The Sidmouth Folk Festival

19/06/2024

Three legendary musicians launch the Ham evening concert series on Friday 2nd August, 8pm: McGoldrick McCusker Doyle.

Described as the masters of flute, fiddle and song, they are known for their vast repertoire, blending song, tunes and charming bonhomie.

Book your seats now for what promises to be a brilliant night:
https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/ham-evening-concerts/

John McCusker | John Doyle

18/06/2024

We're getting excited about the prospect of Sea Song Sessions up at The Bulverton this summer! Roll on August!

18/06/2024

Finally some sunshine! :) For many, a fully immersive festival experience starts with the buzz of a festival campsite.

Our Official Festival Campsite offers great atmosphere, great views across the valley, and a great location near the Bulverton, plus improved facilities for 2024. Pitch your tent or caravan/motor home amongst the warm community of fellow festival goers for a more budget friendly festival accommodation option.

More info and tickets here:
https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/wheretostay/

(Credit Kyle Baker Photography & Videography)

17/06/2024

This week we look back at changes and developments to the festival during the 1970s.

1974
Now called Sidmouth International Folklore Festival.
BBC Radio 2 broadcasts and makes recordings of the festival.

1976
Spectacular special event at the Knowle – fire festival: Beacons, Barrels and Bangs! The first of many special events at the Knowle.

1978
First outdoor ceilidh at the Anchor Inn (these continue to the present day).
First women’s morris team danced at the Arena: Poynton Jemmers from Cheshire.
First appearance by The Oyster Band (joining us again this year!)

1979
25th Festival. Great celebrations with some of the most memorable dance groups and singers from the previous 25 years. Bill Rutter retired, replaced by John Dowell.

(Photo: The Flags at The Ham 1970)

16/06/2024

On Wednesday 7th August, 12noon The Ham plays host to the mighty Blowzabella!

A unique band with an inimitable sound, Blowzabella compose their own music, influenced by English & European traditional folk music and song. Band members Andy Cutting (diatonic button accordion); Jo Freya (vocals, saxophone, clarinet); Paul James (vocals, bagpipes, saxophones); David Shepherd (violin); Barn Stradling (bass guitar) and Jon Swayne (bagpipes and saxophone) are much loved and respected.

There is no-one quite like them.

Book your seats now!
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1242205

15/06/2024

Find out more about the great acts we've got lined up for The Bulverton this year in our latest newsletter.

Everything you need to know ahead of a great night out in the Big Top on the Big Hill! :)

https://mailchi.mp/747d94ed974a/big-gigs-at-the-bulverton-big-top

15/06/2024

Spread the cost – Instalments now available

To help spread the cost, we have introduced payment plans. Choose Pay in 3 at the checkout and split your purchase into three monthly interest-free payments.

https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/tickets/

14/06/2024

Renowned for having a style quite like no other – powerful, fresh, euphoric, raw, enigmatic and emotive – Kinnaris Quintet are one of the must-see acts on the live music scene. Expect uplifting and driving harmonies, intricate arrangements, and joy in abundance.

See them live up at The Bulverton on Wednesday 7th August. Tickets on sale now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1238859

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hN5avjEXlIE&t=6s

A live performance of 'The Weatherman' performed by Kinnaris Quintet at Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom, as part of Celtic Connections 2019.Filmed by Lost Clock ...

13/06/2024

Not long before the mighty Steeleye Span take to the stage in Sidmouth!!

Grab your tickets for what promises to be a hugely entertaining concert on Friday 2nd August, 3.00pm at The Ham: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1090313

13/06/2024

Just a quick reminder about the Sidmouth Residents Event Tickets Discount Scheme

Discounts available to residents who to live within the Sidmouth Town Council area for Pre-Festivals, Ham Afternoon concerts, Ham Evening concerts, Bulverton evening and Bulverton Late Night Extra events.

These are available in person, in advance from Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and the Box Office, with identifying documents. Not available on the door.

12/06/2024

We were delighted to that Festival volunteer Colin Trussell was awarded the inaugural Arts and Culture East Devon (ACED) Volunteer of the Year Award this week🏆

This award was been created to celebrate the outstanding contributions and commitment of the dedicated volunteers in the East Devon creative sector, and recognises an outstanding contribution to culture for a volunteer who has gone above and beyond their role. Eligibility for ACED Volunteer of the Year Award was open to residents of East Devon who perform a volunteer role benefiting the arts and culture sector in East Devon.

Colin Trussell was nominated because of his year round dedication and passion for the Folk Festival over a number of decades. From washing towels to securing sponsoring, his all round attention to detail makes a real difference to artists, venues and fellow volunteers.

He's a real champion for Sidmouth Folk Festival, recognizing the festival's importance to the town and its special place in East Devon's cultural calendar.

Colin accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers across the county, and beyond, without whom there'd be no Arts & Culture events to celebrate.

Over 500 volunteers make Sidmouth Folk Festival happen each year. To find our more and to join them visit https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/volunteers-2/

12/06/2024

Is it lunchtime yet? We've got some fantastic caterers lined up for you including the super tasty Cafe Dish based in Blackmore Gardens throughout festival week.

Expect delicious wraps, salad boxes, burgers and much more! YUM!

11/06/2024

Here is something new from The Spooky Men's Chorale to whet the appetite! :) Not long to go now!

11/06/2024

Thanks to Bev Harris for doing an excellent Sidmouth preview on his Mainly Folk Programme.

"We talk to the festival's Artistic Director, Tash Daly, who tells us about the special performances we can expect to see during Folk Week and gives an insight into what it is like organising such a large family friendly event across the whole town in a range of venues.

Plus a chat with Michell, Pfeiffer & Kulesh (who are booked for this year's festival) discussing their unique international take on folk songs building on their roots in the Russian, German and English traditions."

Listen again here: https://www.mixcloud.com/bevharris399/brooklands-radio-mainly-folk-june-2024-sidmouth-festival-special/

11/06/2024

News of a new album from The Spooky Men's Chorale!!! Catch them in Sidmouth on Tuesday 6th August – 3.15pm where you'll be able to buy it in person!

here is an announcement
WE HAVE MADE A NEW ALBUM
it is called "We'll Give it a Go"
we loved making it
we think it might be the nicest thing we have made, ever
YOU CAN PURCHASE a copy of this album, for the moment, only at spooky gigs on the 2024 UK tour.
YOU CAN LISTEN to the new single with the above name, on spotify or apple music. There will be more digital things soon.
we will tell you more, also soon.
but for the moment, please just enjoy THIS PICTURE:

10/06/2024

This week we look back at the festival during the 1960s.

After a brief move to Exmouth the festival returns to Sidmouth in 1961.

Bill Rutter newly appointed EFDSS staff member in SW England, based in Exeter. He was a great visionary and recognised the potential of the festival. Through the 1960s, Bill introduced many distinctive features, some of which remain today.

Young musician in his teens – Dave Swarbrick, later to join folk-rock band Fairport Convention.

1962
Now called “Sidmouth Folk Festival” – the first in the country with a similar title.

1963
First overseas dance team – Rory O’Connor Dancers from Ireland.
First official campsite.

1965
Torchlight procession held on the final night with torches doused in the sea. The crowds larger than on VE Night.
First dedicated children’s events: the Hobby Horse Club.
Souvenir programme introduced.
Song visitors included Maddy Prior (later in Steeleye Span – here again in 2024)
Dance groups from Sweden and Germany.

1966
First Eastern European dance team: Skalitschan from Communist Czechoslovakia.
Opportunity to learn dances from the international dance groups.

1968
Now called Sidmouth International Folk Festival.
First use of the term “workshop” to describe the events where festival goers could learn to morris dance, sword dance, to improve playing of musical instruments and play tunes.
The boundary between performers and audience is blurred – most festival goers also participate at some level.
First story-telling events.
Two late-night events, one called the Late Night Extra – a term which continues with its initials (LNE) as the festival’s late event to the present day.

Thanks again to our resident festival historian Derek Schofield.

(Image: 1965 Torchlight Procession)

09/06/2024

Don’t miss the return of the wondrously silly Sidmouth Horse Trials with Hobby Horses and Beasts of Burden competing in various equestrian challenges for the coveted Aardman Award on Sunday 4th August. Who has already got their costume sorted? :)

08/06/2024

On Thursday 8th August we have the mighty Mànran headlining The Bulverton.

The multi award-winning Scottish supergroup have been at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene for over a decade, bringing their uplifting and unique live performances to stages across the world.

“Incendiary fire to send a lively crowd into a frenzied seething mass” – Fatea Records

Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1238859

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDv95rzcTwk

08/06/2024

Sidmouth Stories Update 👇

Sidmouth Stories update!

We’ve collected some lovely stories at a reminiscence session at the Anchor Inn in Sidmouth, which we’ll now be writing a song from for our Stories of Sidmouth project with The Sidmouth Folk Festival. We met up with a range of people who’ve been part of the folk festival since its early days and heard stories and memories from over the years. Here’s a few of them …

One year in the 60's, it rained so hard that the campsite turned to brown slop. Locals helped to save the day, by putting up the campers in their garages and conservatories. A fabulous story of how the town and the festival came together.

This memory also summed up what Sidmouth Folk Festival is all about. One afternoon, a woman was walking past the Ballad spot with her shopping and stopped in to listen. At first, she was adamant she didn’t want to sing and just wanted to listen in. But by the end, she sang beautifully for the first time ever in public!

One of the quotes we collected was: “Sidmouth Folk Festival became a community because you got to know everyone over the week.” Thank you to everyone who's shared their memories with us!

We are now working with Year 10 music students at Sidmouth College to turn the memories we are collecting into songs. The songs will form part of a performance by singers and musicians, including our community groups, at the Ham Concert Marquee at Sidmouth Folk Festival on Sunday 4 August, from 12-1.30pm.

The Stories of Sidmouth project is a collaboration with Sidmouth Folk Festival, to help celebrate this year’s 70th anniversary of the festival. It's funded by Arts Council England and has been devised to strengthen the connection between the annual festival and people who live in the town. More here:
www.wrenmusic.co.uk/news/stories-of-sidmouth
www.sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk
Photo shows: The reminiscence session at the Anchor Inn.

07/06/2024

On Tuesday 6th August, 8pm we welcome back the fantastic Ralph McTell to The Ham.

One of the greatest storytellers, Ralph is now celebrating more than 50 years on the road. Known for his virtuoso guitar style, he is primarily a prolific and gifted songwriter. His iconic ‘Streets of London’, released in 1974, earned him an Ivor Novello Award. In 2002 he was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards.

Tickets on sale now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1175021

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C88NrWUENoE

Ralph McTell performs West 4th Street & Jones on Later… with Jools Holland on BBC Two (25 September 2018). For more performances and interviews from the show...

07/06/2024

👇

This Oxfordshire based folk band Celtic Heartbeat are: Julia, Jim and Steve, Chris Martin and Simon.

06/06/2024

Calling all folk dancers! Updated workshop info now live over on the Folk Dance page: https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/folk-dance/

05/06/2024

***Low ticket warning!***

Only 3 advance tickets left for Folk Detectives at the Manor Pavillon on Tuesday 6th August, 3pm. Snap 'em up quick!

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1243335

04/06/2024

Lots of updates on this year's Dance Display programme page including Morris Wednesday, Workshops and Chance to Meets, as well as a specific page for each team who will be joining us this year.

Have a look and come and join the fun!
https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/display-dance/

03/06/2024

Based on archive photos and Derek Schofield's excellent history of the festival, each week until the festival begins, we will revisit one decade starting with the 1950s.

Sidmouth was the location for the country’s first folk festival of folk dance and song. “Festivals” in the 1950s meant classical music; there were no pop festivals which developed from jazz festivals later in the 1950s and 60s.

Organised by the English Folk Dance & Song Society (EFDSS). 100 dancers and musicians. Folk dance was very popular following a post-war square dance boom, with regular radio programmes of the music.

(Photo: Connaught Gardens 1955)

02/06/2024

Described by The Guardian as ‘the finest instrumental duo on the traditional scene’, Spiers & Boden Official need no introduction to the Ham marquee. Known for their clever mix of ‘rambunctious melodies and contemplative ballads’ we can expect a classic mix of Morris melodies, resurrected manuscripts, and their own remarkable tunes.

Catch them on Monday 5th August, 8pm:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1175021

01/06/2024

Shop the look! Have you ordered your special 70th Sidmouth Folk Festival T-Shirt yet?

Lots of other useful things including bus passes, workshop books, extra programmes as well as merch can be booked here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/store

31/05/2024

On Saturday 3rd August, 8pm we welcome the wonderful Blazin' Fiddles to The Ham.

Contemporary fiddle from Scotland’s Highlands and Islands with fiddlers Jenna Reid, Bruce MacGregor, Rua Macmillan, and Kristan Harvey, Anna Massie on guitar and fiddle, and Angus Lyon on piano.

A fiery and intoxicating blend of music, peppered with insightful tales ...it's going to be quite the night!

Tickets on sale now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sidmouthfolkweekproductionsltd/1175021 #

30/05/2024

We've got some seriously good ceilidhs lined up for this year! Who's coming? https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/ceilidhs/

22/12/2023

Who's got that Friday feeling?

Multi award-winning Scottish supergroup Mànran have been at the heart of the Scottish traditional music scene for over a decade. Internationally recognised as one of the most iconic and respected Scottish bands on the road today, the seven-piece show no signs of slowing down.

Booked for The Bulverton, Manran will be bringing the party to Sidmouth next summer!
https://sidmouthfolkfestival.co.uk/thebulverton2024/