hope.
World Gone Wrong - a great mix of blues jazz, bluegrass, and lively numbers mainly from the 1920's & 30's.
Damian Clarke - His solo concerts are played mostly on the beautiful Hammer Dulcimer with some numbers played on the stirring Hurdy Gurdy, and include tunes and songs that he encourages audiences to sing along to. His playing fits into a broad Celtic style, encompassing many traditional numbers from Ireland and the British Isles, as well as his own compositions
8pm
Contact Pip Evans: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.bereregisfolk.com
Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterell are an exciting and energetic young folk duo who are quickly carving out a name for themselves with their unique style, rooted in Quebecois traditional music fused with songs from around the British Isles and North America. Arthur Coates is an award-nominated musician who studied violin and piano at the Aberdeen City Music School. Guitarist Kerran Cotterell has garnered numerous plaudits having performed at Cambridge Folk Festival, and the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. Together Arthur and Kerran produce a versatile mix of instrumentals and song, true to the roots of traditional music and featuring fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and feet percussion. Touring following the release of their debut album, Music for Cows, these rising stars are simply unmissable!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£13, £7 u18s
7.30pm
Contact Mark Sexton: 01308 897649
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/coates-cotterell
A weekend event for The Madding Crowd who research and perform the church and secular music of the English village bands and choirs in the period 1660 to 1861.
Who’s it For?
The Madding Crowd and friends, all lovers of West Gallery music.
The Madding Crowd is one of the largest and longest established of the revival groups specialising in West Gallery music. They meet each week, just as the old gallery bands and choirs did. The group was founded in 1975 to lead a village evensong, and we have given carol concerts every year since 1977, summer concerts since 1979, harvest concerts since 1989, and have led the singing at many church services, baptisms, weddings and harvest festivals. We have broadcast on radio and television several times, including the Songs of Praise programme shown in 1990, and in “Going the Rounds” on BBC Radio 4 in December 2003. We also provided music for a television programme about Isaac Watts, shown on the PAX channel in North America. In the 1990s we created an early 19th century village wedding and celebration for English Heritage Special Events at various locations in the South of England.
If you’d like to find out more, head to the website www.maddingcrowd.org
Partnership Event
For more details please contact:
info AT maddingcrowd.org
Please note: our partners set their own course prices, which may differ from our in-house courses.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/madding-crowd-2025/
In this concert, Wareham Whalers will explore some of the many words and phrases that originated at sea, on board sailing ships and have found their way into common everyday English usage. Through readings and songs, and in their usual lighthearted fashion, Whalers will share many of these with you including expressions such as touch and go and gone for a burton.
As usual, funds raised by the concert will contribute to our charities which this year are the RNLI and the PLANETS cancer support.
Bring your own refreshments.
Ample free parking close by.
Tickets available from: https://wegottickets.com/event/644193
£10
7.30pm
Contact Dasvid Blakeley: 07923 020946
wareham.whalers AT gmail.com
http://www.wareham-whalers.org.uk/
Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterell are an exciting and energetic young folk duo who are quickly carving out a name for themselves with their unique style, rooted in Quebecois traditional music fused with songs from around the British Isles and North America. Arthur Coates is an award-nominated musician who studied violin and piano at the Aberdeen City Music School. Guitarist Kerran Cotterell has garnered numerous plaudits having performed at Cambridge Folk Festival, and the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. Together Arthur and Kerran produce a versatile mix of instrumentals and song, true to the roots of traditional music and featuring fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and feet percussion. Touring following the release of their debut album, Music for Cows, these rising stars are simply unmissable!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 family
7.30pm
Contact Tel.: 01258 839060
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/coates-cotterell
Exquisite Folk from one of the country’s most exciting duos.
Partners in life and in music, dynamic Devon-based Folk duo Harbottle & Jonas are one of the most exciting acts on the UK circuit today, combining a love of the richness of traditional Folk with their own original and powerful songwriting. Dave and Freya have developed a distinct and compelling signature sound, blending concertina, harmonium, banjo, stomp box, acoustic guitar and cittern with their beautiful and closely intertwined vocal harmonies.
£18.50 Full. £17.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Arthur Coates and Kerran Cotterell are an exciting and energetic young folk duo who are quickly carving out a name for themselves with their unique style, rooted in Quebecois traditional music fused with songs from around the British Isles and North America. Arthur Coates is an award-nominated musician who studied violin and piano at the Aberdeen City Music School. Guitarist Kerran Cotterell has garnered numerous plaudits having performed at Cambridge Folk Festival, and the BBC Proms in the Royal Albert Hall. Together Arthur and Kerran produce a versatile mix of instrumentals and song, true to the roots of traditional music and featuring fiddle, guitar, bouzouki and feet percussion. Touring following the release of their debut album, Music for Cows, these rising stars are simply unmissable!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s
7.30pm
Contact Tel: 07462 570117
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/coates-cotterell
Gavin Fairhall Lever are a stunning explosion of colour in the wild and unruly garden of the London folk scene. A tangle of roots from Northern Ireland, Cornwall and Norfolk gives exuberant life to a truly contemporary folk music, full of thorns and flowers. The trio bring together the exhilarating, joyful tumble of Celtic trad, a melodic warmth, vibrant rhythmic invention, and the subtle expressivity of jazz harmony. Tunes unfold like stories, with dynamic and textured arrangements keeping the pages turning, from chapters of luminous stillness into passages of unstoppable drive. All performed with a compelling combination of fire, precision and mongrel bite.
The trio have become renowned for their captivating live performances, including at Caceres Irish Fleadh (Spain), Zilleghem Folk (Belgium), Broadstairs Folk Festival, and Celtic Connections Glasgow. Following on from the success of their debut record, their second album was recorded live to tape at Analogue Catalogue Studios in Northern Ireland with Julie McLarnon (Lankum, Alasdair Roberts, Brian Eno), and will be released in February 2025.
£14
7:45 pm
https://www.strodetheatre.org.uk/event/gavin-fairhall-lever/
David Mitchell will be performing beautiful traditional and classical tunes on guitar for this Sunday afternoon concert at St Mary's Church in the picturesque village of Thorncombe, Dorset.
David Mitchell describes his guitar playing as “Folk-Classical fingerstyle”, combining these genres to create a beautiful and unique take on some well known pieces and traditional folk tunes as well as performing his own original compositions on a guitar he crafted himself.
David has enjoyed performing solo guitar at a range of lovely venues including Downend Folk & Roots, Banbury Folk Club, The Amadeus, Wessex Acoustic Folk Club, Fivehead Folk & Acoustic Music Night, VegFest Bristol as well as many other public and private events.
Website: https://www.davidmitchellmusician.com
There is no need to book for this event.
Entrance is by donation
Refreshments will be available.
Doors: 2:30pm - Music starts: 3pm, finishes 5.00
Pay What You Feel Event
Contact David Mitchell
dmitchellmusician AT gmail.com
https://www.davidmitchellmusician.com
Members of Moonrakers return to Halsway Manor bringing their exciting and dynamic Folk Orchestra event for musicians and singers.
Expect a relaxing, stimulating and engaging multi-instrumental week. Whether you play bowed, fretted or reed instruments, whistles or flutes, or simply like to sing, you are very welcome on this course!
We’ll work on our own improvised arrangements of about 10 folk tunes and songs throughout the week. You don’t need to read music, but some instrumental experience is required.
In the evenings there will be plenty of opportunity to showcase some of your own material.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/moonrakers-folk-orchestra-2025/
Another chance to learn on our very popular short course – how to make reeds for the Northumbrian (or Scottish) smallpipes – then, if you wish, stay on for our Northumbrian smallpipes weekend! The course is led by renowned piper and pipe-maker Andy May. You’ll be in the workshop by day, but there will be time in the evenings to relax and enjoy informal playing sessions in the bar, so bring your instruments and try your new reeds!
Who is it for?
This course is for all-comers. Tools will be supplied but you may wish to bring your own. There will be a small charge of £10-£15 (payable on departure) to cover the cost of cane.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/reed-making-2025/
Duos come and duos go, and some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original and captivating.
For over a quarter of a century, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal.
From their early days in folk supergroup “Equation” through to their new album, Almost A Sunset, this multi award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
£22.00
7.30 pm
Phone: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/kathryn-roberts-sean-lakeman/
Duos come and duos go, and some nurture and fine tune their art and watch it grow into something totally original and captivating.
For over a quarter of a century Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman’s partnership has proved personal, permanent and pivotal.
From their early days in folk supergroup ‘Equation ‘ through to their new album, Almost A Sunset, this multi award-winning musical couple continue to exude timeless class with their exquisite brand of traditional and contemporary acoustic music.
2024 sees them release ’The Collection’. 18 of their most loved songs compiled into one seamless album.
BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Duo – 2016 & 2013
www.kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman.com
www.facebook.com/kathrynrobertsandseanlakeman
https://x.com/kathryn_sean
www.soundcloud.com/kathryn-roberts
www.youtube.com/user/KathrynSean
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £20.00
Advance: £19.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/kathryn-roberts-sean-lakeman-4/
Members of Moonrakers bring their exciting and dynamic music to Halsway Manor during their Folk Orchestra week. Two members of Moonrakers – Jon Bennett (guitar, bouzouki, low whistles, ukelele and vocals) and Jacqui Johnson (cello, accordion) – will be joined by Andy May (Northumbrian small pipes) for an informal concert of tunes, songs, and anecdotes.
Moonrakers is an Oxford-based group of four musicians who pride themselves in having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals across the UK. The fact that the band “just OOZES quality” (Living Tradition) is down to the careful arrangements and selection of tunes and songs, presenting “exquisite music” (BBC). The material is a combination of traditional Irish, Scottish, Welsh and English music and their own contemporary songs and tunes, still very much ‘in the idiom’.
8pm–9:30pm
Full price £12
Concession £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-moonrakers-2025/
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-39/
The Northumbrian Smallpipes weekend offers a enjoyable opportunity to develop technique and repertoire with a variety of workshops, sessions, plus a performance from the tutors.
Once again, you’ll be able to make a long weekend of it and book an additional night of B&B on Sunday night for just £60 per person (includes supper).
Who is it for?
This popular workshop weekend is designed to give everyone from beginners and improvers to intermediate and advanced level players a thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to develop their abilities, technique and repertoire.
You’ll work in groups according to ability level, with some optional sessions too, allowing you the opportunity to work with all tutors over the course of the weekend. Some music will be available in advance, for workshops that require it.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/northumbrian-smallpipes-weekend-2025/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Evening
A 'Micro' Barn Dance evening. Usual easy and fun dances, friendly atmosphere, but no bar. BYO if you wish. No need to come with a partner.
£7.50
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.15
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Virtuoso players of Classical Guitar and Violin, Dom and Oscar bring us a wide variety of repertoire from different genres.
£15
7.30 pm
Contact Colin Hugh Bowen: 01963 240282
bowencolin AT hotmail.com
hvh.chessck.co.uk
In this concert, Wareham Whalers will explore some of the many words and phrases that originated at sea, on board sailing ships and have found their way into common everyday English usage. Through readings and songs, and in their usual lighthearted fashion, Whalers will share many of these with you including expressions such as touch and go and gone for a burton.
As usual, funds raised by the concert will contribute to our charities which this year are the RNLI and the PLANETS cancer support.
£10
7.30pm
Contact Durlston Country Park: 01929 424443
wareham.whalers AT gmail.com
http://www.wareham-whalers.org.uk/
Maddie Morris is an artist who strives to make a difference in the world.
Bold, insightful and refreshingly unique, they take traditional song in new directions to shine a light on contemporary issues, offering new perspectives about the world we live in today.
Folk songs have always told stories, but how Maddie makes their mark is by turning this storytelling into action. Described by Jim Moray as “leading the next generation of socially conscious songwriters”, Maddie uses their work to highlight inequality, challenge viewpoints, and provide an inclusive space for shared experiences.
£14.00
7.45 pm
Phone: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/maddie-morris/
Roots, Greek Rembetika and folk. Mark playing bouzouki, national steel guitar and harmonica and Iqbal playing tablas and darabuka. Tickets available via www.caryfordhall.co.uk
£12 advance / £14 on door
7.30 pm
Contact Helen Leary
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
A powerful folk-drama by the Dorset-based group Time and Tide, following the extraordinary lives of the wives, mothers and families of the Tolpuddle Martyrs through local folk music of the time.
£5 per person
7.00pm
Contact Ian Cray: 07941 645303
iancray AT icloud.com
Discover French and Breton dance or develop your dance horizons! Both experienced and novice French dancers are invited to a week of expert tuition led by Peter Clifton, and supported by Karen Prager, and Yannick Minvielle-Debat returns to teach traditional singing-for-dancing. The course will be taught to exemplary live music from Richard Heacock (violin) and Paul Hutchinson (accordion), with guest musicians joining us for the Thursday night finale Bal.
Dancers will be introduced to French couple dances: Scottish, Bourrée, Waltz and Mazurka, and to Breton circle and chain dances. (You don’t need to bring a partner for the couple dances). Lesser-known dances will also be taught, including some from the Vendée and Poitou regions. The focus will be on dance variation and developing communication and dynamics through both couple and circle dances.
Yannick will add some easy-to-learn French songs to the mix, which can be applied to well-known dances, and practised within the week at workshops and evening bals.
Dancers who also play are encouraged bring to bring instruments if they wish; there will be opportunities to play for some of the dances in the bal each evening.
Who is it for?
You’ll have some experience in traditional dance – Playford, English Country Dance, Contra, Scottish etc – but you can be completely new to French dance. For those with experience of French dance, the course offers the opportunity to discover lesser known dance repertoire.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/french-breton-dance-week-2025/
Spiers & Boden first rocketed onto the music scene in 2001, quickly winning a clutch of BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and going on to form and front the extraordinarily successful folk big band Bellowhead, which sold out The Royal Albert Hall several times, provides the theme tune for Radio 4’s The Archers and were recently heard on the soundtrack of BBC 1’s ‘Beyond Paradise’.
The much-loved duo reformed in 2021 after a seven-year hiatus, arriving with a brand new album ‘Fallow Ground’ which went on to reach number 3 in September ‘21’s Official Folk Albums Chart and was a Mojo magazine top 10 folk album of 2021.
7.30 pm
£ 7.00 - £ 23.00
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/spiers-boden/
Folk legend and former Show of Hands frontman Steve Knightley is back with his eagerly anticipated solo tour, Winter Into Spring. Following the phenomenal success of this Autumn's Winter Yards album and tour, this brand-new show will take Steve back to intimate, out-of-the-way venues, where he honed his craft.
The 'Winter Into Spring' tour features songs from the critically acclaimed Winter Yards album, described as "a deeply atmospheric journey" (Spiral Earth) and "a must-have for anyone seeking unforgettable music" (Here Comes the Song). Alongside these new favourites, Knightley will revisit and reimagine some of his most iconic songs in a completely fresh performance.
Celebrated for his deep connection to the West Country, Steve Knightly’s extensive body of work, uniquely blends historical narratives with contemporary themes. In 1994 with multi-instrumentalist Phil Beer he formed 'Show of Hands,' praised by Peter Gabriel as one of the 'Great English Bands.' As a songwriter, Knightley earned the title of Tom Robinson's Songwriter of the 90s and he has won three BBC Folk Awards. His influence extends to the visual arts, serving as the artistic director of the 'Shrouds of the Somme' installation in 2016. He also collaborated with actors Jim Carter and Imelda Staunton on an Album of Great War Poetry and music.
Knightley's commitment to addressing social issues is evident in songs like 'Country Life' and 'Arrogance, Ignorance and Greed,' earning recognition at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. His impact extends beyond accolades, with compositions like 'The Galway Farmer' recognised as a 'traditional' Irish folk song, and 'Cousin Jack' now taught in Cornish schools.
Book now—tickets are limited!
Performance starts at 7:30pm, doors from 6:30pm with bar available.
General admission: £22, No Concessions
Contact Ilminster Arts Centre: 01460 54973
info AT ilminsterarts.org.uk
www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances
The new record from this reunited pair of uber-experienced folk musicians, came out in November 2023. Kith and Kin (the title a nod towards their own enduring friendship and expanding families) is a collection of the favourite tunes and songs from their ‘perfectly balanced’ live set. With the timeless combination of fiddle and box, James and Saul have been making music together for a long time now and re-launch their live act after time focusing energies on their young families. Born out of friendship, the duo intertwine seamlessly; dancing around the tunes between the notes, finding space and air breathing life into the music they create together.
James Delarre (Fiddle)
A veteran and founding member of the critically acclaimed Topette!!, Mawkin, and Mawkin:Causley, James Delarre has established himself as a stalwart of the English traditional music scene. As a fiddle player he is in high demand and has worked with some of the country’s top musicians and groups including, Eliza Carthy, Bombay Bicycle Club, Jim Moray, Jim Causley, Saul Rose, appearances with Bellowhead and Jools Holland as well as work as a musician on Tv and film. His filmography includes Peaky Blinders, Far from the Madding Crowd, Tulip Fever and My Cousin Rachel, to name but a few.
Saul Rose (Vocals & Melodeon)
Saul Rose is a renowned English folk melodeon player and singer. A long-time member of Waterson:Carthy, winning two BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards with ‘Broken Ground’ and forming a duo with Eliza Carthy. Double album ‘Red Rice’ was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 1998. Saul played on numerous albums, including Jackie Oates’ ‘Hyperboreans’, Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy’s album ‘The Gift’ and soundtracks for the films ‘Morris – A Life With Bells On’ and ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’. Nominated for the Musician of The Year award in the 2010 BBC Folk Awards, during 2011 he took the part of Songman in West End play War Horse. Now part of band Whapweasel and a duo with Maclaine Colsten, Saul was also a member of Faustus and a founder member of Eliza Carthy & The Wayward Band.
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/jamesdelarresaulrose
Bandcamp: https://saulrosejamesdelarre.bandcamp.com/album/cabin-fever
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLhV24riYLs
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamesDelarreAndSaulRose
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £17.00
Advance: £15.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/james-delarre-saul-rose/
As our French and Breton Dance Week draws to a close, you’re invited to join our ace tutor team and the course participants for a French Bal.
8pm–9:30pm
Full price £15
Concession £7.50
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bal-french-and-breton-dances-2025/
Bill and Rosie’s successful Halsway song weekends returns in 2025. Bill Crawford and Rosie Upton, assisted by Penny Rigby, will lead a weekend of traditional song for experienced singers (non-singing partners welcome).
Join them, and friends old and new, for a weekend of singing and presentations. Bill and Rosie’s guests in 2025 are Irene Shettle talking about the life of Lucy Broadwood, and Will Noble on songs from Yorkshire hill farmers (the Two Frank Hinchcliffes).
Bring your voices, instruments and walking boots for an optional circuit of the ‘Halsway Loop’ to blow away the cobwebs!
Who is it for?
The weekend is aimed at experienced singers of both traditional songs, and songs written ‘in the tradition’, who do not need to read the words.
This is a partnership event so to register an interest you will need to contact the team directly. Please email quantocktradsing AT gmail.com / call 07875 174401 (Penny). It is anticipated that application forms will be sent out in September.
The Team
Bill Crawford, an Exeter Folk Club stalwart from the early sixties, has run clubs and sessions in the Home Counties and across the South West, and is a regular MC and performer at Chippenham Folk Festival, Sidmouth Folk Week and Dartmoor festival. A fine solo singer with a broad repertoire, Bill was also a member of accapella group The Claque until they disbanded in 2017.
Rosie Upton, who has been based in the west country for more than 45 years, began singing in Derbyshire whilst still at school and has developed an individual style based on English, Scots and Irish traditional songs and ballads with an entertaining presentation. Her rich voice is particularly well suited to the occasional blues.
Penny Rigby, from Bristol, began visiting folk clubs in London during the 1970s but it wasn’t until around 1990 that she became actively involved in folk festivals. She has broad interests in the folk tradition, particularly enjoying singing sessions and contra dancing. She has considerable administrative experience, and was treasurer of the Pennymoor Singaround.
Sunday night is a 'Survivors' Sessions night with supper & B&B available at additional cost for those wanting to extend their visit.
This is a partnership event so to register an interest you will need to contact the team directly.
Email quantocktradsing AT gmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bill-and-rosies-traditional-song-weekend/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Oxford's much-toured 4-piece band, Moonrakers (Celtic harp, cello, stringed instruments, whistles, female/male vocals), pride themselves on having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals across the UK. With songs and tunes from the English, Irish and Scottish tradition as well as their own compositions. 2023 saw the launch of their latest album ‘Green to Gold’ which has received glowing reviews in the music press Their music also featured in the new BBC television drama ‘Beyond Paradise’. To see and hear more, go to www.moonrakers.net
£12
7.30 pm
Contact Jon Bennett: 01865 769206
moonrakerscelticmusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
Jaclarabag is a unique trio of multi-instrumentalists performing heartfelt, eclectic folk songs from across the world, with a good dose of original material thrown in too! Jim Carey (accordion, trombone, guitar) and Giles King (clarinet, bagpipes, whistle, saxophone) have both written and performed music for Kneehigh, Miracle Theatre, Wildworks, and more. Claire Ingleheart (fiddle, clarinet, baritone) is a composer for theatre and a gigging musician with a vast repertoire of styles, including funk, folk and shanties! Join Jaclarabag as they invite you into an exciting world of plaintive airs, brass band mischief and Balkan delights!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s
7.30pm
Contact Tel:: 01300 345455
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/jaclarabag
In the wake of his departure from Steeleye Span, Peter Knight
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.
www.gigspanner.com
8.00 pm
£23.50. No concessions
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Oxford's much-toured 4-piece band, Moonrakers (Celtic harp, cello, stringed instruments, whistles, female/male vocals), pride themselves on having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals across the UK. With songs and tunes from the English, Irish and Scottish tradition as well as their own compositions. 2023 saw the launch of their latest album ‘Green to Gold’ which has received glowing reviews in the music press Their music also featured in the new BBC television drama ‘Beyond Paradise’. To see and hear more, go to www.moonrakers.net
£12
7.30 pm
Contact Jon Bennett: 01865 769206
moonrakerscelticmusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
This is for instrumentalists who wish to develop skills in arranging and playing traditional and contemporary tunes in an ensemble. Jon Bennett (guitar, ukulele, bouzouki, whistles), Jacqui Johnson (cello, fiddle, keyboard) and Becki Luff (harp, keyboard) have many years’ experience conducting workshops at Benslow Music, Halsway Manor and at several festivals. They work through a number of tunes drawn mainly from the folk idiom, inviting you to suggest arrangement ideas yourself. Music (with chords, melody, countermelody and bass) will be sent out in advance along with a video of each tune played at medium pace for those who learn by ear. Above all, it’s a rare opportunity to play with a multi-instrumental and welcoming group. For more information, go to www.moonrakers.net and www.facebook.com/Moonrakersfolkorchestra. If you want to discuss any aspect of the courses, call 01865 769206 or email MoonrakersCelticMusic AT gmail.com
£60
10:30am - 4:00pm
Contact Jon Bennett: 01865 769206
moonrakerscelticmusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
Jaclarabag is a unique trio of multi-instrumentalists performing heartfelt, eclectic folk songs from across the world, with a good dose of original material thrown in too! Jim Carey (accordion, trombone, guitar) and Giles King (clarinet, bagpipes, whistle, saxophone) have both written and performed music for Kneehigh, Miracle Theatre, Wildworks, and more. Claire Ingleheart (fiddle, clarinet, baritone) is a composer for theatre and a gigging musician with a vast repertoire of styles, including funk, folk and shanties! Join Jaclarabag as they invite you into an exciting world of plaintive airs, brass band mischief and Balkan delights!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact Sarah Miller: 07534 006951
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/jaclarabag
Come and enjoy a fun Ceilidh dance night out with traditional live Ceilidh music at CICCIC (Taunton) and a caller to guide you through the dances.
Everyone welcome from first time to regular ceilidh dancers.
Rupert Kirby and David Mitchell seamlessly match and weave the traditional with their own original compositions together to create tune sets which are great to listen as well as dance to. Plus, Olive Mitchell has been calling dances for over 15 years and known for her welcoming and friendly calling style. She is a regular at Chard Folk Dance Club.
Mitchell & Kirby: https://www.folkyowls.com/david-mitchell-rupert-kirby
£12 online - £15 on the door - Under 14 yrs are FREE.
8pm
Phone: 01823 337477
info AT creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk
https://www.creativeinnovationcentre.co.uk/dance/ceilidh-barn-dance-night-with-live-music-by-mitchell-kirby-sat-15th-mar
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
A popular, fun night of Irish tunes and songs with a wide range of guest performers. Fast paced tunes, jolly jigs and rollicking reels.
Tickets £10.
7.30pm
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Oxford's much-toured 4-piece band, Moonrakers (Celtic harp, cello, stringed instruments, whistles, female/male vocals), pride themselves on having brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals across the UK. With songs and tunes from the English, Irish and Scottish tradition as well as their own compositions. 2023 saw the launch of their latest album ‘Green to Gold’ which has received glowing reviews in the music press Their music also featured in the new BBC television drama ‘Beyond Paradise’. To see and hear more, go to www.moonrakers.net
£12
7.30 pm
Contact Jon Bennett: 01865 769206
moonrakerscelticmusic AT gmail.com
www.moonrakers.net
Jaclarabag is a unique trio of multi-instrumentalists performing heartfelt, eclectic folk songs from across the world, with a good dose of original material thrown in too! Jim Carey (accordion, trombone, guitar) and Giles King (clarinet, bagpipes, whistle, saxophone) have both written and performed music for Kneehigh, Miracle Theatre, Wildworks, and more. Claire Ingleheart (fiddle, clarinet, baritone) is a composer for theatre and a gigging musician with a vast repertoire of styles, including funk, folk and shanties! Join Jaclarabag as they invite you into an exciting world of plaintive airs, brass band mischief and Balkan delights!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact David: 07590 352219
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/jaclarabag
We’re always delighted to host West Country Concertina Players at Halsway Manor for their packed concertina workshop weekend for intermediate and advanced level players of all systems. You do not need to be a member of WCCP to come (though you might consider joining them – it’s only £10 annually); the weekend is open to all, though this is a popular weekend and priority will be given to WCCP members through an opportunity to book early.
There will be time to relax in the comfort of Halsway Manor, with evening playing sessions in the bar, plus an informal tutors’ concert on the Saturday evening. There’s also the option to stay an extra night and book for Sunday supper and B&B – the perfect time to relax and unwind after a busy weekend of music and socialising.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/wccp-concertinas-at-halsway-2025/
The hall is on the left when travelling north. The only street light along the main road is on the hall. Roadside parking.
All are welcome, no experience necessary. We enjoy an evening with live music and a caller who will guide you through all the dances. You don't need to bring a partner. No refreshments other than water provided, feel free to bring your own.
Do come along have some fun and laughter.
£7.50
Start time: 7.15 for 7.30pm
Finish time: 9.30pm
Contact Sally Condon: 0i300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
To round off our season, Martin Clarke and Will Allen, two outstanding young folk musicians on Fiddles and Melodeon, maybe a bit of banjo…
£15
7.30 pm
Contact Colin Hugh Bowen: 01963 240282
bowencolin AT hotmail.com
hvh.chessck.co.uk
Top drawer trio with Reg on vocals and guitar, Marion Fleetwood on violin and Geraint Hughes on keyboard and accordion. Commissioned by Pete Townshend and created by Reg Meuross, Fire & Dust – The Woody Guthrie Story is a journey into the heart and soul of one of America’s finest folk musicians.
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
The Dorset Fiddlers bring together some of the county’s finest folk musicians and have been thrilling audiences in 2024 with their upbeat and original take on the rich instrumental tune traditions of Dorset. Using original source material from archival manuscripts and newly penned tunes, the ensemble weaves together an incredible variety of music in an array of exciting contemporary arrangements. Now is the chance to hear the exhilarating sound of a folk fiddle orchestra in their debut concert at the David Hall. Expect toe-tapping reels, driving jigs, elegant minuets, lilting waltzes and maybe a tune or two from Somerset!
Tickets available from The David Hall:
https://www.thedavidhall.com
See the Dorset Fiddlers via YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/ AT DorsetFiddlers
And check out our website:
https://dorsetfiddlers.com
£16.00 Adults/ £8.00 Children
8.00 pm
Contact The David Hall: 01460 240340
boxoffice AT thedavidhall.org.uk
https://www.thedavidhall.com
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s
7.30pm
Contact John Head: 01935 873555
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.
Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. December 2019 saw Mad Dog Mcrea released a 5-track EP titled ‘It’s a Sign’.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!
SUPPORT ARTIST TO BE ANNOUNCED.
THIS EVENT IS FOR AGES 18 AND OVER. ID IS REQUIRED AT THE DOOR. THOSE UNDER 18 WILL BE DECLINED ENTRY AND REFUNDS WILL NOT BE OFFERED. ACCEPTED FORMS OF ID INCLUDE A VALID PASSPORT, A PHOTO DRIVING LICENCE AND A PROOF OF AGE CARD SUCH AS A PASS CARD FROM THE NATIONAL PROOF OF AGE STANDARDS SCHEME.
ENTRY POLICY:
The Marine Theatre operates a zero tolerance policy to drugs.
Anyone found with illegal drugs will be banned and reported to the police.
Only people aged 18 and over will be admitted to this event.
Customers are required to present their ID on entry.
Management reserve the right to refuse entry.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £21.00
On the door £24.00
10% off for members
Standing
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/mad-dog-mcrea-3/
Josienne Clarke is a Radio 2 Folk Award-winning artist, an Indie-Folk singer, songwriter and producer who draws on traditional British Folk inspirations. Blessed with a voice of crystalline beauty and clarity that has often been
compared to Sandy Denny, Josienne is now bringing Sandy’s songs to life again, this time with an all-star, four-piece band of Folk legends.
www.josienneclarke.com
8.00 pm
£21.50. No concessions
https://www.thedavidhall.com
We are delighted that the tutors of the WCCP* Concertina weekend – Barrie Johnson, Cohen Braithewaite-Kilcoyne, Alastair Anderson, Pam Bishop will be treating us to a wonderful evening concert of folk music.
*West Country Concertina Players are a Club of friendly concertina enthusiasts formed in 1983 and one of very few teaching clubs in the country.
8pm–9:30pm
Full price £12
Concession £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/concertina-concert-2025/
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact David Witham: 01308 897403
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
A product of Dublin’s famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.
£17.00
7.30 pm
Contact Tony: 07939 436197
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/upwey-weymouth/st-laurence-church/daoiri-farrell-with-support-from-graham-moore/e-gxqaez
The award-winning Bookshop Band write and perform songs inspired by books. Formed in September 2010 they released their first album two months later and have since released 13 albums collaborating with over 100 authors, including Philip Pullman, Louis de Bernieres and Margaret Atwood.
The Bookshop Band have toured extensively around the UK, Europe, Canada and America, and are equally at home in a bookshop, an arts centre, in a folk club or on a festival stage. They have been commissioned by the BBC, The V&A, and most recently by Aardman Animations to compose the music and songs for the Oscar and BAFTA Nominated musical Robin Robin, with the band picking up an Ivor Novello Award nomination for their score.
Between them Beth Porter and Ben Please bring the books to the stage along with a multitude of instruments, including cello, harmonium, glockenspiel, guitars and ukuleles which, along with their distinct voices, create a cinematic sound that draws the audience in to a highly intimate performance, at once touching and mesmerizing, heart wrenching and funny. No previous knowledge of the books is required as the band guide the audience through the stories behind each song’s inspiration.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity.
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
4.00 - 5.50 pm
Contact Stephen Yeoman: 01929 450587
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/bookshop-band
A product of Dublin's famous club An Góilin Traditional Singers, since launching his own solo live career at the 2016 Celtic Connections, Daoirí Farrell has gone from strength to strength. On the verge of releasing his fourth solo album in early 2023, he can boast numerous honours from multiple BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and RTÉ Radio 1 Folk Awards nominations to ALSR Celtic Music accolades.
He has received endorsements from the likes of Christy Moore ("Daoirí has assumed the mantle of Luke [Kelly]"), Mark Radcliffe ("What a voice") and Dónal Lunny ("Daoirí is one of the most important traditional singers to emerge in the last decade"), with his music and live performances earning the acclaim of respected publications including MOJO, The Irish Post, Songlines and more. He has toured and played festivals across the world as well as touring the UK with the all-star Transatlantic Sessions. Daoirí’s fourth album, ‘The Wedding Above In Glencree’, recorded with Trevor Hutchinson (Lúnasa/The Waterboys), was released in February ’23 .
West Dorset singer, songwriter, Graham Moore, accompanies himself on guitar or English concertina. His own powerful works such as 'Tom Paine's Bones' and 'Tolpuddle Man' are sung by some of the best of UK Folk.
£17 advance, £19 door
7:30pm
Contact Tony King: 07960 471170
admin AT upweymusic.org.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-pqaxren
A small venue gig, with only 80 tickets available for general sale.
In aid of various Dorset loval charities.
£23
8.00 pm (Doors 7.00 pm)
Contact Laurie Keane: 07726 365824
skatrooperhall AT icloud.com
steveknightley.co.uk
A full-on, fun packed workshop weekend for Nyckelharpa players – beginners as well as more experienced players of this unusual Swedish folk stringed instrument. Vicki Swan will be leading the weekend, with support from guest tutor, David Chadwick.
The weekend includes the opportunity for complete beginners to meet and play the instrument. Eight spaces are up for grabs for the complete beginner course with a loan instrument provided. Spaces fill up fast so don’t delay!
Plenty will also be on offer for the improver / intermediate level player. Workshops will cover all aspects of playing the nyckelharpa: posture, technique, bowing, Swedish tunes, British tunes, chord playing, ensemble playing (by ear), exercises and Nyckelrythmics!
Sunday B&B is available for anyone wishing to extend their weekend. Request this extra night when booking.
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at both total beginners, and those with some experience, up to about intermediate level. More advanced players should check out our ‘Harpas at Halsway: Nyckelharpa Festival’.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/spring-harpa-2025/
Katie Grace Harris is a multi-tasking, foot tapping, piano, dulcimer and accordion playing singer and story-weaver. Inspired by real stories of social injustice and with a fast-growing reputation in the UK Folk world, her sound has been described as 'boot-thumping, heart filling contemporary British folk’.
Katie’s first “instrument” is her distinctive pure voice - she uses it to draw her audiences into the story she is telling with ‘spine-tingling’ results. Her engaging live performances usually feature her playing a range of instruments including Piano, Piano Accordion and Shruti and she can often be seen toting a home-made chess board stomp box and a pair of sturdy boots for a full one-woman-band experience!
https://www.katiegraceharris.com/
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Light refreshments will be on sale at this concert.
While we encourage young people to come along and enjoy the music, we do ask that all under 16s are accompanied by a responsible adult.
The concert will take place in the Museum's Andrew Room on the 1st floor. There is access by both stairs & lift and disabled toilet facilities on the ground floor.
Advance online: Adult = £13.50 / Under 18 = £12 - On the door = £15
Doors: 7:25pm - Music from: 7:45pm
Contact Folky Owls
folkyowlsevents AT gmail.com
https://wegottickets.com/event/644948
The electrifying sound of Birmingham’s fiery, (un)traditional folk band Bonfire Radicals is both intensely creative and irresistibly fun.
Experience Bonfire Radicals’ electrifying sound and energy in this special run of performances. Witness the adventurous breadth of their musical imaginations which emerge from a melting pot of original and traditional material from the British Isles to the Balkans.
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella all collide and explode into a “crashing rollercoaster of sound... alive with possibility and thrills” (Folk Radio).
Bonfire Radicals present a family friendly show with wide appeal. Catch them in this intimate concert setting while you can!
Doors open 7.30 pm Licensed Bar
Call: 07745 318486
Tickets from from Roadwater Shop or Valiant Soldier Pub or online
Price: £12, Under 16's £7
https://takeart.org/event/bonfire-radicals-live
Kris Drever originally comes from Hrossey in the Orkney Islands. Over the years, he has taught himself to be a songwriter, guitarist and singer of note (and sometimes many notes).
As well as creating award-winning original songs and instrumental pieces with the trio Lau, he has had a fruitful solo career exploring the cracks between
classic and modern songwriting and the traditional music that he comes from.
www.krisdrever.com
£19.50 Full. £18.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and a delicate acapella combine to make an inventive and funky evening. Tickets via www.caryfordhall.co.uk
£12 advance / £15 on door
7.30 pm
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
The electrifying sound of Birmingham’s fiery, (un)traditional folk band Bonfire Radicals is both intensely creative and irresistibly fun.
Experience Bonfire Radicals’ electrifying sound and energy in this special run of performances. Witness the adventurous breadth of their musical imaginations which emerge from a melting pot of original and traditional material from the British Isles to the Balkans.
Rhythmic grooves, instrumental fireworks, rich vocal harmonies and delicate a cappella all collide and explode into a “crashing rollercoaster of sound... alive with possibility and thrills” (Folk Radio).
Bonfire Radicals present a family friendly show with wide appeal. Catch them in this intimate concert setting while you can!
Over 16's only - under 18's must be accompanied by an adult Licensed bar
Tickets from Bailey Hill Bookshop, Castle Cary or online
£12
https://takeart.org/event/bonfire-radicals-live
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
Doors 2pm
6 including a cold drink
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Legends of Irish music & song, The FUREYS are renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc
The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where with his brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell.
In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’ for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year.
They are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.
Eddie Furey recalls how “many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents’ collection”. Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey.
Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.
Tickets: £25
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/the-fureys-2025/
Legends of Irish music & song, The FUREYS are renowned for their hit songs ‘I will love you’, ‘When you were sweet 16’, ‘The Green fields of France’, ‘The old man’, ‘Red rose café’, ‘From Clare to here’, ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’, ‘Leaving Nancy’, ‘Steal away’ etc
The oldest of the brothers, Eddie Furey left home in 1966 and travelled to Scotland at the time of the great folk revival where with his brother Finbar, he met and shared accommodation with then unknown folk singers Billy Connolly, Gerry Rafferty, Tam Harvey and Alex Campbell.
In 1972, Gerry Rafferty wrote ‘Her father didn’t like me anyway’ for Eddie. BBC Radio 1 presenter, the late John Peel made it his single of the year.
They are particularly proud of their UK chart success with songs such as I Will Love You and When You Were Sweet Sixteen, which in turn helped bring Irish folk and traditional music to a completely new audience. The band made their Top of the Pops debut in 1981.
Eddie Furey recalls how “many musicians have told us we influenced them after hearing a record from their parents or grandparents’ collection”. Dave Stewart of The Eurythmics has credited Eddie with teaching him his first chords on the guitar while still a teenager. Eddie would return the compliment by joining Dave on stage in Paris for a jam during the latter’s wedding to Bananarama’s Siobhan Fahey.
Their emotive songs stir many emotions, tears and laughter, sadness and joy.
7:30pm
Tickets: £25
https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/the-fureys-2025/
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
Doors open 6.15; Performance 7pm
Tickets: lamyattvh AT gmail.com
£15, £12.50 concessions, £40 family 2+2
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Banter are hosting a weekend of music, dance and song at Halsway Manor.
There’ll be workshops for all, as well as a Friday night welcome session, Saturday night concert and ceilidh, and maybe a bit of Banter fun throughout the weekend… Almost anything could happen!
The band will be equipping you with some new repertoire, while helping you to build on your existing skills, and you’ll spend the majority of the weekend working as a whole group, with some time both guided and self-led in smaller groups too.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/banter-2025/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Evening
A 'Micro' Barn Dance evening. Usual easy and fun dances, friendly atmosphere, but no bar. BYO if you wish. No need to come with a partner.
£7.50
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.15
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
7.30 pm
07843 348057
Cash bar
£12, £8 concessions (People on a low income & under 18's) £28 family 2+2
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Roving Crows are an Irish Folk Rock band who deliver the goods with unbounded amounts of riotous energy and banter. Paul O’Neill (guitar and lead vocals); Caitlin Barrett (fiddle & vocals); Laurence Aldridge (drums & vocals) and Jim Smith (bass & vocals). Their passion and energy on stage is infectious, never failing to deliver a great time with their vibrant live show!
www.rovingcrows.com
£18.50 Full. £17.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Suntou Susso is a multi-instrumentalist - kora player, percussionist, singer and composer - from The Gambia who was born a Griot. His primary instrument, the kora is a harp-lute with 22 strings and is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people.
SuntouSusso is a true performer and multi-instrumentalist. Join this expert kora player, percussionist, singer and composer from The Gambia for an evening of music, culture and learning.
Suntou is joined by his father for a special run of shows. Both born Griots in a 700-year old tradition, they play the kora - a harp-lute with 22 strings –which is unique to the Griots of the Mandinka people. Griots have a unique societal role as oral historians, transmitting and preserving a people’s culture through the generations in song, music and poetry.
Suntou’s family includes some of the world’s most highly respected West African musicians. An in-demand and charismatic performer, he attracted attention as soon as he arrived on the UK music scene.
7.30
Tickets from North Curry post office
Price: £15, under 12's free when accompanied by a ticket holder
https://takeart.org/event/suntou-mamudou-susso-live
Please complete the enquiry form on the website to request a place on the course.
An opportunity for young musicians to work with supportive folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity. Help to create a new performance piece to be shared with parents and friends at Halsway at the end of the week!
Musician, composer and educator Becki Driscoll is back as our Creative Lead. For this years’ Young Folk Intro Week she’ll be joined by a team of professional musician-tutors: Matt Norman, Rosie Butler Hall and Kerrie Seymour.
We’ll be providing an immersive week of music, creativity and fun, in the beautiful surroundings of Halsway Manor. It will be intensive and challenging, but also supportive and fun! Young musicians will spend the week working together to learn, arrange and rehearse new repertoire, developing musical skills and performance technique, and creating their own interpretations of traditional material. The group will live, work and play together, with opportunities for informal rehearsals and social gatherings to enrich their experience and understanding of the folk arts.
Arrival on Monday is from 11.30am and you’ll have your first session with the tutors at 12pm followed by lunch. Before you go home, on Friday at 12pm, there’ll be a chance to perform the pieces you’ve been working on for family and friends. This performance usually lasts for about an hour.
We don’t allow parents to stay on site – these residentials are for young people only. If you’re looking for a musical experience that you can enjoy together, check out our Family Folk course in the summer. Our pastoral lead, Kerrie, helps everyone to settle in and feel at home. We often find that, by the end of the residential, no one wants to leave!
Full Board (accommodation and all meals) tuition and all activities: £240
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-intro-2025/
A radically fresh, boundary-pushing take on traditional songs.
Anglo/Irish folk band The Haar brings the formidable singing talent of All-Ireland Scór na nÓg winner Molly Donnery combined with three of the most exciting instrumentalists on the folk and traditional music scene in Cormàc Byrne (Show of Hands/Seth Lakeman), Adam Summerhayes, and Murray Grainger (both of the FATEA award-winning The Ciderhouse Rebellion).
Known for taking a familiar tune and turning it into something breathtakingly fresh and ambitious, this band of high level improvisers produce ever-changing musical soundscapes, while Molly lets her sublime vocals flow to stunning effect.
Latest album ‘Where Old Ghosts Meet’ received multiple rave reviews and has paved the way for outstanding festival appearances at Shrewsbury, Beardy Folk, and at other prestigious stages during their successful UK tours.
Expect a magical evening of stunning, made-in-the-moment renditions of some of the world’s most incredible songs.
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
£16.00 Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/the-haar/
Get a closer look at the accommodation options here.
We’re really excited to have invited Irene Watt and Graeme White to lead a weekend of Scots Song in glorious harmony.
They’ll be teaching a number of Scots Songs over the weekend – some will be traditional, and some contemporary, in English and Scots dialect. Everyone will learn the melodies and those that feel confident can learn harmonies to enrich the sound, and the weekend!
Whether you have experience of Scots Song already or not, this course will enhance your skills and offer some new repertoire. You’ll spend the majority of time working together in a large group with the tutors, with some opportunities to sing in smaller groups.
There’ll be sessions in the bar each evening, and instrumentalists are welcome to bring their instruments to add an extra element to proceedings.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/scots-song-weekend-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
A spellbinding collaboration between two musical powerhouses. Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of Ireland’s foremost Traditional fiddle players and a Classical violinist of international stature who commands both the Classical world and her Irish traditional heritage. From across the Irish Sea and the west coast of Wales, harpist Catrin Finch has also built an impressive Classical career and ventured into uncharted musical territory, most notably through her award-winning international collaborations.
www.catrinfinch.com
£22.50 Full. £21.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Ex Ocean Colour Scene member, Dan Sealey, will be performing music from all the bands he has played in plus material from his forthcoming album. Expect stories from touring days gone by. Tickets via www.caryfordhal.co.uk
£10 advance / £12 on door
7.30
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
European Musicians German Diaz, Merit Zloch, Matthias Branschke and Mikael Marin with their instruments playing in an ensemble
Develop your ensemble playing skills on this extended weekend course for musicians. Drawing on European folk/contemporary/popular music traditions, we’ll be making new arrangements that can go in any direction! We aim to explore and combine all sorts of influences and ideas to make spine tingling music that is more than the sum of the parts.
The course is fairly intensive and includes all-day ensemble workshop sessions. We will aim to perform all the pieces we create together at a public concert on the Sunday night.
The course was started by musician/composer/arranger Paul James (Blowzabella). He now has handed over the leadership to Merit Zloch, harpist, composer and music tutor from Berlin, Germany. We are delighted that Mikael Marin (Väsen), Germán Diaz and Matthias Branschke will return to tutor in 2025 – with Merit taking care of the administration!
As you can see you will be in safe hands with a very experienced tutor team, playing in a mutually supportive atmosphere. We’ll have a lot of fun too with time for relaxation and informal music making.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/european-ensemble-weekend-2025/
It's Good Friday but we still want to dance.
The hall is on the left when travelling north. The only street light along the main road is on the hall. Roadside parking.
All are welcome, no experience necessary. We enjoy an evening with live music and a caller who will guide you through all the dances. You don't need to bring a partner. No refreshments other than water provided, feel free to bring your own.
Do come along have some fun and laughter.
£7.50
Start time: 7.15 for 7.30pm
Finish time: 9.30pm
Contact Sally Condon: 01300 348250
riverpiddle2 AT btinternet.com
The band shares decades of skilled musicianship and award-winning song-writing, playing a dazzling array of instruments. The line-up brings together former members of folk rock band Shave the Monkey, which was an established name on the European folk scene for 20 years. They have since been making music in a multitude of projects including the late Judy Dyble’s Band of Perfect Strangers, Dragonsfly and the Boxwood Chessmen.
Penni McLaren Walker – Lead vocals, guitars, whistles, keyboards, percussion
Bryan Causton - Guitars, bass, mandolin, bouzouki, cittern, keyboards, percussion, vocals
Duncan Moss - Hurdy gurdies, bagpipes, flutes, saxophones, rauschpfeife, piano, keyboards, vocals
Fran Broady - Violins, harp, vocals
John Campbell Armer - Guitars, basses, bass pedals, synths, percussion, vocals
Martin Lindridge - Drums, percussion, congas, cajon, bass, vocals
www.tingiants.co.uk
8pm
Contact -: 01643 863117
The Magpie Arc is a cross-border band featuring acclaimed musicians
Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom Wright, Alex Hunter, and UK folk legend Martin Simpson on electric guitar. Formed to blend their songwriting and musicianship into a fresh take on the British folk/rock sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s, the band quickly gained recognition for its unique mix of Folk, Rock, Country, and Prog-Rock elements.
www.themagpiearc.com
£25 Full. £24 Concessions
7.30 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
A fun and friendly ‘House Party’ for all who enjoy folk dancing and playing and want to try a range of dance styles. There will be dance workshops each morning, afternoons are free to explore this lovely area or take a ramble in the Quantock Hills. Bring your walking boots and instruments. There’s a dance each evening with the occasional music session and sing-around in the bar afterwards.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/easter-house-party-2025/
The Magpie Arc is a cross-border band featuring acclaimed musicians Nancy Kerr, Findlay Napier, Tom Wright, Alex Hunter, and UK folk legend Martin Simpson on electric guitar.
Formed to blend their songwriting and musicianship into a fresh take on the British folk/rock sound of the ’60s and ’70s, the band quickly gained recognition for its unique mix of folk, rock, country, and prog-rock elements.
Their debut album, Glamour In The Grey (2022), spent 12 months on the UK Official Folk Chart, debuting at number 9 and Mojo magazine compared it to Fairport Convention’s ground-breaking 1969 release, calling it “Liege and Lief-affirming” with “an elemental racket.”
Expect excellent songs, lush harmonies, scything electric guitars, gorgeous fiddle lines and rock solid bass and drums.
www.themagpiearc.com
www.facebook.com/TheMagpieArc/
X (formerly known as you know what) – AT themagpiearc
Instagram – AT themagpiearc
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £22.00
Advance: £20.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/an-evening-with-the-magpie-arc/
Album Launch of Turnstone
The Gigspanner Big Band are a unique force in British folk music...
Their high-energy, virtuosic performances appeal equally to traditionalists and to those looking for something more experimental, and they have garnered praise from publications as varied as fRoots, The Telegraph and The Wire, where they were described as ‘melodically folk-rooted yet open and innovative beyond the constraints of genre’.
Beginning life as a trio - with legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight being joined by percussionist Sacha Trochet and guitarist Roger Flack - the line-up has been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin - BBC Folk Awards 'Best Duo') and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray. As collaborations go, it doesn't get much more mouth-watering than this.
While Peter Knight, as part of Steeleye Span’s classic 1970s line-up, helped invent a brand of folk rock that is still influential today, John Spiers has had an equally profound impact on the landscape of traditional music over the last two decades.
Characterised by riotous inventiveness, technically gifted individual playing and subtle collaborative interaction, this coming together of several of the biggest names on the folk-roots scene, combines a deep knowledge of roots traditions with a ceaselessly boundary pushing approach. Taking self-penned material along with music rooted in the British Isles and beyond, with the flick of a bow, a finely chosen chord or slip of a beat, they produce richly atmospheric arrangements layered within a wealth of subliminal musical influences.
£27.00
7.30pm
https://bathboxoffice.org.uk/venues/christ-church
Mirek Salmon (bandoneon), Daryl Kellie (guitar), Jimi Can (voice/percussion). Virtuosity and engagement which is gripping. Tango Calor are often called upon to accompany Argentine artists and collaborate regularly with orchestras to perform the works of Astor Piazzolla.
Tickets £14
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Much loved folk trio, the Young’uns, celebrate 20 years of singing together. One night in Stockton On Tees, three teenagers heard strange sounds coming from the backroom of a pub. They went in. They heard people singing songs they’d never heard before. Songs without instruments. Songs in their own accents. Songs about places they knew. Folk songs. They joined in. Because they were the youngest ones there by several decades, they were soon labelled ‘the Young’uns.’
20 years on and they’ve carried their unfortunate name around the world, from Sydney to Vancouver, from Radio Tees to Radio 4, won 3 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and gained a reputation for singing life affirming songs of social conscience in immaculate 3 part harmony. But as well as their 20th anniversary, Sean Cooney, Michael Hughes and David Eagle will each be celebrating their 40th birthdays on tour!
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £24.50
On the door £28.00
10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/the-younguns-20/
Legendary Irish Folk music band Dervish, are one of Ireland’s best known traditional bands and are described by the BBC as “an icon of Irish music”.
Dervish have a line-up which includes some of Ireland’s finest traditional musicians, fronted by one of the country’s best-known singers, Cathy
Jordan. Regarded by many as the most distinctive voice and finest front-woman in Irish traditional music today – the instrumental line-up of fiddle, flute, bouzouki, mandola, bodhran and accordion draw from seemingly limitless depths of talent, finesse, subtlety and fiery energy.
www.dervish.ie
£26. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Sound of the Sirens are a foot stomping, tear jerking, crowd engaging female folk/rock duo whose strengths lie in their passion and chemistry. Tickets via www.caryfordhall.co.uk
£16.50
7.30 pm
hlleary AT hotmail.co.uk
www.caryfordhall.co.uk
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
Direct from the West End and riding high on the success of world tours, Seven Drunken Nights – The Story of the Dubliners brings the ultimate feel-good Irish show to a theatre near you.
In partnership with Tourism Ireland and in association with legendary Irish pub O’Donoghues, we invite you to join a talented cast of seasoned musicians dedicated to bringing the music of this iconic group back to life.
Steeped in song, story and revelry, this spectacular tale celebrates The Dubliners, Ireland’s favourite musical sons in authentic style. This critically-acclaimed production spans half a century, invoking the spirit of Ronnie Drew, Luke Kelly, Barney McKenna, John Sheahan, Ciaran Bourke and Jim McCann.
Come join us for an unforgettable night out and see why lifelong Dubliner devotees and new fans alike are singing high praise for this amazing production direct from the West End.
£30.50
7.30 pm
Phone: 01823 283244
boxoffice AT tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk
https://www.tauntonbrewhouse.co.uk/events/seven-drunken-nights/
Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character. The band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival.
Advance £18.00 | On the door £22.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/gnoss/
A very popular dance weekend for experienced dancers. Join the A-team of callers Maggie Daniel and Lucy Slemmings, and Irish musicians Rise the Dust for another rip-roaring weekend at Halsway.
Maggie and Lucy will teach daytime workshops helping you to brush up on your skills, and there will be ceilidhs on Friday evening, Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon for you to enjoy dancing to top-notch live accompaniment. We recommend that you book early for this course!
There’s the option to stay Sunday night for an extra £60 per person, to include light supper, B&B. Bring instruments if you have them, and enjoy a relaxed evening session!
Who is it for?
This course is for experienced dancers to come together and enjoy a great weekend of high energy dancing with a great Irish band!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/irish-set-2025/
Shillingstone English Barn Dance Evening
A 'Micro' Barn Dance evening. Usual easy and fun dances, friendly atmosphere, but no bar. BYO if you wish. No need to come with a partner.
£7.50
7.15 for 7.30 - 9.15
Contact Jenny and Ian Edlin: 01258 861184
jenny_harrison_1123 AT yahoo.co.uk
Taking audiences by storm, SALTLINES is a compelling Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, a top tier lineup which features some of the most influential names on the British folk scene.
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is compelling and transporting in equal measure.
By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and
those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
Beginning life as a trio formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the line-up has
been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental
duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray.
£29.50
7.30pm
https://cedarshallwells.co.uk/events/saltlines-the-gigspanner-big-band-and-raynor-winn/
Taking audiences by storm, SALTLINES is a compelling Prose and Music collaboration between bestselling author Raynor Winn (The Salt Path) and The Gigspanner Big Band, a top tier
lineup which features some of the most influential names on the British folk scene.
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is equally compelling and transporting. By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
£29.50
7.30pm
Contact Box Office: 01749 834483
boxoffice AT cedarshallwells.co.uk
https://cedarshallwells.co.uk/events/saltlines-the-gigspanner-big-band-and-raynor-winn/
Saltlines has a powerful originality which is compelling and transporting in equal measure.
By weaving reimagined folk music from the south-west, and original prose written and narrated for the
production by Raynor Winn, it reaches into the rich and visceral history of the South West Coast to celebrate the area’s landscape, social and natural history and enduring traditions.
It is an unmissable experience for anyone with a love of lyrical writing and inspiring music, and
those who value the social and natural history of Britain’s rural landscape, and the common threads that bind its fragile communities and wildlife.
Its impact on audiences has been a powerful one…
Beginning life as a trio formed by legendary Steeleye Span fiddle player Peter Knight, the line-up has
been expanded to form the Gigspanner Big Band, with acclaimed multi-instrumental
duo Edgelarks (Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin) and Bellowhead co-founder and melodeon player extraordinaire, John Spiers, joining the fray.
£30/£28
7.30pm
Phone: Box Office: 01305 266926
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2024/11/18/sun-4-may-saltlines/
Brand new for 2025, and by popular demand – we’re so pleased to be hosting a midweek course for woodwind players interested in the English folk repertoire and style. The course will be led by Andy Watts, Finn Collinson, and Sam Partridge, three wind players whose expertise covers both a multitude of styles and historical periods.
This will be an opportunity to breathe some life (pun intended) into the English folk dance tunes currently dormant in manuscripts in the library, waiting to be discovered and reinvigorated.
During the week, you’ll also explore the music of some 17th century Broadside Ballads, as well as diving into the techniques you might need to own these tunes on your woodwind instruments.
You’ll (hopefully!) leave Halsway with a deeper understanding of, and connection to, folk repertoire as wood-wind players, and with the tools to enjoy this repertoire authentically, as well as having made new friends and been a member of an exciting new wind ensemble!
This course is suitable for players of all wood-wind instruments, who consider themselves to be working at an intermediate or advanced level.
Diatonic instruments will be welcome, providing you have a range of instruments that enable the playing in keys of up to 4 sharps or flats (e.g. whistle players will need to bring several different instruments along).
You don’t need to be able to read music for this course, but the focus will be on learning by ear. However, if this is new to you, the tutors will be sharing tools and techniques to help you approach the skill, and notation can be made available during the course if absolutely required.
You’ll receive a timetable in advance and other material during the course, and you won’t need to prepare anything in advance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-woodwind-week/
We’re delighted to be welcoming back 2024’s crack team for the 2025 Halsway Manor Contra Camp! This weekend is part of *The Halsway Contra Festival* – and is followed by American Spring Contra!
Join callers Louise Siddons and Heather McAslan, and band WillPower (Will Allen and Will Chamberlain) for an intensive weekend of contra dancing. Expect high energy and plenty of action on this workshop-packed weekend, complete with late-night ceilidhs and sessions.
The team will be using gender-free calling to guide you through the dances, with morning workshops available for ‘DIY’ sessions – bring a dance you’d like to work on.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/contra-camp-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Daphne’s Flight are an exceptional force in British music. Chris While, Helen
Watson, Julie Matthews, Melanie Harrold and Miranda Sykes are among the
UK’s most-loved and respected artists individually, but when they join forces on stage something magical happens. Imagine, if you can, the instrumental
sparkle and songwriting creds of The Traveling Wilburys combined with the
striking vocal prowess of Sweet Honey in The Rock. Then add the warmth and
down-to-earth humour of The Derry Girls and you’ll be somewhere in Daphne’s
territory. They create a unique sound and energy which unites singer-songwriter, Folk, Blues and more.
£20.50 Full. £19.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
*The Halsway Contra Festival* – this course follows the weekend’s Contra Camp!
Our much loved annual midweek Spring American Contra course is hosted by Meg Winters, with a great all-American team of caller Sue Rosen and musicians Bruce Rosen (piano, guitar) & Audrey Jaber (fiddle)!
There will be dance and music workshops in the mornings, afternoons are free for you to explore this lovely area, and there are dances every evening. This is a really popular week so early booking is advised.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/american-spring-contra-2025/
One of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller embarks upon an intimate trio tour joined by two of Scotland's finest musicians, Innes White on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle. This acoustic setting is the perfect opportunity to see Siobhan's richly celebrated Scottish folk songs up close and personal.
Siobhan’s musical prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including four BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year titles and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track. Her discography boasts five solo releases, all of which have been shortlisted for BBC Alba STMA Album of the Year, including her latest album, Bloom.
An out and out, freewheeling celebration of much-loved Scottish songs, Bloom deftly balances a love of traditional song with modern influences. Joyous and cathartic, it adds to the wide-ranging accolades and radio-play enjoyed throughout Siobhan’s solo career.
Having grown up in Scotland’s rich folk scene, Siobhan has been a regular performer at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival, where she was Artistic Director for the 2016 Opening Concert and featured amidst the star-studded Transatlantic Sessions line-up in 2022, duetting with Paul Brady and Sarah Jarosz.
Siobhan’s unique vocal style has been honed through collaborations with many of Scotland’s top musicians, including Eddi Reader, Kris Drever & Phil Cunningham. She has also made guest appearances with the National Theatre of Scotland, spent a season on Broadway, returned to the US for a month-long residency in Boston’s Majestic Theatre for Brian O’Donovan’s Celtic Christmas, and can be spotted on US/UK TV drama Outlander.
This is a rare opportunity to see Siobhan Miller in intimate surrounds, and experience her stunning vocals and lyrical songs in a truly special setting.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M. Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £18.00 On the door £22.00 10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/siobhan-miller/
Halsway’s hugely popular weekend dedicated to the DG melodeon in all its diatonic glory returns in 2025!
Melodeon players can spend time with their instrument in a supportive programme packed with workshops to take your playing to the next level. This weekend is not aimed at total beginners. You’ll need to have a basic grasp of your instrument – as a guide you should at least be able to play simple tunes with both hands together – with plenty to inspire and challenge more experienced and accomplished musicians. The programme includes workshops designed to take your playing to the next level. Each group will spend time with each tutor. In addition to the workshop programme there will be some additional time to socialise and take part in informal sessions.
The tutors will give an informal concert on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-dg-melodeon-weekend-2025/
The evening marks the Ukrainian Vyshyvanka festival which is the day before. Stunning harmonies and vocal arrangements of folk songs from the Ukrainian countryside.
Tickets £12. Ukrainians / hosts free.
7.30 pm
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
We are delighted that the tutors of the Halsway DG Melodeon Weekend will be treating us to a wonderful evening concert of folk music.
Hailed the smiliest man in folk by Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe, Dave Gray is an enthusiastic and experienced melodeon player and educator. A graduate of the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music degree, he began working on the multi-award winning musical ‘Beyond the End of the Road’ in 2018, and has been performing with Katie Doherty ever since, alongside fellow Navigator Grace Smith. Dave is also one third of French dance band ‘Cri du Canard’. In addition to regular private teaching he continues to work as a mentor for Ethno music camps, the international programme for young musicians playing folk, world and traditional music. He has taught on the EFDSS National Youth Folk Ensemble and Sage Gateshead’s Folkworks Summer Schools.
Hazel Askew is one of the country’s leading melodeon players and is one of the most experienced melodeon teachers in the UK. She developed the melodeon courses for EFDSS’s Saturday Folk Music School, which she still leads, and has run courses/workshops for many organisations including FolkWorks at The Sage Gateshead, Melodeons & More, Halsway Manor, Adderbury Music Weekends and various festivals across the country. Hazel also teaches freelance workshops and one to one lessons, and has even taught long-distance over Skype! Hazel’s photo is by Elly Lucas.
Mel Biggs is a musician, performer and melodeon teacher based in Derbyshire, England. Renowned the world over for her perceptive, patient and mindful manner in teaching groups and individuals, Mel is a leading light in the world of melodeon teaching; both on and off-line. Having been teaching since 2009, Mel has an ever expanding toolkit of techniques at her disposal which she adapts to every new teaching scenario. You can expect a bespoke blend of learning-by-ear, call and response playing, analogies, visualisations and pattern recognition, tune deconstruction and notation in moderation. Mel is a consummate performer, vocalist and accompanist wracking up a wealth of experience in trio Moirai with Jo Freya & Sarah Matthews, playing for various morris & traditional dance sides, and most recently as an actor-musician in the 2022-23 UK & Canada tour of Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical.
8.00 pm
Full price: £12
Full-time student: £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-melodeons-2025/
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
We’re delighted to be hosting another enjoyable summer weekend of Ukulele music and song for players of all levels of experience.
The mix of the three tutors is what makes this course special. Jon deals with the ‘tools of the trade’, introducing new fingerstyle and strumming techniques along with some theory. Sam takes you down the classical route with tablature and ensemble playing. Phil is a jazz and blues specialist who introduces a bit of extra spice in your playing. There will be plenty of time to relax and socialize too. The evenings include opportunities to perform your own material, plus enjoy an informal concert on the Saturday by the tutors.
In the past, the weekend workshops have covered:
•New chords from the blues/jazz repertoire and how they fit together
•Strumming techniques suitable for different styles and songs
•Fingerstyle playing as well as strumming
•How to accompany yourself on a song
•Advice on purchasing instruments, strings, etc
•How to read and interpret tablature
You’ll also be able to develop Ukulele Band skills, using pieces arranged for different ability levels; gain performance tips – get thinking about how you want to present your music improve stage craft and presence – and develop confidence and song writing skills, unlocking some creative potential!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-weekend-2025/
An un-tutored course for experienced singers and players of early instruments. Non-fixed ensembles of recorders and viols form the main part of the week with a variety of small singing groups depending on participants. Evening sessions for all are conducted and include music for instruments and voices. All of these sessions are at 440 pitch. We usually have harpsichords available and arrange chamber groups at 440 and 415 and are also able to welcome baroque oboe, flute, and violin as second instruments. Cornett, cornamuse, sackbut, curtal and crumhorn are also welcome as second instruments and we can usually arrange sessions for these. The repertoire is primarily renaissance and baroque.
Who’s it For?
The association organises two meeting a year (end May and mid-September). Those who wish to join us must be experienced on viol and/or recorder, able to play one to a part, and be good sight readers. We welcome additional harpsichords (the owner will not be expected to play continuo exclusively all week).
The Team
This course is a partnership event, organised by The Voices, Viols and Recorders Association who can be contacted via Halsway Manor or directly through our email vvr-association AT hotmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/voices-viols-recorders-association-3/
Singer and guitarist, Jack Badcock is a hugely experienced performer, having toured throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, predominantly as frontman and founding member of his multi-award winning, internationally renowned world-folk band ‘Dallahan’. He is a critically acclaimed solo artist and has also performed or recorded with Rura, Siobhan Miller, Adam Holmes, Dougie MacLean and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra among many others and was a finalist in the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award. His career has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious folk music events including Tønder Festival (DK), Festival Ortigueira (ES), Celtic Connections, (SCO) Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Festival Dranouter (BE) and countless others.
Raised in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland and later Yorkshire, England, before moving to Scotland as a teenager, Jack has a split national identity shared between the three countries. At eighteen, in Edinburgh, he formed a partnership with multi-instrumentalist Ciaran Ryan, touring the UK, Germany and Denmark. The duo would go on to form Dallahan in 2013, which rapidly became one of Scotland’s busiest international folk bands. To date the band have recorded four critically acclaimed albums, earned several awards and many nominations and toured extensively on four continents.
Having previously sung mostly original interpretations of traditional songs, In 2020, Jack began writing original songs, initially incorporating them into Dallahan’s music before beginning to write and release solo recordings. In 2021, Jack released his debut solo EP, The Driftwood Project. Funded by Creative Scotland, the EP was drip-released throughout the year and showcased a plethora of musical influences and outlooks, featuring a large lineup of some of Scotland’s most accomplished instrumentalists from the jazz, classical and folk worlds. It was nominated for Original Work of the Year (Sponsored by PRS) at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards 2021. He was then invited to write, arrange and perform the prestigious New Voices commission at Celtic Connections 2022 with a show of all-new original material with a six-piece band.
Jack Badcock is a singer whose solo material reveals an astute songcraft exploring enormously wide ranging subjects delivered with a musical sensitivity clearly influenced by American folk, funk and soul music as much as the traditional music of Britain and Ireland and all served with a healthy dose of storytelling and humour.
Website: www.jackbadcock.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JackBadcockMusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/JackBadcockMusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZEC5eIFq5kRQGFTRj5S1t?si=XoIbJUFMS2ainPcFRkBJqg
Youtube: www.youtube.com/JackBadcockMusic
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £13.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/jack-badcock-dallahan/
The Halsway Playford Weekend is always a stimulating and enjoyable experience, and we are delighted to welcome back dancing master Andrew Swaine with musicians Purcell’s Polyphonic Party for the 2025 event.
A vigorous and fun weekend of dancing, the course is aimed at dancers – both experienced and new to Playford are welcome – who want to explore the music and dances published in the English Dancing Master.
An extremely brief history of Playford, in Andrew’s words: “John Playford was a publisher in the mid-17th century who published a lot of “country dances” which were being danced in the English Inns of Court at the time. It’s commonly believed that that they were initially dances for light relief based on what the common folk were doing, but dancing masters got involved and many of the dances are quite elaborate! They evolved considerably when Charles II came back from exile and country dancing became very popular throughout the nation and much of Western Europe, declining in the early 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century Cecil Sharp, reviving interest in all things traditionally English, reinterpreted and and taught these dances.”
Andrew likes to promotes a relatively lively and accessible style of Playford dancing, aiming to rediscover what made these dances fun in the first place. Expect a varied and joyful programme of workshops and social dancing, aimed at interpreting the dances for a modern audience with enthusiasm and enjoyment, whilst also setting the dances in historical context and referring back to the original sources.
There will be a Playford Assembly Ball on the Saturday evening – costume strongly encouraged!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-playford-assembly-2025/
Hobsons Choice are delighted to bring you an evening of guaranteed laughter, fun and frolics with some great music to dance along to. This lively fiddle led band has been entertaining Folk throughout the south west for many years
and continue to bring joyful memories for all occasions.
Sarah will be bouncing around on bass guitar whilst calling dances and says “If you can walk, you can barn dance, so come along and have some fun whilst supporting The Great David Hall”.
www.hobsonschoice.org.uk
£12.50 Full. £11.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour and tales of life on the road. Kip (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) “simply has a voice to die for” ( John Roffey, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave (vocals, guitar and banjo) is now rightly recognized as being amongst the top tier of British songwriters, with his songs sung in Folk clubs across the UK and beyond. Together, their voices are sublime.
£17. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
This is, as always, a day of free entertainment for all ages and will include music and dance performances, workshops, stalls and much, much more!
FREE EVENT
Entertainment will take place all day, throughout the village. Key venues
will include The David Hall, the Market Square, the Blake Hall, St Peter and
St Paul Church and the Brewers Arms.
www.pethertonfolkfest.co.uk
Hailing from Merseyside, Contemporary five-piece acoustic Roots combo Elbow
Jane blend acoustic Folk instrumentation with a fresh exciting sound and energy. Bouzouki, mandolins, guitars, piano and percussion are complemented by expressive vocals and stunning harmonies - likened by some to `Crosby
Stills & Nash’. They’ll make you laugh; they’ll make you cry and leave you shouting for more.
www.elbowjane.com
£19.50 Full. £18.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne