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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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/
Join Dorchester-based folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a country walk around Cerne Abbas accompanied by traditional folk songs relating to nature and rural ways from years before.
The walk will be about 3 miles, taking about 2 hours, with frequent stops for songs. Bring your own water bottle, stout walking boots, and headgear if hot. Walkers are responsible for their own surefootedness. Friendly dogs on leads welcome, so long as they don't 'singalong'!
£10 per adult, kids walk for free! Cash on arrival acceptable. Tea, sandwiches, and cake will be on sale at St Mary’s at the end of the walk.
Part of the Cerne Giant Festival.
£10 per adult in cash on arrival, u-18s free.
2pm
Contact Cerne Giant Festival
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/singing-the-landscape-a-folk-song-walk-tickets-1297781331899
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
David Mitchell & Rupert Kirby 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.
Both are multi-instrumentalists but primarily use the classic combination of fiddle and guitar for concerts and ceilidhs.
https://www.folkyowls.com/david-mitchell-rupert-kirby
https://www.facebook.com/MitchellAndKirby
The Lamb and Flag has been at the heart of Blagdon Hill and the Blackdowns since 1705. Dating back to Tudor times the quintessential English pub has a rich and popular history.
Free entry
7.00 pm
dmitchellmusician AT gmail.com
https://facebook.com/events/s/mitchell-kirby-the-lamb-and-fl/1013936007341361/
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/
Reg is an extremely popular, talented songwriter musician and singer. We are very lucky that he is returning to Chaffcombe.
£10
7.30 pm
Contact Elaine: 07729 103359
e3dons AT hotmail.com
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/
Enda McCabe – has a lifetime of experience as a vocalist, guitarist, songwriter and storyteller. Over the years he has enthralled audiences in popular Folk Clubs in the UK, headlined his own shows and performed in festivals both in the UK and Ireland.
The Precious Few - A trio from Southern England playing songs with an American Blugrass feel. Featuring guitar, mandolin, banjo, double bass, with 3 part harmony vocals.
Chris deacon - All the way from West Dorset. Chris is a big supporter of live music organising open mics, folk sessions and festivals around Bridport.
8.00- 10.00 pm
Contact Pip Evans: 07598 328479
pip_evans AT btinternet.com
www.bereregisfolk.com
In a return visit to the Sherborne Studio Theatre, join esteemed folk musician Tim Laycock, ably assisted by folk singer Alastair Braidwood, for an evening of words and music from Dorset and beyond all to do with Spring, May Day, the turning of the year towards summer, and the people who live and worked, past and present, on the land.
These two local actors and musicians join forces to bring readings and poems from Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, traditional folk tunes and songs, and hearty good cheer together for an enjoyable and educational evening celebrating May Day, and all its associated traditions.
£15
7.30 pm (Doors 7.00 pm)
Contact APS Box Office: 07353 074944
admin AT aps-sherborne.co.uk
https://aps=sherborne.co.uk/o-flowry-may.html
l
In a return visit to Athelhampton, join esteemed folk musician Tim Laycock, assisted by folk singer Alastair Braidwood, for an evening of words and music from the county and beyond all to do with Spring, May Day, the turning of the year towards summer, and the people who live and worked, past and present, on the land.
These two local actors and musicians join forces to bring readings and poems from Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, traditional folk tunes and songs, and hearty good cheer together for an enjoyable and educational evening celebrating May Day, and all its associated traditions.
Supper from 6pm (pre-bookings only).
Great Hall door opens 7pm.
There will be a short interval; performance time is approximately 2 hours.
£15
7.30pm
Phone: 01305 848363
https://www.athelhampton.com/events-1/o-flowry-may-1
Gnoss’ signature sound is a rich tapestry of acoustic layers; outstanding musicianship, deep traditional roots and contemporary compositional flair combine to create songs and tunes brimming with character. The band have built an invested following through their forward-thinking take on traditional music and the unique warmth of their live shows. This has been proven through three consecutive sellout appearances at Glasgow’s world-famous Celtic Connections festival.
Advance £18.00 | On the door £22.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/gnoss/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Join us for a lively ceilidh with Tatterdemalion, the folk band of the New Hardy Players, bringing to life traditional Dorset tunes enjoyed for over 200 years. With expert caller Angela Laycock to guide every move, it’s fun for all ages and no experience or partner is needed!
Family-friendly fun starts early with a special session perfect for younger dancers of all ages and must be accompanied by a grown-up before the main ceilidh kicks off.
The bar will be open, so come for the dancing, stay for this joyous celebration of local music, community spirit, and good old-fashioned fun.
Kiddies' Keilidh: all tickets £3; Evening Ceilidh: £13/£7 concessions & u-18s
Start times: Kiddies' Keilidh: 5.30pm; Evening Ceilidh: 7.30pm
Finish time: 10pm
https://www.dorchesterarts.org.uk/2025/03/28/thurs-1-may-the-big-dorset-michaelmas-ceilidh/
WHEEL OF THE YEAR
For the celebration of Beltain, Dean’s latest performance of the critically acclaimed guitar instrumental album themed around each of the stations of the Wheel of the Year, which also saw the track for Yule Standstill-Sol Invictus released as a single.
£5 (suggested donation)
7.30 pm
Contact Dean Carter: 01935 389655
ahiahel AT live.com
www.centreforpuresound.org/events
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/
Jon Boden is perhaps best known as the lead singer of the progressive folk juggernaut Bellowhead who have sold 250,000 albums, had seven singles playlisted on Radio 2 and whose 2022 UK reunion tour sold out venues including The Royal Albert Hall.
Solo, Jon performs traditional material from Bellowhead, from his work with his own band The Remnant Kings and from his A Folk Song A Day project in which he recorded 365 folk songs in one year; alongside songs and stories from his trilogy of post-apocalyptic concept albums Songs From The Floodplain (2009), Afterglow (2017) and Last Mile Home (2021).
£21.50 adv
8pm
Contact Tony King: 07960 471170
admin AT upweymusic.org.uk
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/t-vvoyqja
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/
Tea, coffee & home made cake for sale
£7.50 in advance, £10 on the door, children free
Doors open 3.00 pm, dancing starts at 3.30 pm, finishes 6.00 pm
Contact Lucinda Neall: 01929 423965; 07855 198513
lucinda AT neallscott.co.uk
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
India Electric Co. return to their roots with a series of more acoustic based duo shows in more intimate surroundings than their recent support tours across the UK and Europe with shows including their debut at The London Palladium. Showcasing their latest album ‘Pomegranate’ bringing fresh, stripped back arrangements to songs they’ve traveled the world with, these concerts will take the band back to where it all began, sometimes folk, sometimes not.
India Electric Company are perhaps best described as “a veritable musical magpie’s nest” (BBC Radio 3) and “A full musical odyssey” (BBC Radio 1). Blending traditional instruments, folk melodies and subtle electronic influences, they’ve extensively performed throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and most recently at The Royal Albert Hall.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £17.00
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/india-electric-co-2/
+ Somerset Levellers
Tim and Sue have been singing as a duo for over 20 years. They both sing and play a variety of instruments with an intensity and variety that has endeared them to audiences at clubs and festivals. They draw their music from both traditional and contemporary sources as well as their own self-penned songs of social comment which reflect their commitment to environmental and social causes.
Somerset Levellers
now a three piece group playing lively traditional and contemporary tunes and songs
7.30pm
Tickets £10 Bar Raffle etc Tickets limited book 07855 297861 or 01749 670212
Expect wonderful Klezmer and Balkan music on Fiddle, Clarinet, Accordion, Double Bass, Vocals and Darabuka (and more!). There will be some space to dance for those who wish...
£14
7.30
Contact Lou Lawrence: 07925 223842 or tickets via www.tinyurl.com/zeffe9may
zeffe.music AT gmail.com
zisforzeffe.wixsite.com/zeffe
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
Join local folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a walk around the fields and lanes north of Dorchester, accompanied by traditional folk songs from the county and further afield. Explore a beautiful part of Dorset, and hear songs relating to nature and rural ways from years before.
Meet at John’s Pond, nr. Hangman’s Cottage, Dorchester, DT1 1YB.
We'll retire for drinks in the Convivial Rabbit micropub after.
Bring your own water bottle, stout walking boots, and headgear if hot. Walkers are responsible for their own surefootedness.
Refreshments are not included.
The walk will be about 3 miles take about 2 hours, with frequent stops for songs. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome, so long as they don't 'sing-along'!
Part of Dorchester Walking Festival. In association with Dorset Rural Music School.
£10 per adult in cash on arrival, u-18s free.
2.00 - 4.00 pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-folk-song-walk-tickets-1222066296189
"Music-Makers of Somerset" celebrates the life and music of some of the men and women who have kept the county singing and dancing over the last 250 years. After an interval for refreshments, the band will play a programme of music from the British Isles and beyond on winds, strings and squeezy things.
Tickets on the door or from Bruton Convenience Stores.
£10
7.30 pm
Contact Chas. Blacker: 07738 130250
blackerchas AT gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/somersetrussets
*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/
Join Dorset-born folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a walk over the fields of one of the longest-running organic farms in the country and along Chesil Beach, accompanied by traditional folk songs from the county and further afield.
Many folk songs belong in the outdoors, especially when they tell stories of the people who live and work there. Alastair is becoming known for his unaccompanied singing of traditional and modern folk songs, and is a lover of the Dorset countryside and nature which inhabits it. Part of a series of walks that will take in some beautiful scenery, and bring an opportunity to learn something of countryside ways, as well as meeting with the past to hear these old songs.
£10 per adult in cash on arrival. Kids go free.
Bring your own water bottle, stout walking boots, and headgear if hot. Walkers are responsible for their own surefootedness.
Refreshments are not included. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome, so long as they don't 'sing along'! Subject to weather conditions.
Meet by Farm Shop on the corner in the village; parking either at the beach car park, or on the road in the village.
Easy hills, some rough tracks. The Farm Shop will be open upon our return.
Part of Dorchester Walking Festival. In association with Dorset Rural Music School.
£10 per adult in cash on arrival, u-18s free.
6.00 - 9.00 pm
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-farming-folk-song-walk-tickets-1224950111759
One of Scotland’s most celebrated folk singer-songwriters, Siobhan Miller embarks upon an intimate trio tour joined by two of Scotland's finest musicians, Innes White on guitar and Charlie Stewart on fiddle. This acoustic setting is the perfect opportunity to see Siobhan's richly celebrated Scottish folk songs up close and personal.
Siobhan’s musical prowess has earned her numerous accolades, including four BBC Alba Scots Trad Music Awards’ Scots Singer of the Year titles and a BBC Radio 2 Folk Award for Best Traditional Track. Her discography boasts five solo releases, all of which have been shortlisted for BBC Alba STMA Album of the Year, including her latest album, Bloom.
An out and out, freewheeling celebration of much-loved Scottish songs, Bloom deftly balances a love of traditional song with modern influences. Joyous and cathartic, it adds to the wide-ranging accolades and radio-play enjoyed throughout Siobhan’s solo career.
Having grown up in Scotland’s rich folk scene, Siobhan has been a regular performer at Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival, where she was Artistic Director for the 2016 Opening Concert and featured amidst the star-studded Transatlantic Sessions line-up in 2022, duetting with Paul Brady and Sarah Jarosz.
Siobhan’s unique vocal style has been honed through collaborations with many of Scotland’s top musicians, including Eddi Reader, Kris Drever & Phil Cunningham. She has also made guest appearances with the National Theatre of Scotland, spent a season on Broadway, returned to the US for a month-long residency in Boston’s Majestic Theatre for Brian O’Donovan’s Celtic Christmas, and can be spotted on US/UK TV drama Outlander.
This is a rare opportunity to see Siobhan Miller in intimate surrounds, and experience her stunning vocals and lyrical songs in a truly special setting.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M. Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £18.00 On the door £22.00 10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy.
Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/siobhan-miller/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Halsway’s hugely popular weekend dedicated to the DG melodeon in all its diatonic glory returns in 2025!
Melodeon players can spend time with their instrument in a supportive programme packed with workshops to take your playing to the next level. This weekend is not aimed at total beginners. You’ll need to have a basic grasp of your instrument – as a guide you should at least be able to play simple tunes with both hands together – with plenty to inspire and challenge more experienced and accomplished musicians. The programme includes workshops designed to take your playing to the next level. Each group will spend time with each tutor. In addition to the workshop programme there will be some additional time to socialise and take part in informal sessions.
The tutors will give an informal concert on the Saturday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-dg-melodeon-weekend-2025/
The evening marks the Ukrainian Vyshyvanka festival which is the day before. Stunning harmonies and vocal arrangements of folk songs from the Ukrainian countryside.
Tickets £12. Ukrainians / hosts free.
7.30 pm
ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
For over 30 years, this group have blended African and Celtic music into an electrifying mix that's got everyone dancing! Their music isn't just about beats; it's about bridging cultures and spreading joy. Inspired by the Baka Pygmies of Cameroon, Baka Beyond doesn't just play their music – they live it.
Martin Cradick and Su Hart, the brains behind the band, were so moved by the Baka’s spirit during their first visit to the Cameroon rainforest that they knew they had to share it with the world. Their album “Spirit of the Forest” catapulted them to global fame, but they’ve stayed true to their roots. To ensure the Baka people benefit from their music, they set up the charity “Global Music Exchange” and still visit the same Baka extended family every year to ensure that they continue to benefit.
From humble beginnings to a multicultural phenomenon, Baka Beyond’s stage shows are a testament to the power of music to unite us all. With band members hailing from across the globe, each bringing their own unique flair, Baka Beyond honours the Baka philosophy: “everyone is to be listened to.”
The current touring unit brings the Spirit of the Forest to the Marine Theatre. Martin Cradick (guitar), Su Hart (vocals) have both spent time living and playing music with the Baka Pygmies in their rainforest home. : Ayodele Scott (percussion) brings the rhythms and colour of his native Sierra Leone into the mix, while all these elements are grounded by the solid Congolese grooves of Kibisingo (bass) who toured with Kanda Bongo Man for many years. The lineup is completed by Irishman David Farrel (drums) and fiddle prodigy, Ben Weedon bringing a Celtic flair.
Join the celebration and let the music take you on a journey around the world!
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Early Bird £15.00
Standard £18.00
On the door £22.00
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/baka-beyond-livemusic-dorset/
Recently awarded an MBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honour List for services to Music and Charity, legendary British Guitarist Gordon Giltrap will be performing a select series of shows across the UK.
Over five decades, Gordon Giltrap has graced the music business with his dedication to his craft and his affection for his audience. As one of the UK's most respected guitarists, he has consistently proved the adage that respect cannot be bought. It must be earned.
This innovative guitarist is back out on the road performing many of his incredible songs with incredible arrangements in what promises to be an electrifying solo acoustic show. Expect to hear classics such as Heartsong and Lucifer’s Cage alongside new material from his latest album ‘Scattered Chapters’.
A show guaranteed to enthrall guitar aficionados, acoustic enthusiasts and music lovers in general, don’t miss the chance to see one of the UK’s most important and influential guitarists in action.
giltrap.co.uk
Doors from 6:30pm with bar available.
General admission: £22, Students £11
Start time: 7.30pm
Contact Ilminster Arts Centre: 01460 54973
info AT ilminsterarts.org.uk
www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances
We are delighted that the tutors of the Halsway DG Melodeon Weekend will be treating us to a wonderful evening concert of folk music.
Hailed the smiliest man in folk by Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe, Dave Gray is an enthusiastic and experienced melodeon player and educator. A graduate of the Newcastle University Folk and Traditional Music degree, he began working on the multi-award winning musical ‘Beyond the End of the Road’ in 2018, and has been performing with Katie Doherty ever since, alongside fellow Navigator Grace Smith. Dave is also one third of French dance band ‘Cri du Canard’. In addition to regular private teaching he continues to work as a mentor for Ethno music camps, the international programme for young musicians playing folk, world and traditional music. He has taught on the EFDSS National Youth Folk Ensemble and Sage Gateshead’s Folkworks Summer Schools.
Hazel Askew is one of the country’s leading melodeon players and is one of the most experienced melodeon teachers in the UK. She developed the melodeon courses for EFDSS’s Saturday Folk Music School, which she still leads, and has run courses/workshops for many organisations including FolkWorks at The Sage Gateshead, Melodeons & More, Halsway Manor, Adderbury Music Weekends and various festivals across the country. Hazel also teaches freelance workshops and one to one lessons, and has even taught long-distance over Skype! Hazel’s photo is by Elly Lucas.
Mel Biggs is a musician, performer and melodeon teacher based in Derbyshire, England. Renowned the world over for her perceptive, patient and mindful manner in teaching groups and individuals, Mel is a leading light in the world of melodeon teaching; both on and off-line. Having been teaching since 2009, Mel has an ever expanding toolkit of techniques at her disposal which she adapts to every new teaching scenario. You can expect a bespoke blend of learning-by-ear, call and response playing, analogies, visualisations and pattern recognition, tune deconstruction and notation in moderation. Mel is a consummate performer, vocalist and accompanist wracking up a wealth of experience in trio Moirai with Jo Freya & Sarah Matthews, playing for various morris & traditional dance sides, and most recently as an actor-musician in the 2022-23 UK & Canada tour of Fisherman’s Friends: The Musical.
8.00 pm
Full price: £12
Full-time student: £6
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-melodeons-2025/
Workshops are led by Julia Catovsky or a guest musician, who will teach tunes and harmonies by ear. The workshops are suitable for all levels and acoustic instruments. Sheet music and audio supplied in advance.
1:30 - 4:30 pm
Admission: £16 on the door
Or cheaper when paid in advance via the website.
www.sherbornefolkband.org
info AT sherbornefolkband.org
Julia: 07527 508 277
We’re delighted to be hosting another enjoyable summer weekend of Ukulele music and song for players of all levels of experience.
The mix of the three tutors is what makes this course special. Jon deals with the ‘tools of the trade’, introducing new fingerstyle and strumming techniques along with some theory. Sam takes you down the classical route with tablature and ensemble playing. Phil is a jazz and blues specialist who introduces a bit of extra spice in your playing. There will be plenty of time to relax and socialize too. The evenings include opportunities to perform your own material, plus enjoy an informal concert on the Saturday by the tutors.
In the past, the weekend workshops have covered:
•New chords from the blues/jazz repertoire and how they fit together
•Strumming techniques suitable for different styles and songs
•Fingerstyle playing as well as strumming
•How to accompany yourself on a song
•Advice on purchasing instruments, strings, etc
•How to read and interpret tablature
You’ll also be able to develop Ukulele Band skills, using pieces arranged for different ability levels; gain performance tips – get thinking about how you want to present your music improve stage craft and presence – and develop confidence and song writing skills, unlocking some creative potential!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ukulele-weekend-2025/
Since 2009, Skinny Lister have been at the forefront of first-rate folk/punk in the UK. Making waves with the irrepressible energy of their debut album ‘Forge and Flagon’ in 2012, the London-formed crew went on to sign with Xtra Mile Recordings for the release of their classic second album ‘Down On Deptford Broadway’ (2014) and so beginning a partnership that has birthed a further four records with the label including ‘The Devil, The Heart, The Fight’ (2016), ‘The Story Is…’ (2019), ‘A Matter Of Life & Love’ (2021), and most recently ‘Shanty Punk’.
Given its mastering polish at the iconic Abbey Road Studios by Frank Arkwright, their latest effort ‘Shanty Punk’ finds the band delivering their most autobiographical and arguably most definitive Skinny Lister album yet. A concept album all about the myths and madness that have have defined Skinny Lister themselves, it was warmly received by The Morning Star who praised in a 5* review “If you’re feeling out of sorts and in need of festive cheering up, the exuberant Deptford sextet Skinny Lister are the remedy, the balm that no festive season can do without. Ever.”, whilst RNR Magazine hailed the record as “very good…raucous!” (4*).
As the band’s career continues to see them passing the growing flagon of their experiences with every album and tour. They’ve led an endless parade gathering fans old and new, from the respected folk circuit to the riotous Download Festival, igniting pogoing mosh-pits at each. Over the past ten years they’ve travelled from rain-soaked London to the vast arteries of the USA, upgrading from narrow boat to Salty Dog Cruise, played huge tours across Europe and North America and headlined themselves across festivals, sweatboxes and ever-larger venues. Performing with some of music’s most tenacious live acts from Dropkick Murphys to Frank Turner, Boy George to Beans on Toast to The Bouncing Souls, not to mention reigniting their US fanbase with an epic tour across America with Flogging Molly in 2023; Skinny Lister’s formidable live rep more than proceeds them.
And now with the tantalising promise of new material on the horizon, catch Skinny Lister doing what they do best at the Marine Theatre.
Standing
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Tickets: Early Bird £19.00, Advance £21.00, On the door £25.00
10% off for members
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy. Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/skinny-lister/
Whilst crossing the Atlantic on a raft of their own making, Sons of Town Hall crafted songs of wonder and woe, heartbreak and hope. Jump aboard and join these theatrical-folk sensations for an immersive experience unlike any other.
American songwriter/author David Berkeley and British songwriter/producer Ben Parker are the men beneath the hats in this transatlantic folk duo. The pair conjure their timeless mythic universe under the aliases Josiah Chester Jones and George Ulysses Brown, 19th-century vagabonds who travel the world in a hand-built boat to escape troubled pasts and search for adventure and love. Weaving wild stories between heart-breaking and rousing songs, The Sons take audiences on a deeply imaginative voyage complete with Victorian-era costumes, sing-alongs, and meditations about the seafaring life.
For fans of Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Waits, and Monty Python alike, prepare to be uplifted and inspired, transfixed and transformed, drunk on adventure and in awe of Sons of Town Hall’s harmonies. You will laugh. You will cry. You will sing along.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity
Running Time: 80mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s
7.30pm
Contact Ann Shaw: 07740 949904
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/sons-of-town-hall
Whilst crossing the Atlantic on a raft of their own making, Sons of Town Hall crafted songs of wonder and woe, heartbreak and hope. Jump aboard and join these theatrical-folk sensations for an immersive experience unlike any other.
American songwriter/author David Berkeley and British songwriter/producer Ben Parker are the men beneath the hats in this transatlantic folk duo. The pair conjure their timeless mythic universe under the aliases Josiah Chester Jones and George Ulysses Brown, 19th-century vagabonds who travel the world in a hand-built boat to escape troubled pasts and search for adventure and love. Weaving wild stories between heart-breaking and rousing songs, The Sons take audiences on a deeply imaginative voyage complete with Victorian-era costumes, sing-alongs, and meditations about the seafaring life.
For fans of Simon and Garfunkel, Tom Waits, and Monty Python alike, prepare to be uplifted and inspired, transfixed and transformed, drunk on adventure and in awe of Sons of Town Hall’s harmonies. You will laugh. You will cry. You will sing along.
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity
Running Time: 80mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact Keith Coombs: 01929 423834
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/sons-of-town-hall
Join local folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a walk around fields and lanes of West Dorset, accompanied by traditional folk songs from the county and further afield. Explore beautiful countryside, and hear songs relating to nature and rural ways from years before.
Meet at the Loder's Arms for 2pm. Drinks in the pub upon our return. Refreshments are not included.
Bring your own water bottle, stout walking boots, and headgear if hot. Walkers are responsible for their own surefootedness.
The walk will be about 4 miles take about 3 hours, with frequent stops for songs. Well-behaved dogs on leads welcome, so long as they don't 'sing-along'!
In association with Dorset Rural Music School.
£10 per adult in cash on arrival, u-18s free.
2.00 - 4.00 pm
Contact Alastair Braidwood: 07510 282652
alastair.j.braidwood AT outlook.com
An un-tutored course for experienced singers and players of early instruments. Non-fixed ensembles of recorders and viols form the main part of the week with a variety of small singing groups depending on participants. Evening sessions for all are conducted and include music for instruments and voices. All of these sessions are at 440 pitch. We usually have harpsichords available and arrange chamber groups at 440 and 415 and are also able to welcome baroque oboe, flute, and violin as second instruments. Cornett, cornamuse, sackbut, curtal and crumhorn are also welcome as second instruments and we can usually arrange sessions for these. The repertoire is primarily renaissance and baroque.
Who’s it For?
The association organises two meeting a year (end May and mid-September). Those who wish to join us must be experienced on viol and/or recorder, able to play one to a part, and be good sight readers. We welcome additional harpsichords (the owner will not be expected to play continuo exclusively all week).
The Team
This course is a partnership event, organised by The Voices, Viols and Recorders Association who can be contacted via Halsway Manor or directly through our email vvr-association AT hotmail.com
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/voices-viols-recorders-association-3/
Singer and guitarist, Jack Badcock is a hugely experienced performer, having toured throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, predominantly as frontman and founding member of his multi-award winning, internationally renowned world-folk band ‘Dallahan’. He is a critically acclaimed solo artist and has also performed or recorded with Rura, Siobhan Miller, Adam Holmes, Dougie MacLean and The Royal Scottish National Orchestra among many others and was a finalist in the BBC Young Traditional Musician of the Year Award. His career has seen him perform at some of the world’s most prestigious folk music events including Tønder Festival (DK), Festival Ortigueira (ES), Celtic Connections, (SCO) Woodford Folk Festival (AUS), Milwaukee Irish Fest (USA), Festival Dranouter (BE) and countless others.
Raised in Co. Kilkenny, Ireland and later Yorkshire, England, before moving to Scotland as a teenager, Jack has a split national identity shared between the three countries. At eighteen, in Edinburgh, he formed a partnership with multi-instrumentalist Ciaran Ryan, touring the UK, Germany and Denmark. The duo would go on to form Dallahan in 2013, which rapidly became one of Scotland’s busiest international folk bands. To date the band have recorded four critically acclaimed albums, earned several awards and many nominations and toured extensively on four continents.
Having previously sung mostly original interpretations of traditional songs, In 2020, Jack began writing original songs, initially incorporating them into Dallahan’s music before beginning to write and release solo recordings. In 2021, Jack released his debut solo EP, The Driftwood Project. Funded by Creative Scotland, the EP was drip-released throughout the year and showcased a plethora of musical influences and outlooks, featuring a large lineup of some of Scotland’s most accomplished instrumentalists from the jazz, classical and folk worlds. It was nominated for Original Work of the Year (Sponsored by PRS) at the BBC Scots Trad Music Awards 2021. He was then invited to write, arrange and perform the prestigious New Voices commission at Celtic Connections 2022 with a show of all-new original material with a six-piece band.
Jack Badcock is a singer whose solo material reveals an astute songcraft exploring enormously wide ranging subjects delivered with a musical sensitivity clearly influenced by American folk, funk and soul music as much as the traditional music of Britain and Ireland and all served with a healthy dose of storytelling and humour.
Website: www.jackbadcock.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JackBadcockMusic
Instagram: www.instagram.com/JackBadcockMusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZEC5eIFq5kRQGFTRj5S1t?si=XoIbJUFMS2ainPcFRkBJqg
Youtube: www.youtube.com/JackBadcockMusic
8:00 pm - 10:30 pm (Doors: 7:30pm)
Door Price: £15.00
Advance: £13.00
Note: A 5% booking fee will be added to all bookings
https://chapelarts.org/events/jack-badcock-dallahan/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
The Halsway Playford Weekend is always a stimulating and enjoyable experience, and we are delighted to welcome back dancing master Andrew Swaine with musicians Purcell’s Polyphonic Party for the 2025 event.
A vigorous and fun weekend of dancing, the course is aimed at dancers – both experienced and new to Playford are welcome – who want to explore the music and dances published in the English Dancing Master.
An extremely brief history of Playford, in Andrew’s words: “John Playford was a publisher in the mid-17th century who published a lot of “country dances” which were being danced in the English Inns of Court at the time. It’s commonly believed that that they were initially dances for light relief based on what the common folk were doing, but dancing masters got involved and many of the dances are quite elaborate! They evolved considerably when Charles II came back from exile and country dancing became very popular throughout the nation and much of Western Europe, declining in the early 19th century. At the beginning of the 20th century Cecil Sharp, reviving interest in all things traditionally English, reinterpreted and and taught these dances.”
Andrew likes to promotes a relatively lively and accessible style of Playford dancing, aiming to rediscover what made these dances fun in the first place. Expect a varied and joyful programme of workshops and social dancing, aimed at interpreting the dances for a modern audience with enthusiasm and enjoyment, whilst also setting the dances in historical context and referring back to the original sources.
There will be a Playford Assembly Ball on the Saturday evening – costume strongly encouraged!
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-playford-assembly-2025/
A talk by David Sutcliffe with live music from Sirinu
In honour of the Ilminster Literary Festival, Ilminster Arts Centre is delighted to host a captivating evening celebrating the life and legacy of folk collector Cecil Sharp through both insightful commentary and stirring music. This special event features a talk by David Sutcliffe and a concert by the acclaimed ensemble Sirinu, weaving together history and melody to bring Sharp’s work vividly to life.
The evening begins with a talk by David Sutcliffe, a Somerset-based freelance researcher with a passion for the county’s rich folk traditions. David embarked on the journey of writing a new biography of Cecil Sharp in September 2020, delving into archives, correspondence, and original sources to craft a compelling narrative of Sharp’s life.
Sharp’s journey as a struggling musician, his transformative travels in Australia and America, and his encounters with folk performers are recounted in this engaging biography, Cecil Sharp and the Quest for Folk Song and Dance, published by Ballad Partners in September 2023. The book explores Sharp’s contributions to the Edwardian Folk Revival and its limitations, blending social history with the personal story of a fascinating cultural figure.
The second part of the evening features a concert by Sirinu.
Sirinu perform songs and tunes collected by Cecil Sharp with an emphasis on his discoveries in Somerset from the towns and villages near Ilminster collected before the Great War. Some of the songs we perform in Sharp's own arrangements but for others we perform them as noted by Sharp directly from the source singers that he collected from. Others songs we have prepared in our own contemporary folk arrangements. We use a variety of instruments both traditional and modern - fiddle, concertina, banjo, keyboard, hurdy-gurdy, guitar - and explore Sharp's enduring legacy in the light of David Sutcliffe's recent research on Sharp.
Discover Cecil Sharp’s journey, immerse yourself in the music he championed, and celebrate the legacy of folk traditions through this unique evening of word and song!
For additional details about Sirinu, visit https://www.sirinu.co.uk
David Sutcliffe’s website is https://cecilsharpspeople.org.uk
Doors from 6:30pm with bar available.
General admission: £16 Students: £8 with valid student ID
Start time: 7.30pm
Contact Ilminster Arts Centre: 01460 54973
info AT ilminsterarts.org.uk
www.ilminsterartscentre.com/performances
The famous yearly FREE Wessex Folk Festival returns to Weymouth Harbourside on the 31st May and June 1st 2025. Festival Music from top Folk acts and Bands. Local musicians and great Morris Dancing, sessions and workshops, mixed in with Trade stalls and great food. Kicks off at the Sailors Return Weymouth Friday evening 30th May. All welcome so come and enjoy! Visit the Wessex Folk Festival website for up to date details.
Contact Martin: 07730 575241
info AT wessexfolkfestival.com
https://www.wessexfolkfestival.com
Hobsons Choice are delighted to bring you an evening of guaranteed laughter, fun and frolics with some great music to dance along to. This lively fiddle led band has been entertaining Folk throughout the south west for many years
and continue to bring joyful memories for all occasions.
Sarah will be bouncing around on bass guitar whilst calling dances and says “If you can walk, you can barn dance, so come along and have some fun whilst supporting The Great David Hall”.
www.hobsonschoice.org.uk
£12.50 Full. £11.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Two exceptional musicians, world-renowned Welsh harpist Catrin Finch and Aoife Ni Bhriain, one of Ireland's foremost traditional fiddle players and a classical violinist of international stature, who's serendipitous meeting during a brief respite in covid lockdown has blossomed into a ground breaking musical partnership.
Double You, Catrin and Aoife’s debut album as a duo, features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from various genres, taking listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea and inspired by the cultures of their home countries.
Dublin native Aoife Ní Bhriain is one of her generation’s most versatile and gifted violinists, a dazzling musician who commands both the classical world and her Irish traditional heritage. From across the Irish Sea and the west coast of Wales, harpist Catrin Finch has also built an impressive classical career and ventured into unchartered musical territory, most notably through her international award-winning collaborations. Double You, their debut album as a duo, features an exquisite collection of new compositions that draw inspiration from various genres, taking listeners on a captivating journey on the wings of the bees across the Irish Sea and inspired by the cultures of their home countries.
Both are incredible virtuosos of their respective instruments, who started young and trained hard with great dedication to achieve the highest world-class standards of their art. Both went through rigorous classical training and grounded their careers in the classical world. Given her family heritage, it was inevitable that Aoife would also become a master of the Irish tradition; and given her fearless and inquisitive nature, it was equally inevitable that Catrin would seek artistic satisfaction beyond the confines of the classical world. “Audiences just want to come away from a performance having been moved,” says Catrin. That becomes the key creative force, transcending the boundaries of genre.
Running through their stories – as individual creatives, remarkable women, and now as an inspirational duo – are universal themes of identity, self-belief and the courage to be who you really are, to find yourself, particularly when others expect you to conform. Theirs is a story of being brave enough to follow your own path. From fighting against cancer and embracing sexuality, to being courageous enough to express their full creative potential, both Catrin and Aoife have been forging their own paths of challenge and discovery.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M. Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £21.00 On the door £25.00 10% off for members
Unreserved Seating
Book online at any time, at the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport Tourist Information Centre during normal opening hours, the Marine on Monday and Friday mornings 10 – 1, and over the phone on 01308 424901. The displayed price includes a £1 restoration levy. Booking fee may apply
https://www.marinetheatre.com/catrin-finch-and-aoife-ni-bhriain-2/
Get a closer look at the accommodation options here.
Join Eliza Marshall (Freedom To Roam), Deborah Norris (Ballet Folk), and Katie Whitehouse (Company of Song) for an inspiring retreat designed to reconnect you with the natural world and your creative self, with a touch of folk tradition woven into the experience.
Come as you are, and leave with renewed energy, ideas, and connection to nature.
Through the interconnected disciplines of writing, music, movement and nature-based activities like mindful walks, you’ll explore how creativity can deepen our relationship with the earth, and each other, encourage meaningful connections, and inspire positive change.
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Halsway Manor, this retreat offers a unique blend of nature immersion and artistic exploration. Evenings will be spent sharing nature-inspired songs, stories and dance.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/connected-creativity-2025/
Kip Winter and Dave Wilson bring a sense of intimacy to every venue, blending superb, often hard-hitting original songs, stunning harmonies and musicianship with sometimes hilarious humour and tales of life on the road. Kip (vocals, accordion, guitar, flute) “simply has a voice to die for” ( John Roffey, Maverick Magazine), whilst Dave (vocals, guitar and banjo) is now rightly recognized as being amongst the top tier of British songwriters, with his songs sung in Folk clubs across the UK and beyond. Together, their voices are sublime.
£17. No concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Join us for a Bal, with Topette!! The evening will kick off with a short performance by students on the Topette!! playing weekend, followed by dancing and merriment for all! Everyone welcome, and bring instruments if you play – there will likely be a session afterwards.
The Band
Topette!! occupy a unique position in the current folk and traditional music landscape. A collaboration between five highly-regarded individuals from two countries, they’re the kind of perfect idea that, if they didn’t already exist, someone would have to invent. Yet Topette!! are no mere ‘project’ band. They’re a fully-formed and functioning group of the kind that rarely comes around nowadays. Topette!! are a true collective – bonded as much by the joy found in each other’s company as in their shared musical vision.
Julien Cartonnet is a powerhouse on both bagpipes and banjo. Fiddler James Delarre’s innate melodic and harmonic sensibilities make him the perfect match for accordion virtuoso Andy Cutting. Tania Buisse’s propulsive bodhrán playing and Barn Stradling’s singularly distinctive bass grooves complete a sound that is irresistible to ears and feet alike.
Full price £15 Concession £7.50
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bal-topette-2025/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
We are delighted to be welcoming back the British BMG Federation for their 2025 Summer School. Choose from 3 courses – Classic Finger-style 5-string Banjo with Danielle Saxon Reeves; The Art of Playing in Ensemble with Roland Gallery; Traditional Music from the British Isles for Mixed Instruments with Nigel Gatherer – and let us know your choice when booking.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/bmg-summer-school-2025/
All welcome to our regular Barn Dance. No Bar - bring your own drinks & nibbles! Tickets on the door - just turn up
£7.50 adults £2.50 children
7.30pm - 10.00pm
Contact Steve Earwicker: 01929 480 737
arish.mel AT btinternet.com
www.earwicker.org/arish_mel.htm
Marion Fleetwood (TRADarrr, Feast of Fiddles, IOTA, The Sandy Denny Project, Fleetwood Cave) performs her stunning music alongside Gregg Cave (TRADarrr, Fleetwood Cave).
These two seasoned performers bring a fresh and lively aspect to traditional folk songs and folk rock, plus self penned contemporary music.
Blandford RBL open from 7pm.
£15, ONLY pre purchased or reserved
8.00 pm (doors open 7.45)
Contact Kathy Dunn: 07590 411515
kd.79 AT live.com
www.wessex-acoustic.co.uk
7.30pm onwards
£10.50 on the Door - card or cash
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
Known for their rousing sea shanties and maritime tunes, The Longest Johns have captivated global audiences, and their live performances promise to deliver the same powerful energy fans have come to love. They visit Bruton for a haunting church concert to celebrate the band’s latest project, Pieces of Eight—a series of eight 3-track EPs, released monthly from March to October 2025.
£23.50 general admission
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/booking/select/vqnodxzrmxna
If you’re just getting started (or restarted) with the fiddle, our Summer Fiddle Weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to take the next steps and consolidate your learning so far. Tutor Becki Driscoll will help you explore a variety of different fiddle techniques, and lots of lovely tunes over the weekend. Learning will mostly be by ear, but notation will be available in case you need it. There’ll also be the chance to get together with fiddlers from the Intermediate and Advanced course, as well as enjoying sessions in the evening, and Halsway’s beautiful surroundings.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-fiddle-weekend-beginners/
Our Summer Fiddle Weekend is dedicated to developing your fiddle playing through a range of repertoire and a deep dive into fiddle technique. We want you to go home with ideas and skills that you can implement into your playing for years to come!
We’re delighted to welcome back Tom Kitching with Bridget Slater to work with any player who considers themself to be working at an intermediate or advanced level.
If you are a beginner or an improver, check out our Beginners and Improvers Course instead – same dates, same place.
Workshops will touch on or explore technique, expression and some repertoire. You’re also welcome to use our extensive folk library to discover tunes that you’d like to work on. There will be plenty of time to play together on this intensive weekend of workshops for fiddle players who can play folk dance tunes up to tempo either from the music provided, or by ear.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-fiddle-weekend-2025/
Hailing from Merseyside, Contemporary five-piece acoustic Roots combo Elbow
Jane blend acoustic Folk instrumentation with a fresh exciting sound and energy. Bouzouki, mandolins, guitars, piano and percussion are complemented by expressive vocals and stunning harmonies - likened by some to `Crosby
Stills & Nash’. They’ll make you laugh; they’ll make you cry and leave you shouting for more.
www.elbowjane.com
£19.50 Full. £18.50 Concessions
8.00 pm
https://www.thedavidhall.com
Enjoy the pleasure of group singing as you discover the potential of your own voice. Singers of all abilities are invited to join Hilary James to explore the wealth of songs within the British folk tradition and take a peek beyond into blues, swing and comic song. You’ll be working largely ‘by ear’ with simple improvised vocal harmony but, for the more experienced, written parts for some songs will be available.
This week runs alongside the Simon Mayor Mandolin Week and Ben Walker’s Guitar Study Week.
Ben, Simon and Hilary will perform an informal concert on the Thursday evening.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/summer-song-week-2025/
Back by popular demand, join Simon Mayor, one of the country’s finest mandolin players for this mid-week masterclass.
Simon’s January ‘Mandolin Workshop Weekends’ have been hugely successful and consistently prompt requests for more. This time it’s a smaller group, but a longer, mid-week gathering, suitable for intermediate and advanced players. There’ll still be some ensemble playing, but this will be a chance for students to share their performances and for Simon to offer personal critiques – as always, in an atmosphere of mutual support.
The music of the Irish harper and composer Turlough O’Carolan (1670-1738) has featured from time to time in Simon’s mandolin workshops over the years. This is a chance for mandolinists – or players of other mandolin family instruments – to get more intimately acquainted with his music in a mandolin ensemble setting.
Carolan’s tunes for the most part follow the format of a typical traditional jig, reel or march: two sections, each usually repeated. Stylistically, they differ a little from a typical trad tune because he was also influenced by the classical music of his day, in particular the Italian composers Corelli and Geminiani.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/mandolin-with-simon-mayor-2025/
Ben Walker returns to Halsway Manor to lead a mid-week guitar masterclass for intermediate and advanced level guitarists.
Together we will explore ways of arranging traditional folk tunes on the guitar, look at ways to arrange melodies and chords, and then put it all together to form a complete performance.
We’ll cover advanced guitar techniques, alternative tunings, whilst allowing for plenty of time to work at your own pace. There will also be the opportunity for 1-2-1 sessions with Ben who is one of the UK’s foremost acoustic guitarists.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/ben-walkers-guitar-masterclass-2025/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Our accordion workshop weekend is a chance for Level 1 to Level 3 accordionists to grab a whole bag of pick’n’mix techniques and tips from three brilliant players and tutors.
If you’re looking for a more advanced course, check out our Advanced Accordion Course for Level 4 players.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/advanced-piano-accordion-weekend-2025/
Course leader Paul Hutchinson will be joined once again by Tamsin Elliot, multi-instrumentalist, composer and film-maker, as well as leading UK folk accordionist and composer Amy Thatcher.
The weekend offers workshops honing technique, repertoire and interpretation of folk tunes and accompaniment, as well as a chance to look at creating your own tunes and playing together. There will also be time for informal evening sessions and tune sharings.
This course is for Beginner to Intermediate players. We recommend having a look at our accordion course levels to find out if this course would be suitable for you.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/halsway-accordion-workshop-levels/
You’ll need to be able to read music, and in the higher levels, know your way around your instrument with some degree of confidence. If you consider yourself to be Level 1, a willingness to learn is key! You’ll also need to have your own instrument.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/accordion-weekend-levels-1-3/
Join us for a midweek country dancing break, in the height of the Somerset summer.
This will be a week of lively dance encompassing all forms of social folk dancing. We will have an opportunity to enjoy American and British contra as well as traditional English, Playford, American squares and some of Mark’s own composition.
There will be dances each evening, workshops in the mornings, while the afternoons will be left free to enable dancers to enjoy the Somerset countryside in all its summer glory. Afternoon trips out will be arranged on an ad hoc basis depending on the weather and demand.
Musicians are encouraged to bring instruments for jam sessions and cloggers experienced or beginners to bring footwear. Callers aspiring or experienced may like to bring their notes or queries for an open mic session.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/social-country-dancing/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Banding Together summer weekends provide advanced and fluent English system concertina players with the opportunity to join with others of similar proficiency to play as a big concertina band. The music is varied and challenging but help with preparation is provided. The result is an electrifying big band sound!
Banding Together is very excited to announce that its 2024 weekend will be led by guest conductor Calum Gray.
The option to extend your stay with a B&B booking on Sunday evening will be available for this event.
The weekend is for advanced and fluent English system concertina players to play as a big concertina band under expert direction. The music is varied and challenging but help with preparation is provided. The result is an electrifying big band sound!
This weekend’s conductor will be Calum Gray.
Calum enlisted into the Army as a Junior Musician in 1974. During three years of instruction he developed his cornet playing ability and learned to play the ‘cello. After serving with the Band of The Corps of Royal Signals and the Band of The Grenadier Guards he attended the three-year Student Bandmaster Course and was appointed Bandmaster of the 1st Battalion The Royal Hampshire Regiment in 1987.
On being awarded his commission in June 1994, he was appointed Music Director of The Band of The Dragoon Guards, located in Paderborn, Germany. In September 1997 he returned to the country of his birth when appointed Music Director of The Lowland Band of The Scottish Division. His last posting was to Winchester in 2000 when he was appointed Music Director of The Band of The Light Division. In February of this year he steered the Band through a period of transition with the demise of The Light Division and the formation of The Rifles.
Calum left the Army in September 2007 following a career spanning over 33 years and shortly afterwards became Music Director of Southampton Concert Wind Band.
Partnership Event
For more information and to book please email Sue at nog_walsh AT hotmail.com
Please note: partners set their own course prices, which may differ from in-house courses.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/j25-banding-together-3/
We’re delighted to be welcoming duo James Delarre & Saul Rose, who have been here before with other bands but not as a pair, for a deep dive into what it takes to play as a duo (or trio). They want to equip you with new skills, technique and repertoire, and build on what you already know, to give you a broader understanding of the subtle dynamics of small ensemble playing.
You’ll be looking at tune arrangement for a concert setting, song arrangement and accompaniment (and how to choose songs that work within your vocal and instrumental range), and tune arrangement and selection for playing for dance.
This is a brand new course, and over the three days and four evenings, you can expect guided learning in big and small groups, some self-led time in small groups, and optional one-to-one time if required.
One of the great things about our midweek courses is the extra time they allow for impromptu workshops and informal time together as a group. The tutors look forward to sharing some great sessions in the bar, and maybe a glass or two of wine, with you!
Who is it for?
This course is aimed at instrumentalists who already play in duos or trios and would like an extended course dedicated to improving their small ensemble skills. Don’t worry, though, if you don’t already have a duo partner or they can’t make it. We’ll be able to pair you up with someone in a similar position so that you can still get the most out of the course.
All intermediate and advanced instrumentalists and singer-instrumentalists are welcome, but there will be particular emphasis on fiddle and DG melodeon. If you’re a keen to take part as a singer, please get in touch with us to discuss what opportunity there may be for you to get involved.
You will need to be able to learn by ear but you won’t need to be able to sightread. James and Saul plan to send out sheet music to be learned in advance, so some degree of notation reading would be useful.
The Team
Fine musicians and longtime friends, James Delarre (Topette!!, Mawkin) & Saul Rose (Faustus, Eliza Carthy) are masters of their craft and well known for their outstanding musicianship and exquisitely delivered traditional tunes and songs. Their latest record, ‘Kith & Kin’, celebrates the pair’s enduring friendship and expanding families and was hailed as ‘good news for every folk music fan’ by Bright Young Folk. The duo intertwine seamlessly; dancing around the tunes between the notes, finding space and air, and breathing fresh energy into the music.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/playing-in-a-duo-2025/
We're keen to encourage a younger audience to Halsway - are you aged 35 and under?
We'll take £100 off room rates, camping and non-resident prices. Let us know on your enquiry form.
This is a course to explore all things queer and folk, in collaboration with Queer Folk! Through workshops and discussions you’ll be making new music, learning old songs and having the opportunity to share music and stories that are important to you.
There’ll be chances to meet new musicians, create new ensembles, take part in sessions, delve into archives and perform. You’ll gain research skills and get tips about finding interesting resources online and in print. The course will be a mixture of guided and self-led learning, as a whole group and in small ensembles.
There will be sessions and an informal sharing for members of the group.
The team will also be guiding you through the process of queering folk song, discussing what it means to be LGBTQIA+ in the folk scene, and establishing ways in which queer history can be discovered. They’ll also be introducing you to (potentially) new repertoire. Come and join the LGBTQIA+ folk community!
All instrumentalists and singers are welcome, though this is not a course for complete beginners. You don’t need to be able to read music but some playing by ear will be required.
The tutors plan to supply a list of songs and tunes that you can explore in advance, and audio recordings for those who need a little longer to learn by ear. Sheet music will be available on arrival.
Anyone with an open mind and an interest in LGBTQIA+ history in traditional culture is welcome.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/queer-folk-weekend-2025/
Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, Taff Rapids, is taking the international stage by storm. Comprised of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, Taff Rapids brings a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre, infusing traditional American classics and captivating originals with Welsh-language elements for a unique global appeal.
Their engaging live performances, rich harmonies, and instrumental mastery continue to attract audiences across the UK, Europe and Canada, whilst regular airtime on BBC Radio has solidified their reputation as an exciting new force in bluegrass. 2025 promises to be a landmark year with the highly anticipated release of their debut album, Blŵgras, and an extensive live schedule, including a return tour to Canada alongside tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe.
With electrifying performances, rich harmonies, and unmatched instrumental prowess, Taff Rapids is set to become a powerhouse in bluegrass and beyond - don’t miss them playing live in Dorset!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact Tel.: 07798 720812
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/taff-rapids
We invite you to join us at Three Hares Folk Camp for a long weekend retreat of folk music tuition, 24-27th July 2025. Come and immerse yourself in the joy of folk music, level up your playing, and connect with fellow musicians.
Set on a beautiful organic farm in North Somerset, our residential folk music course offers expert tuition, lots of opportunities for group playing, and a chance to immerse yourself in the music — all in an idyllic rural environment.
Learn from expert tutors in small workshops during the day; then head to the timber-frame barn, or under the branches of the spreading oak to play with your fellow musicians and your tutors in sessions in the evenings.
On Saturday night, join a Three Hares Ceilidh; with music provided by your tutors, and a caller to teach and lead the dances. All taking place in our gorgeous timber-framed barn.
Our expert tutors:.
Bradon Smith (fiddle) http://bradonsmith.com/ http://learntoplaythefiddle.co.uk
Dominic Henderson (Irish flute, whistle, uilleann pipes) https://www.dominichenderson.com/
Hazel Asquew (squeeze boxes, folk song) http://www.hazelaskew.co.uk/
Kit Hawes (guitar, mandolin) https://www.kitandaaron.com/
£195
Camping from 5pm Thursday
Finishes 1pm Sunday
Contact Bradon Smith: 07807 049896
bradon.smith AT gmail.com
http://threeharesfolk.com/
Chard Folk Dance Club
We meet on alternate Thursdays for a relaxed not too serious evening of dancing.
4 - Includes a cuppa and a cake
7.30 - 9.45 pm
Contact Elaine: 01460 65909
e3dons AT hotmail.com
Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, Taff Rapids, is taking the international stage by storm. Comprised of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, Taff Rapids brings a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre, infusing traditional American classics and captivating originals with Welsh-language elements for a unique global appeal.
Their engaging live performances, rich harmonies, and instrumental mastery continue to attract audiences across the UK, Europe and Canada, whilst regular airtime on BBC Radio has solidified their reputation as an exciting new force in bluegrass. 2025 promises to be a landmark year with the highly anticipated release of their debut album, Blŵgras, and an extensive live schedule, including a return tour to Canada alongside tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe.
With electrifying performances, rich harmonies, and unmatched instrumental prowess, Taff Rapids is set to become a powerhouse in bluegrass and beyond - don’t miss them playing live in Dorset!
Touring Dorset with Artsreach, the county’s rural arts charity
Running Time: 90mins + interval
£12.50, £6 u18s, £35 fam
7.30pm
Contact Deborah Childs: 01935 891744
info AT artsreach.co.uk
https://artsreach.co.uk/event/taff-rapids
Dancers of all levels are invited to join our fun, friendly weekend and widen their international folk dancing experience.
There is dancing every evening led by Janet Woolbar with Stella Wentworth and Maggie Kaye providing live music, taking you on a journey of discovery around the world teaching wonderfully authentic dances for novices and experienced dancers to enjoy together. There are dance walk-throughs and calling to suit all. Guided walks are arranged during the day in the wonderful Quantock Hills or along the coast. Otherwise, there is plenty to visit locally with time to explore on your own. In the grounds there is also a chance to try out Maypole dancing.
For details and booking of this partnership event please contact:
Brenda Steventon - brenda.steventon AT btinternet.com
Please note: partners set their own course prices, which may differ from in-house courses.
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/society-for-international-folk-dancing-2025/
Cardiff’s bluegrass sensation, Taff Rapids, is taking the international stage by storm. Comprised of seasoned musicians Darren Eedens, Siôn Russell Jones, David Grubb, and Clem Saynor, Taff Rapids brings a fresh perspective to the bluegrass genre, infusing traditional American classics and captivating originals with Welsh-language elements for a unique global appeal.
Their engaging live performances, rich harmonies, and instrumental mastery continue to attract audiences across the UK, Europe and Canada, whilst regular airtime on BBC Radio has solidified their reputation as an exciting new force in bluegrass. 2025 promises to be a landmark year with the highly anticipated release of their debut album, Blŵgras, and an extensive live schedule, including a return tour to Canada alongside tours and festival appearances across the UK and Europe.
With electrifying performances, rich harmonies, and unmatched instrumental prowess, Taff Rapids is set to become a powerhouse in bluegrass and beyond - don’t miss them playing live in Dorset!
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/taff-rapids
An opportunity for young musicians from the South West and beyond to work with leading folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity, and create a new performance piece.
We’ll be providing an immersive week of music, creativity and fun, in the beautiful and peaceful surroundings of Halsway Manor. It will be intensive and challenging, but also supportive and fun! Young musicians will spend the week working together to learn, arrange and rehearse new repertoire, developing musical skills and performance technique, and creating their own interpretations of traditional material. The group will live, work and play together, with opportunities for informal rehearsals and social gatherings to enrich their experience and understanding of the folk arts.
As always we’ll have a fantastic team of tutors, lead by Becki Driscoll.
The week will end with performances at Sidmouth Folk Festival! Participants will need to make their own arrangements to get to Sidmouth.
This is an intensive but fun course for young people aged 12-18.
You’ll need to have prior experience as a musician, and some prior experience of folk, perhaps in a school folk band or previous courses at Halsway, and you should be working at a playing level of at least grade 4 and upwards.
Any acoustic instrument is welcome. If your main instrument is piano, you’ll need to bring a digital keyboard and stand with you, and be prepared to take it to Sidmouth as well.
We’ll be teaching predominantly by ear, so if you’re used to reading music you’ll need to be happy to give that a go! It’s important that you want to be creative, work collaboratively with others, and have fun creating a performance that everybody can be proud of.
How to Apply
To take part in the 2025 Intermediate course, please complete the application form on the Halsway website. Places are limited, and will be allocated based on playing level and experience. If you’re not quite ready for our Intermediate course yet, consider whether our Young Folk Intro might help you gain a bit more experience.
We may be able to offer a small number of partial bursaries to those for whom cost is a barrier to attending. If you wish to discuss this, please contact Crispian Cook on chiefexec AT halswaymanor.org.uk
https://halswaymanor.org.uk/event/halsway-young-folk-intermediate-2025/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
Along with all the usual FREE music and dancing, ceilidh, workshops and sessions, there are three stunning headline concerts in the Marine Theatre. These are listed separately under the venue, the Marine Theatre
Ten years after their last visit to Lyme Folk Weekend, Turin Brakes return with their highly-acclaimed stripped back to basics acoustic show which has been playing to sell-out audiences around the country since the autumn.
The band explain: ‘We couldn’t ignore all the love we got for the first acoustic tour (in 2019) when we kept having to add more and more shows due to the demand. We ended up doing about 50 shows when we originally planned to do just one or two! So we decided to do it again and make it another very special and intimate performance.’
Turin Brakes released their Mercury Prize nominated debut The Optimist Lp in March 2001 (achieving gold status in the UK) and followed it up in 2003 with their most commercially successful album – Ether Song – featuring the Top 5 hit single Pain Killer (Summer Rain). Since then the band have racked up seven top 40 singles, six top 40 albums and over a million record sales worldwide.
Support comes from Riverman
Singer/songwriter Steve Dagleish, a regular visitor to Lyme Folk Weekend, leads his eclectic folk band ‘riverman’, weaving traditional roots with American, blues and indie-folk elements.
Formed in 2024, the band features Mark Thistlewood (double bass) and Caro Lynn (vocals). Expect lyrical depth, catchy hooks, pulsing rhythms and exquisite vocal harmonies.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £31.00
On the door £33.00
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/turin-brakes-plus-riverman/
Back by popular demand! After a year away from the Lyme Folk stage, the festival’s patrons return with their latest one-off 'Ninebarrow & Friends' show. Once again they will be joined on stage for what is always a stunning and unique musical event - Jon and Jay’s guests for 2025 will be Will McNicol and Jack Rutter.
Will wowed our audiences with his incredible virtuoso guitar playing as part of the Ninebarrow show back in 2018. He was Guitarist Magazine’s UK Acoustic Guitarist of the Year (2011), and Guitar World called him “one of the best acoustic players on the planet, (2021).
Yorkshire folk singer Jack Rutter has established himself as one of the standout voices of the folk, roots and acoustic music scene in recent years.
Lyme Folk regulars will have seen Jack on stage with the Sam Sweeney band in 2019. His soaring vocal, powerhouse guitar and bouzouki playing and masterful arrangements of traditional songs and contemporary covers have enthralled audiences from the largest festival main stages to the most intimate folk clubs.
All that and the fabulous Ninebarrow too!
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £26.00
On the door £29.00
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/ninebarrow-friends-jack-rutter-and-will-mcnicol/
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Australian phenomenon The Spooky Men’s Chorale as the finale to Lyme Folk Weekend 2025. The Chorale is a magnificent, many-headed beast which has single-handedly turned the world of men’s singing upside down. Formed in New South Wales in 2001, the Spooks have become rock-solid festival and theatre favourites in Australia, UK and Europe, with seven albums and 900 gigs under their belts. No subject is too trivial or weighty for their attention, and such ability to find new musical rooms to explore contributes greatly to their astonishing fan loyalty.
The show evokes musical worlds far beyond that suggested by their unassuming, casually hatted, black-clad appearance. They are just a bunch of blokes, but where they take you will blow your mind.
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00 P.M.
Advance £31.00
On the door £33.00
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/spooky-mens-chorale-plus-alden-patterson/
In a class of his own: a superb storyteller and a musician of great depth and virtuosity
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Scottish brilliance. High energy and freshness from these rising stars
7:30
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Phenomenal. Unbelievable. Irish music as you have never heard it before. Absolute class
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Legendary 70’s Tyneside folk-rock pioneers Lindisfarne present a classic five-piece line-up of long-time members fronted by founder-member Rod Clements on vocals, mandolin, fiddle and slide guitar.
With a repertoire of unforgettable songs like Meet Me On The Corner, Fog On The Tyne, Lady Eleanor and Run For Home and a reputation for live performance second to none, Lindisfarne’s power to galvanize festival and concert audiences remains undimmed and is guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet and singing along.
8.00 pm
£33
https://www.electricpalace.org.uk/events/event/lindisfarne/
Dance workshop from 6 - 7pm
Main dance from 7 - 9.30pm
All welcome, no experience needed
Tea and coffee available
Free town centre parking
Contact Rainer: 07957 211 879
rainer.wittlin AT outlook.com
https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne
A powerful, thought-provoking concert to mark Black History month
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
Politically charged singer/songwriter with roots in folk, country, and punk
With a sound that recalls Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash along with the cynicism of grunge and punk, nobody could believe wry singer/songwriter Willy Mason was only 19 when he appeared on the indie scene. Mason is a songwriter who has become harder to define as the years go on. Often outside of time musically, his lyrics reflect the humanness of now and our steps toward transcendence.
His voice and performances have only improved with age. Todays shows are tight and powerful; full of passion and conviction, humour and love.
Advance £19.00 | On the door £25.00
10% off for members
https://www.marinetheatre.com/willy-mason/
Fast paced, mesmerising Balkan and eastern European music to get your pulse going
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club
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
A beautiful, traditional start to Christmas
Tickets available from: http://ticketsource.co.uk/nailsea-folk-club