UK Folk Festivals - England

Folk tradition and folk music. Folk dancing. Straw Bear Parade.

Often the first festival of the year.

The Straw Bear Festival celebrates the old Fenland plough custom of parading straw bears around the town every January.

With three days and three stages, 33 acts are here to entertain you.

Possibly the first folk festival of the year!

Not a festival but a harp weekend with workshops and sessions.

Dive into the fantastic world of folk harp playing. Harpists are welcome to join us for a weekend of harp workshops and sessions with tutors Steph West and Merit Zloch. This is our first weekend of what we hope will be an annual weekend dedicated to harp playing in a folk context.

The annual Bradford Roots festival at Wiltshire Music Centre, celebrating the very best in local musical talent with over 40 acts and activities. From folk to blues, and pop to poetry, experience a two-day indoor festival packed with fun and laughter to beat the January blues.

Proceeds in support of local charities.

A popular winter break of folk dancing, music and fun for all abilities, led by a friendly and experienced team who'll make sure you have an enjoyable stay!

There will be music workshops every day.

There will be a range of activities to keep you entertained including daily music and dance workshops, plus bell ringing, singing and afternoon walks for those who want to get out into the fresh air. Dances every evening, with the option for you to play in the band or call a dance should you so wish, before retiring to the bar to enjoy the convivial relaxed atmosphere of the manor.

30th anniversary of the longest running Cajun festival in Europe.
Featuring the best bands and musicians from around the world for a weekend of non-stop partying, music, dancing, workshops, and authentic Cajun cuisine.

I suppose this counts as American folk music, sort of.
?
Friends of American Old-Time Music and Dance (FOAOTMAD for short!) was founded in 1993 with the aim of furthering the promotion and performance of traditional old-time music and dance in the UK. We organise regular music camps, residential workshops, dance parties and support for many other formal and informal old-time events. We have a proud history of encouraging and supporting the best artists from American, Canada, UK and Europe during their visits to the UK.

The little festival with the big heart returns to Southport for a weekend-long celebration featuring new, upcoming and traditional folk music across two days. So, come on, spend the most romantic weekend of the year with us - dancing, singing, drinking, eating and generally loving folk!

The country's longest continually running folk festival. We warmly welcome folkies from around the globe and we really hope you'll be there too! The Festival is particularly aimed at students, but it is open to everyone. Whatever style you go for, you're bound to find like-minded people waiting to meet you. Over the years we've enjoyed a wide range of dances and ceilidhs including Scottish Country, Highland, Morris, Rapper Sword, Irish, and Playford and many, many, more.

One day event, by the same group that organise the larger Chester Festival

Events include afternoon and evening concerts, a folk club, a singaround and a music session, all the usual stuff.

Warming up the bands.

All the performers at the Bursfest have kindley donated their perfomance free of charge in support of The Village Hall centinary fund . Half of the profits and donations on the day will go directly to this fund. This will help the Trustees to ensure the continued enjoyment and improvement of the hall into the next century. The other half of the profits will go to our nominated charity. Which this year is Shine.

VIRTUAL EVENT

An annual medieval music festival wholly dedicated to medieval music-making. It's unique in the UK.

Our theme for this year is The Matter of Britain - Medieval Music and Story of the British Isles.

A major event in the early music calendar - a weekend dedicated solely to the music of the middle ages. It's all happening at Bolton Castle in beautiful Wensleydale in North Yorkshire

Site not fully updated on our last visit.

Hopefully more details will be available soon.

For the 56th time!
So it's been around for a while

The festival includes a vast array of competitions including crafts, performance and writing. Events of local interest nave been added to the programme of concerts, sing arounds, barn dance, storytelling. theatre and street performance which includes a young people's pageant as part of the Border Cavalcade.

The emphasis of the Gathering is firmly upon the native traditions of Northumberland and. whilst there is plenty of scope for traditional music from all over the British Isles within the festival, the wealth of local culture is well to the fore.

A newish festival, featuring American Oldtime and Bluegrass festival.
So while not a pure folk festival, it has some America-style folk music. Worth a visit, as it is not exactly expensive especially if you just go for one day.

And when it's big and famous, you can tell your kids you were there at the very beginning.

The renamed Eastbourne International Folkdance Festival. Now all on one site.

Closely following the long-established Eastbourne format, May Heydays offers an enjoyable bank holiday weekend mix of different folk dance traditions from many parts of the world.

One of the Top 10 Festivals in the Midlands (Travelmag)

Dancing; Song and Tune sessions; Hot Food & Real Ale; local musicians & comedy

Friday evening Ceilidh
Concerts, Sessions, Dancing, Workshops, Ceilidh and much more.

Bringing live roots music to East Northhants. Includes workshops and dancers. Local and national talent from the folk world

Several award winning artists have recently been booked.

We do like to find you something different every now and then..

Scandimoot offers one of the best opportunities you will find in the UK to learn tunes and dances from Scandinavian teachers. Each year we pick exceptional music and dance teachers from Norway and Sweden to come to this small, intimate event in Yorkshire. With such intensive work the standard of both your music and your dancing rapidly improves.

With an interesting line-up, this festival is just 17 miles up the road from Manchester.

A vibrant, family-friendly community gathering featuring traditional dance, music, song, and folklore throughout the town centre on Saturday 11 May 2024. And the best part is, its free!

Witness over 40 dance groups, including 320 dancers and 100 musicians, featuring Morris dancing and diverse European styles.

Join the whimsical journey of our 10ft tall Jack in the Green and Jill in the Green, visiting 12 town centre venues with bands and fantasy beasts.

You’ll can also discover the kid's zone, artisan market, community hub, pagan arts and crafts.

Groove to a samba band, mummers' play, Folk Club stage, Wiltshire Music Centre stage, Blues @ The Shoes stage, live pub music, buskers and more!

Don’t just watch – participate – wear something green and join in the fun.

A multi-award winning creative and performing arts festival set in the beautiful grounds of Catton Hall in the heart of the National Forest.
The Midlands largest performing and creative arts festival.

Includes some folk bands.

Winner of several festival awards over recent years.

Concerts, Ceilidhs, workshops, singarounds, sessions, displays, craft fair, family events, children's entertainment.

This is a very popular long-running event.

Also has an event in February

Concerts, Ceilidhs, workshops, singarounds, sessions, displays, craft fair, family events, children's entertainment.

This is a very popular long-running event.

Also has an event in February

An annual celebration of music and arts in the beautiful landscape of the three northernmost Yorkshire Dales - Swaledale, Wensleydale and Arkengarthdale.

A music festival that brings a heady mix of concerts to chapels and churches, village halls and pubs, castles and barns in the glorious northern Yorkshire Dales. And talks; and exhibitions; and guided walks...

A mixture of music styles, includes acoustic and folk.

Includes dance, sessions, celidh, workshops, and music, all set in the delightful surroundings of Weymouth's old harbour

With over 30 live stage performances throughout Saturday and Sunday this is without doubt not one to be missed!
Kicking off on Friday afternoon and evening with singalong folk music sessions in the harbourside pubs, the main festival lasts the whole of Saturday and Sunday with around 30 Morris sides dancing in the streets along the harbourside, fabulous trade stalls, eating, drinking, laughing singing and dancing all weekend long. When the harbour lights go on, the fun and music carries on in the harbourside pubs, way into the night. The challenge is to do the whole weekend and make it to the Survivors' Night on Sunday night at the Sailor's Return!

Come for the music, the local brew and the stunning location. Come for a good time!

The festival is run by volunteers, and money raised is used to improve facilities /features in the venue (the church is no longer used for worship but used by the community for events and music).

A new group of Wimborne residents and business folk have come together to proceed with the mammoth task of organising the next festival, and so far it is full steam ahead with plans to continue the legendary festival!
Traditional English and Celtic music and dance. Celidhs, Dance displays, children's entertainers, Market stalls.

Three days of folk, family & fun last weekend in the summer sunshine!

Part of a seven day music festival, with Saturday being the folk day.
Rated as one of the top three UK free summer events.

Back with a June date again.

Many Sandwich Pubs will put on Folk music throughout the weekend, there will be street music and dancing.

The Pub events will be free to enter with main events at St. Mary's Arts Centre ticketed, see their website for details.

A free outdoor concert and Saturday and Sunday

The New Forest Folk Festival is the small festival with the big names. Located to the north of The New Forest National Park near Southampton it's an ideal venue for campers with it's riverside campsite and unspoilt farm setting. The site opens Thursday lunchtime to allow travel and a chance to relax for the afternoon before the music begins. Additional attractions include local trade and craftsfolk, and of course local ale.

An acoustic festival for indie and contemporary music.
Shortlisted for Best Independent Festival 2015. Best Small Festival.

Bromsgrove is so much more than a series of concerts with headline artists. Club singers and budding artists are encouraged to add to the Bromsgrove Experience with singarounds, open mics, and the like including, of course, the legendary sessions in the pub bar....then there is the Ukulele Workshop (BUMS) and the Festival Choir (BOTOMS)

Bromsgrove Folk Festival has been described as small and friendly, bijou even, but it is so much more than that......it is enormous in heart and aspiration. We have a pub for sessions (and beer of course), a large camping field (open from 2.00pm on Thursday), a 350 capacity Main Marquee for "up close and personal" concerts, a MiniMarquee (seating about 125) for smaller concerts, singarounds, etc., and excellent toilet facilities.

Real Music, Real Ale, Real Field.
Taking place in the heart of Norfolk near to the village of West Acre, the "Folk in a Field Festival" brings together a diverse mix of performers from the acoustic, folk and roots music scene. The rural setting of the festival, surrounded by woodland, contributes to a real get away from it all vibe in which to enjoy some great music, take in interesting craft demonstrations, craft stalls or sample local food.

The Gate to Southwell Festival is now established as a leading international roots and acoustic music event rivalling other well-established festivals and receiving many accolades. We are at a new site in beautiful parkland with lakes and great views, near the historic and beautiful market town of Southwell (approximately 13 miles from Nottingham and 8 miles from the A1 and Newark).

Over 40 artists performing over 4 days on 4 main stages, on-site camping, kids activities, street theatre, comedy, spoken word and lots more.

We believe what sets us apart from many of the smaller UK festivals are two things - the first is the music. You will not find any "fill-in" artists at GTSF. Everyone on stage brings a unique talent, whether they're well-known names or up-and-coming stars, or are playing to gain exposure with a new audience, they will all have shown an element of "magic" in their performances to bring something special to the festival experience. There have been many artists who have played their first "proper festival" here, who now grace the main stages of some of the greatest festivals in the world. See them here first! So whether it's country or gypsy jazz, ska or rockabilly, bluegrass or punk, traditional or contemporary, it'll be good.

Established festival in Yorkshire, popular with many people. Craft fair, sessions, and award winning headline acts.
Several local venues.

Lots of big names.

Come along and join in the fun!

In its 34th year!

A new festival in 2016, it's back for July again.

Spend a chilled-out day enjoying the nation's favourite folk artists in the beautiful Hertfordshire countryside.

This is a one-day event with 4 separate venues including free events on the village green. Main stage has 3 ticketed concerts and there are workshops and a continuous concert in the 13th century church.

Continuing our occasional festival that's not quite folk policy. (But it has got blues...)
Surrounded by the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, the Festival is set in the award winning grounds and Great Hall of this Elizabethan stately home.
Could this be the most breathtaking place to spend a weekend, soaking up the UK's hottest jazz and blues acts?

With its beautiful cathedral towering majestically above the surrounding countryside, the City of Ely lies in the heart of the Cambridgeshire Fens, famed for spectacular sunsets and the vast open sky. What better location for a weekend of the best in folk music and dance?

The Folk Festival is based on a single site which includes marquees, camping facilities, food stalls, trade stands, real-ale bar, real toilets, showers, children's entertainment.

A friendly festival held in the idyllic setting of our Village Green high on the beautiful Mendip Hills AONB near Wells in Somerset. This festival has a reputation for exciting new folk. In the past we have had Kan, Treacherous Orchestra, and Flook. Some names booked already include the Will Pound Band and Nizlopi. The weekend also provides great music, and dance, workshops, yoga sessions, club tent, an excellent craft and traders market, guided archaeology walks, a full programme of children's entertainment and much more

Supports a local children's charity - Willow Foundation. They work to provide special days out for seriously ill young people.

Fairground Side Stalls :: Craft Tent :: Family Friendly atmosphere with Children's Activities :: Music Stalls :: Recycled Gifts :: Delicious Food :: Real Ale bar

Many big names come to this one day event.

Variety of music styles, includes some top folk acts.

Concerts, workshop, dance displays, craft fairs, sessions. Lots of things to keep you entertained.

There will be a good selection of food and drink including a great choice of real ales at the main venue. Some excellent village pubs, wine bars, restaurants, shops and bistros, all within easy walking distance of the main venue. There are also some lovely village and riverside walks around Wickham plus the historic Chesapeake Mill and Water Gardens that are well worth a visit

A place where art, intellectualism and fantastic gastronomy share equal billing with music.

A festival covering many different media - music, film, talks - all on a variety of genres. The London Folk Guild brings the very best in folk, blues, acoustic, Americana, bluegrass, roots and country from the UK and around the world.

Winner of several Festival awards.

After a successful first event, this is their second go at the festival.
Features Americana and roots music. With authentic american food and bars, and beer from a local brewery - Wychwood Brewery, who are also sponsoring the event.

A great big weekend break at Butlins, with many top acts booked.

Yes, festivals don't stop just because it is winter!

We have many performances from many acts in 16 venues, as well as storytelling, arts & crafts, talks, morris dancing, open mics and folk music sessions!

Except it will mainly be streaming, apart from workshops.

More info to follow, they say.

POSSIBLE VIRTUAL extras

Manchester will once again be staging Europe's biggest Irish Festival.

Over 100 venues! Claims to attract over 200,000 visitors - so it's popular.

Live Irish music, dance events, plus club and pub events. Europe's biggest Irish Festival over 11 days.

THis is a big event!

A stunning line-up of brilliant blues musicians in the heart of the Lake District, on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere.
PLUS a free fringe event!

'a flagship for the very best of British blues' www.bluesinthenorthwest.com

'a thoroughly great weekend' North West Evening Mail

Raises money for charity.

Music, singing, dancing too, in the Old Fire Station, mainly, plus a few other local venues for when they need more space - especially for the dancing bits.

A popular event that slipped off our lists for a few years, but it's back with a great line-up now.

Filey Folk Festival is one of the mainstays of this North Yorkshire seaside town's musical year. Expect a broad range in styles of folk, blues, country and acoustic performers and bands, and a very warm welcome and a famously friendly atmosphere

Pub gigs run all weekend and admission is free for everyone.

The Jack in the Green Festival is an annual event that takes place in various parts of the gorgeous seaside resort that is Hastings. It's a three day event and attracts thousands every year. This is a true British May Day celebration not to be missed. The four day event has been described as 'thee celebration of Morris dancing and traditional merriment, centering on the symbolic figure of Jack in the Green and culminating in a wild costumed parade - one of the most bizarre in Britain.' The long weekend event includes music of all genres from some of the best local and surrounding areas bands, sun, historic and social events, and is filled with family fun.

The largest Morris based folk festival in the Midlands with Concerts, Ceilidhs, storytelling, plenty of pub sessions for music & song and a huge dance procession on Sunday. Happens every year, first Bank Holiday in May.

Folk on the Pier is held every year at the Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier in Cromer, Norfolk, on England's beautiful east coast. Described by Fairport Convention's Dave Pegg as "the best gig on the North Sea", Folk on the Pier is a highly regarded showcase for the finest folk, and folk-rock acts from the UK and beyond. Details of this year's line-up can be found on the Who's Playing page.

Every year the town puts on an amazing line up of musicians. There are a variety of paying and free concerts across the weekend, in both large and intimiate venues. The line up will include old festival favourites and lots of new or local talent

In aid of Leukaemia Research and Brighstone School.

The live music stage will provide a full programme, featuring the best of the Island's Folk & Blues musicians.

A family friendly event including BBQ, Tea Tent, children's activities and Circus Skills. The Wolverton Folk & Blues Fair looks set to be a celebration of all that's good about our Island's local food & music talent.

Always at a bargain price!

A words and music festival with a very interesting lineup. It's a sister festival to Words & Music. Celebrating folk, roots and even Americana, with international names turning up.

If you can get there, I'm sure you will enjoy it!

This May sees the return of the ever popular annual Folk Festival. A long weekend of music, song and dance featuring some of the best folk music from Scilly and the South West.

Spread over many days and several locations, featuring dances, sessions and several festival events.

A new one for us.

In 2023, the festival will be held at 4 venues across the idyllic village of Hutton Rudby on May 26-28. Finn Forster, Black Sheep Band, Counterfeit Celts and Keith Newby will be part of the line-up for this festival among many others. A craft fair will feature on the Saturday.

In addition to music acts, there will be a folk craft fair, several bars / pubs with food and music and a large family style event at our Cricket Club venue.

A festival for fans of piping.

With concerts, dances and workshops, manufacturers, and sessions. Everything the bagpipe fan would want, in one place.

Site not fully updated for this year.

Takes place in several locations in Rochdale. I couldn't find many details on the website, just the link above.

Parts of the site are still under development for 2023.

All things acoustic!
A prestigious and relaxed family friendly occasion for all generations with an eclectic programme of Unplugged and Acoustic music from the genres of Folk, Roots, Celtic, Blues, Pop, Rock, Ska, Blugrass and much more.
4 stages of entertainment and dozens of crafts and food tents together with a huge real ale tent over 200ft long, with a stage powered by bicycles.

A multi-media festival, covering a variety of styles, includes several groups popular at folk festivals. Take a look at the band list as there are a variety of genres at this festival.

Over 100 bands on four stages, and real ale festival too.

A free family festival celebrating the best in English and World folk music and dance plus poetry, street theatre, art and family fun!

Includes dance, sessions, celidh, workshops, and music, all set in the delightful surroundings of Weymouth's old harbour

With over 30 live stage performances throughout Saturday and Sunday this is without doubt not one to be missed!
Kicking off on Friday afternoon and evening with singalong folk music sessions in the harbourside pubs, the main festival lasts the whole of Saturday and Sunday with around 30 Morris sides dancing in the streets along the harbourside, fabulous trade stalls, eating, drinking, laughing singing and dancing all weekend long. When the harbour lights go on, the fun and music carries on in the harbourside pubs, way into the night. The challenge is to do the whole weekend and make it to the Survivors' Night on Sunday night at the Sailor's Return!

Bringing you the best in local music together with friends from further afield.
Set in the Pennine town of Hebden Bridge full of cosy cafes, pretty pubs, vivacious venues, we bring you an intimate music festival full of great sounds, with great beer and even greater countryside.

A folk and roots festival covering a wide variety of roots music, from folk and blues to ska and americana. Ceilidh, workshops, sessions, street performers, spoken word. Lots of variety.

Raising money for the RNLI, which is always a good thing to do.

A weekend full of Concerts, Music Sessions, Dance and Singarounds in and around the 'famed city of Robin Hood's Bay' on the beautiful Yorkshire Coast.

Site not fully updated yet.

They always seem to leave it until closer to the event to tell you what is happening.

Ticket prices will be known in March.

Accoustic, Roots, Folk, Contempoary and Traditional music from around the world.

More Acts and details to come including singing, dancing and yoga workshops and a Sunday Lunch Acoustic Cafe

Beardy Folk Festival is a new, beautifully crafted, Midsummer music weekend boasting a brilliant line up of contemporary, traditional & acoustic indie folk music.

here's so much to see and do around the festival site with children's entertainment, a fabulous food court, real ale, cider & cocktail bars, circus workshops, traditional rides, climbing wall, yoga & a small trade village. We also have a woodland walk & some enchanted woods hosting children's activities & storytelling.

Country music in Yorkshire.

We often include somoething that isn't your traditional folk festival, and country music is sort of folky. So here it is.

Black Deer is on a mission to bring the real Americana & Country music, and way of life, to the UK – expressed through a unique music festival.

Black Deer is a festival born from passion, and built from experience – thanks to its founders, who are no strangers to the festival and events scene, having produced and directed some of the UK’s most loved featuring legendary Americana artists like Neil Young, the Eagles and Bob Dylan. And for whom, Americana and country music has become a lifelong love affair.

Has three main aims in life

To create an enjoyable event for all involved

To raise money for the RNLI

To preserve and promote the maritime heritage of Falmouth and Cornwall

The Grand Northern Ukulele Festival is a festival with a bit of a difference.
A team of dedicated ukulele-playing music enthusiasts who volunteer our time to produce a festival that is truly like no other. Every year we try to find new talent to showcase, we develop new activities to get people playing and sharing music with each other.

There's a range of workshops (including one where you build your own diddly bow), events for all ages and a chance to do something a bit unique.

A weekend of dance and music
in this lovely cathedral city.

Dances - Displays - Workshops - Morris Tours

Celebrating over 30 years of the Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival a fabulous weekend of folk & roots music.

Up to 15 venues host music and dance from lunchtime on Friday through to Sunday night. On the canal-side and in the town centre, artists from around the UK - and beyond.

Also ticketed concerts each day.

Formally known as Whitby Spring Session. This is a small event so book soon.

The format of the event is as follows:

- Live music is scheduled on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings.

- Camping is available from the Thursday. Showers and toilets are available.

- A Friday night Fish & Chip Supper is included as well as breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

- The wonderful town of Whitby is a short walk or taxi ride away, there is lots to discover during the day.

The main events are on the Saturday. These will consist of a day of dance in the City Centre, a day of music with free showcase performances in local pubs and other venues, sessions and singarounds and a festival concert in the Maltings Arts Theatre.

Full details not yet available.

A day of folk dance, music and song for all the family in the riverside village of Turvey, Bedfordshire, with dance displays, music session, family ceilidh and evening concert. Come and enjoy the craic and sample the excellent food and beer on offer in the village.

For the 31st time...The UK's biggest free festival.

Across a swathe of indoor and outdoor venues in public spaces around Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, our much-loved event is now widely recognised as the largest free folk festival in the country.
Two ticketed concerts, the rest is free.

25th Anniversary

There will be around 50 events taking place in the village of Lymm including dance, drama, music, comedy and literature. During the Festival, Lymm celebrates the wealth and diversity of talents to be found amongst the members of the community, and provides plenty of opportunities for exploring and enjoying the local environment.

With music of all kinds, dance, drama, spoken word, comedy, visual arts and crafts

Boars Bridge Festival is a Charity music festival held over a weekend each year in mid-June.

The 3 day event is held in the lovely grounds of Boars Bridge House near Tadley, Hampshire and although it is a relatively small festival the atmosphere is always lively and fun.

Again this year we are supporting the MS Therapy Centre in Reading.

Go on, support their charity.
Musicians - go play and forget your fee.

Down where the cider apples grow lives a small friendly festival.
With a very friend ticket price!

Singalongs, Workshops, Concerts.

This year we will be repeating the independent Real Ale bar.

Music-lovers can look forward to a great day out this summer, as the 8th Bury St Edmunds Folk Festival once again brings its own brand of magic to the town.
The one-day event will be in the walled garden at Nowton Park. With craft stalls, children's activities, music workshops, hot food and a bar with local real ales, this promises to be a wonderful day for the whole family.
The festival is organised by Bury Folk Collective, a not-for-profit group which promotes a diverse range of excellent local folk acts at events throughout the year.

As well as the main stage acts, there will be an Acoustic Tent with beginners' music workshops, informal sessions and a competition for newcomers to folk performance. This is a great space to try making music yourself in a relaxed and friendly way.

Full disabled access to site, reserved viewing area and toilet facilities

A small event, new to our lists.
Top names, beer festival and great food.

New website now live.
Note how inexpensive this one is!
One of the least expensive paid event.

With four outdoor music stages, two ceilidh dances and over twenty teams of morris dancers in the streets overlooking Poole's lovely Harbour.

With colourful displays of dance and outdoor stages for concerts and ceilidh and lovely views across the stunning harbour.

Not much info on their site when we last checked.
But if they need help, they could contact me...

An acoustic festival for indie and contemporary music.
Shortlisted for Best Independent Festival 2015. Best Small Festival.

A weekend event showcasing 15 to 20 local and independent music's best bands. Our goal is to create a reasonably priced, small summer music festival that provides an overwhelmingly positive, comfortable and fun, family experience for both attendees and musicians in a beautiful countryside setting for around 500 people. We also aim to support local young musicians by providing a stage for them.

Roots music from both sides of the Atlantic - Americana Music

"One of the friendliest, most sincere festivals in England... fine music, great fun, delightful people and an idyllic rural setting" said The Telegraph

A general arts festival, with a variety of types of events, including some folk music.

(There's often a separate Folk Festival in February.)

Back with a new domain name - looks like they forgot to renew the old one.
Not a lot of info on the website yet, however, apart from the list of performers.

There will be a second Moonbeams event this year in September, but there may only be one event next year, in July.

For the 29TH time!In the streets and in venues all around the town the best of local performers bring you folk, jazz, blues and world music, colourful dance displays and children's entertainment.

The Beggars Fair has been running since 1993 and is living up to its aims of showcasing local talent in a friendly environment. From big bands on the Cornmarket stage to intimate acoustic music in tranquil gardens, cheerful pub sessions and spellbinding storytelling, the day has a great atmosphere that keeps bringing people (and performers!) back year after year.

Something just a bit different.

An explosion of bands and performers combining brass with folk, opera, dance and spectacular outdoor theatre descends on County Durham to fill some stunning venues and City streets with music and fantastic visual effects. With new, cutting edge collaborations, digital trails and established and emerging bands trumping brass in every genre imaginable, it's a feast of international cultures and sounds.

On a new site, check website.

It's about people coming together to eat, drink and make music. It is not a traditional music festival.

Lots of ales and concerts, open mike and sessions in the bar. Even some morris dancing. Small craft fair.

The festival was originally founded to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the North York Moors National Park, and is now a fully independent event attracting music lovers from the local community, and around the folk world.
We encourage local performers from the Yorkshire/ North east region and, in addition ,have included many of the great names of 'Acoustic and Folk' familiar to folk fans. Concerts, Workshops, Song and Music Sessions

A small, friendly, community-based music festival set in the heart of Northumberland in Rothbury in the beautiful Coquet Valley. Over the last three decades, Rothbury Festival has established a unique atmosphere that has drawn musicians and singers from throughout the country and beyond to spend a weekend sharing music and experiencing Northumbrian traditions.

Supports a local children's charity - Willow Foundation. They work to provide special days out for seriously ill young people.

Fairground Side Stalls :: Craft Tent :: Family Friendly atmosphere with Children's Activities :: Music Stalls :: Recycled Gifts :: Delicious Food :: Real Ale bar

Many big names come to this one day event.

Pitchfolk - a weekend of workshops of polyphonic singing featuring traditions from around the world, led by renowned choir leaders and educators who are expert in those traditions.

This year's leaders include Desi Stefanova, leader of London Bulgarian Choir, Lucky Moyo, from Zimbabwe, and the hugely experienced Michael Deason-Barrow, who will be teaching Celtic singing traditions.

The weekend is open to adults of all genders. You don't need to be able to read music, or to be an experienced singer. You'll find that there will be many very experienced singers in the group, but there will also be a welcoming and supportive ethos. Combined with the skilled guidance of our music leaders, the workshops are intended to provide everyone with a challenge and an opportunity to grow as singers, but also to have fun.

A not for profit organisation supporting the Devon Air Ambulance Trust and Water Aid. In its 15th year.

This is a mixed genre festival, with a folk element too.

For half a century the Guiting Music Festival has been a highlight of the Cotswolds summer calendar, bringing an exciting variety of highly talented performances of Classical, Jazz, Blues and Folk music by artists from around the world. In that time it has built up a strong band of very loyal supporters.

Check through their programme to see what parts you like.

5th time for this event.
Features dancing, but the rest of the program was not available when last visited.

Several locations around the town.

A well-established, intimate and family friendly event in a beautiful rural setting, held in large marquees on a greenfield site in the picturesque hamlet of Stainsby.

Great folk and world music in traditional marquees, crafts stalls, childrens entertainment, music workshops of every kind, storytelling, a singers competition and walkabout events throughout the weekend with camping thrown in.

Festival of the Year in the British Blues Awards 2015 and 2016.

Since the formation of the Blues Committee in 2001 there has been two aims, to produce a festival to promote Blues Music in Upton Upon Severn, and to support the local community. To achieve these aims the Upton Blues Festival has always, and will always be free from any admission charge.

What more can you want than the blues for free? 60 or 70 bands perhaps?

We have run an MND annual Folk fundraising concert for a number of years now.

The day consists of morris dancing, craft fair, sing around, tune session and an open-air concert at the back of the George Pub.

Go on, it's for charity - turn up, enjoy yourself and donate something to charity.

Cambridge Folk Festival is one of the premier music events in Europe and one of the longest running and most famous folk festivals in the world. It has become hugely popular and a regular sell out attracting ten thousand people, many of whom return year after year.
The Festival is renowned for its eclectic mix of music and a wide definition of what might be considered folk. The best traditional folk artists from the UK and Ireland.
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Boutique Festival with only 3000 tickets available. Headline Acts - often some of the biggest names!

Set in beautiful Kent just 5 mins from J5 on M2.

Camping opens Thursday 27th July 2023 with entertainment and sing-a-rounds in the bar from 5pm.

All genres of music but have a particular passion for Folk Rock, Folk, Roots and Acoustic music, which is the main genre of the Acts booked, but Folk as you may not expect!

Based in beautiful Kent country, but just 5 minutes from J5 of the M2, Chickstock Festival is building on previous years' 'magical' festival of folk, roots and acoustic music, with even more bands booked for this year!

I0th Birthday is 2023
Blues and Roots music. what's not to like?

A mixture of acoustic, folk and roots music with blues of various sorts.

Singers and musicians, street entertainers and Morris dancers - it seems that anybody and everybody who enjoys folk music heads for Warwick in July each year.

Since its humble beginnings in 1979, the annual Warwick Folk Festival has developed into one of the most highly regarded folk events on the national and international scene, attracting fans from all over Britain and as far afield as the USA and Australia

THE World Music event.
International music resonates throughout the grounds, bounces off trees in the Arboretum, whirls through the green arena and dashes across acres of beautiful grass land which becomes the camping grounds during the last weekend in July. It is truly a unique event and we suggest you come along and experience the beauty for yourself.

Sidmouth FolkWeek is a unique week-long seaside celebration of music, dance and song taking place in the charming East Devon regency coastal resort. A must in every festival goer's annual diary. There has been a folk festival in Sidmouth in the first week of August every year since 1955, attracting tens of thousands of visitors to over 700 diverse events with a promise of something for everyone, from major league concerts to small intimate sessions, from ceilidh dancing to lively roots parties, from family entertainment to youth-centred masterclasses, from social dance to colourful dance displays.

Underneath the Stars Festival is a fresh new summer festival of arts and food. It is a collaboration between Barnsley folk singer-songwriter Kate Rusby's family production team, and one of the finest Yorkshire visitor attractions and quality food producer Cannon Hall Open Farm.

The aim is to provide a weekend of world class entertainment in the heart of South Yorkshire, held in a purpose built big-top concert marquee and for the first time this year there will be the opportunity to pitch up and stay at the festival campsite.

A week long residential event, so not quite a festival, but a long folk event.

Residential and non-residential tickets at a variety of prices.

A festival set in the ancient market town of Melton Mowbray. With Craft fair, local market, Morris Dancing, sing-arounds, music session, outdoor market stage and 13 venues collected around its atmospheric center. Three days of music and mayhem so if you fancy playing or just want to eat the pie - come to Melton Folk Festival.

This is a big fringe, over four evenings. Featuring a great line up, and it's all free!

All events in McBuzz's Barn.

The Fringe Sessions feature a mix of the most exciting emerging talent along with some established heavyweight favourites from across the UK and internationally. Entry is FREE to all music lovers but we have a donations bucket for the artists.

The music is an eclectic mix of many genres - and has included folk/roots, bluegrass, stomp, blues, acoustic, jazzfusion, world and indie rock/pop - plus everything in-between.

A large event covering a large variety of music styles, in it's 11th year. The event is spread over several stages, and there is a folk section . Research it and make your own decision on whether it suits you. The line-up includes many well-known acts.

Famous reunion festival taking place in Oxfordshire, for the legendary Fairport Convention. And lots of guests.

There aren't many acts that run their own famous festival! And for over 50 years, so lookout for special surprize guests.

Tickets tend to sell out fast, so don't miss out.

This year will see the 24th Saltburn Folk Festival take place in the historic, Victorian town of Saltburn.

An annual town based traditional and contemporary folk festival for all ages, with concerts, Street Entertainment, Singarounds, Music Sessions, Ceilidhs, Choirs, Maritime, Craft Stalls, Kids Events, Dance Teams, Workshops, Music Hall, Camping, Free Fringe Events.

10th Anniversary.

A joyous celebration of Cajun, Creole and Louisiana roots music, dance and culture set in the heart of the beautiful North Shropshire Lakelands!

During Folk Week, life in Broadstairs really is set to music. In the parks, pubs, gardens and on the beaches and promenade- there really is a festival vibe in the town - nobody who arrives in Broadstairs during Folk Week wonders whether there is an event taking place - it's inescapable - in the best possible way!

The Dartmoor Folk Festival is a friendly traditional festival, with highlights including Ceilidh, Song & Music Sessions, Dartmoor Stepdance and Broomdance Championships, Dartmoor Fayre, Craft Displays, Dances, Music Hall, Sunday Ramble, Folk Service, Pub Sessions & Children's Events.PLUS - Craft tent, Sideshows, Demonstrations, Dance Displays, Children's Entertainers and much more...The festival continues to attract some of the top national and local artists as guests, maintaining its reputation as one of the top events in the folk calendar.

2022 was the first such event, and it was successful enough to stage a omback for 2023.

Transatlantic folk trio, The Magpies, have announced that they will be hosting their first festival - in the stunning parkland of York's stately home, Sutton Park. The line-up is set to include the likes of Sam Kelly & The Lost Boys, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra, Blair Dunlop and Katherine Priddy, with more exciting names to be announced.

Purbeck Folk Festival in the rolling hills of Dorset.

Located on a little sheep farm and in its fifth year, it's "how festivals used to be" - friendly, great for kids and adults alike, and small enough to be able to wander around and not lose your friends. Purbeck Folk Festival covers the broader definition of folk music and you can hear music from all around the world; some deep and meaningful, some get up and jump around.

Not to be confused with the nearby Swanage festivals

Beautiful Days is the Levellers' annual 15,000 capacity family-friendly weekend camping festival at Escot Park, which started in 2003.It has a huge children's area in the centre of the festival, comedy, theatre, family camping, a healing area, licensed real ale bars from Otter Brewery & carefully selected food and craft stalls.

Chosen as one of the Best Family Festivals in 2013 by the Guardian

This event has been going for around eight years now, in East Anglia (hence the name).

A fresh approach to a timeless tradition with an eclectic mix of contemporary and traditional music. Re-kindling the Eastfolk folkmoots on the Glemham Hall Estate, where, for three days of the year, the folk of the East bring their families & gather for a bit of a to-do.

A not for profit family music and arts festival and although we don't call ourselves a folk festival the majority of our musical programming is folk, so we thought you might be interested.

Very family focused, with circus acts, music, films, children's entertainment.
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The festival features some well known and talented main acts, plus local and national, up and coming artists.

A small, intimate, relaxed festival where there is an emphasis on creating an inclusive atmosphere and encouraging everyone to play a part in the weekend's events. There is plenty of opportunity to sing, play or tell a story with singarounds and music sessions every day.

Folk In The Park is a day-long live music festival in the heart of the South London borough of Sutton, taking place in the award-winning green space, Manor Park.

Seven days of dancing in the streets, music and singing in the pubs, concerts and dances until late into the night, and a whole lot more. Seven days of meeting old friends and making new ones.

With over 600 events, this long-standing celebration of the traditional music, dance and song of the British Isles has taken on the trappings of a tradition in its own right.

The Cornwall Folk Festival is the annual celebration of Folk and Roots Music and Dance in Wadebridge.

It brings national and international performers to Cornwall
and showcase local talent to the wider artistic world, in front of Cornish and visiting audiences.

Now in its eighth year,for the region's already blossoming music calendar, to be hosted in various venues in the picturesque East Yorkshire village of Cottingham across the first weekend of September. An exciting addition to a vibrant summer of events, this three-day extravaganza will see an incredible line-up of artists descend on what is thought to be the largest village in the UK

50TH Anniversary!!!
Not many events can say that!

An arts, faith and justice festival with a long and rich history.

Greenbelt covers a variety of styles of music and other things, including guest speakers and comedy.

Expect a faviety of styles of enterainment.

20TH Anniversary Event

This festival covers many different music styles, including folk music. It will suit those with a wide range of musical interests. Over 200 diverse music acts across 12 live stages. comedy, electric,roots, reggae and folk, films and theatre. Some of everything.

Location is kept secret for quite some time.

10th anniversary

The line up, for a newish event, has been very start-studded as well, and this year will probably be just as great.

Singing, sessions, morris parade, shanty festival, story telling, and much more.

There will be free daily concerts on the Seafront Stage from noon to 5pm plus the usual Morris dancing and parade throughout the town.

10th Anniversary!

Not strictly a folk event. A mixture of styles and events that some of you may be interested in. A bit like Breaded Theory they say.

Shrewsbury Folk Festival has a reputation for delivering the very finest acts from the UK and around the world, always searching to find new authentic artists as well as providing a platform for established performers, and never forgetting to add some fun and diversity to our concerts. We try to bring quality in depth.

59th Anniversary!!
And to think I just updated another event's listing and said it was its 50th and not many can match that!

A traditional village festival.

Four days and nights of the best Acoustic, Folk, Blues, World and Americana, with first class stages, massive family appeal, wonderful camping, arts, crafts, theatre, hands-on workshops, film and a sprinkling of Festival Magic in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside.

A medieval event, with stage shows, jousting, music and dance, and lots of things for the kids too. They have a full line up of folk music. It's a one-of-a-kind event with a very special blend of history and fun for the whole family.

Something different especially if you like older music.

For the tenth time, a summer school event on folk music, dance, and song. All ages and abilities are welcome.

Music, dance, steam and beer. Over 60 acts.

Says it all, really.

Over the years, many tens of thousands of people have enjoyed the unique community atmosphere which the festival generates, the sense of magic, fun, otherness and togetherness which never fails to amuse and amaze its followers. Long may it continue!

Once again we've included a few bluegrass festivals to give you a bit more variety. And besides, we noticed a few folk stars in the line up...

(We're not trying to cover every such festival, just a few samples for you enjoyment.)

Run by a new team of familiar faces.

Our tradition of an eclectic folk selection continues this year.

Showcasing unsigned acts right alongside well established international artists makes for a really exciting bill.

A great family site.
Atmospheric Surroundings - Great live music
60 Real Ales and Ciders - Acoustic Sessions
Excellent Camping Facilities & Showers
Arts & crafts stalls - Fantastic Food - Circus Workshops, and Parade
Family Friendly - Children's Play Area -Entertainment & activities for children
Shiatsu - Yoga - Energy work - Tai Chi - Chi Kung - Meditation

A three day event centred on the Nag's Head pub.

You can also view updates on Facebook,
https://www.facebook.com/scalbyfolkfestival

Not your normal folk fest.

Learn joyous songs from five renowned conductors in fun, relaxed workshops
within the beautiful surroundings of Mellow Farm.

Singing Workshops
Camping, Ceilidh, Open Mic, Saturday Night BBQ, Lantern Making, Junk Samba workshop, Yoga, Family Activities, Local Beer & Cider and the best campfire sing-arounds you've ever heard.

A very reasonably priced 3 day event.

Come and join in the singing with some of the finest traditional singers, all hand picked from folk clubs and festivals around the country, some well-known, some not heard of, but all of a high standard. A harvest of song complemented by good company, good food and drink.

Also known as BAAFest

A great mix of folk, jazz, blues and anything else that they fancy! As long as it's all acoustic.

No sheep were harmed in the production of their website.

Started in 1968, still going strong.

Folk festival/cultural event in the Welsh Border area - featuring over 170 hours of entertainment in just one weekend of traditional music, song and dance.

Some of the most outstanding local, national and international traditional folk festival musicians performing in concert, ceilidhs and displays.

An annual medieval music festival wholly dedicated to medieval music-making. It's unique in the UK.

Our theme for this year is The Matter of Britain - Medieval Music and Story of the British Isles.

A major event in the early music calendar - a weekend dedicated solely to the music of the middle ages. It's all happening at Bolton Castle in beautiful Wensleydale in North Yorkshire

Now in its 29th year.

Swanage comes alive with hundreds of Morris dancers in their bright costumes and jingling bells, and folk music lovers, every year for the weekend on the second Friday after the August Bank Holiday Monday.

Concerts, join-in sessions, workshops, as well as dancers

Teignmouth and Shaldon will play host to at least 26 shanty groups performing in 15 venues and providing over 120 hours of "free to attend" shanty singing .
Raising funds for the RNLI, Rowcroft Hospice, Teign Heritage Centre and the Alice Cross Centre.

If you're into shanties, take a trip down to Devon. There's more to Devon life than just the Jurrasic coast.

Teignmouth and Shaldon will play host to at least 26 shanty groups performing in 15 venues and providing over 120 hours of "free to attend" shanty singing .

Two weeks of the arts and music in September.

A large variety of genres of music, usually with some folk and acoustic music from some major acts. Arts, literature and film events too.

For over 30 years St Ives Festival has been one of the must-play events for those of us on the Folk, Roots and Acoustic music scene.

Back with a new domain name - looks like they forgot to renew the old one.
Not a lot of info on the website yet, however, apart from the list of performers.

This is the second Moonbeams event this year. It may not return in 2024, with only the July event confirmed.

Born during lockdown, the festival is now in its third year.

And at a very reasonable price - if I was still living 15 miles away from the festival location, I'd have already bought my ticket!

The Peace Through Folk has been running since 1976 and stopped in 2018 after 5 years of remembering the Great War. The final Peace Concert in 2018, was an event to have been at, a really memorable occasion. It was felt that we had achieved everything that we could and it would be the right time to stop. However, we have now realised that there is still a need for the Peace Through Folk Gathering, especially in these dark days, with so many issues around the world. So the Gathering has been resurrected and is once again taking place at Hulme End, in the Peak District, this September.

A mixed genre event, with a folk element for you to enjoy. More than 20 venues and 200 artists (!) to enjoy.

Worcester Music Festival are pleased to announce we will be working alongside Acorns Children's Hospice this year, with the money raised by the festival going towards Acorns' music therapy scheme.

With a great line-up, this looks as if it could be a good weekend out. And it's not expensive either.

Come and enjoy some great live music, spoken word, drum workshops, street entertainment and the chilled atmosphere.

Price covers nine afternoon and evening events, including the headliners evening concerts - and there are several big name headliners too!

Supported by crowdfunding donations.

In the Stockton Globe Theatre.

Not quite a festival, this is a new celebration of folk music. Featuring folk and acoustic music with several acts who feature at festivals.

A NEW one-day festival in the beautiful grounds of the historic Malmesbury Abbey.

Featuring the best in folk and roots music from the UK and beyond, we have put together an AWESOME line-up.

All proceeds to the Malmesbury Mayoral Charities.

Concerts, workshops, sessions.

Mainly indoors, so no need to worry about the weather. There are individual concerts in Derby Cathedral on Friday evening, and Saturday, and concerts in The Old Bell Hotel on Friday evening, and through Saturday and Sunday.

Happy 30th Birthday!

A four day long festival of folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions. Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal setting for this friendly, family festival of folk. Tenterden features one of the widest High Streets in the country lined with historic and listed buildings, numerous friendly pubs and restaurants and green verges. The festival includes many free events.

A festival that both promotes folk music and supports a local community centre so it can continue to be open to the local community.

All proceeds go to the Barlow Trust. There are concerts, workshops, singarounds, music sessions, dance displays, a ceilidh, lectures, demonstrations, with a bar and food available. All the artists and workshop leaders give their time and talents for free for which we are immensely grateful.


Car park at back. Parking place for campervans (but no campervan utilities available).

The website has moved to a new domain name now.

Please join us for a sumptuous autumn weekend full of great music, food and drink, all set in lovely Old Hartlepool. We have put together a lineup containing some of the very best artists on the UK folk scene, but which pays special tribute to the incredibly rich culture and traditions of Teesside and the wider North East.

A New Event!

The festival will present some of the most prestigious names in British folk music, alongside some of the freshest new folk talent, as we celebrate the very best of the genre, over a relaxed and welcoming weekend.

Using Scunthorpe’s prestigious Baths Hall, where the festival will take over the auditorium, bars and break-out spaces, to offer headline concerts, workshops and a ceilidh, plus sing-arounds and sessions in our pop-up folk club. Friday also sees a concert take place in the Bath’s Hall’s sister venue, the traditional proscenium style theatre, Plowright Theatre

A mixture of free open air entertainment, concerts, music sessions, classic boats, pub sessions and singarounds during the festival weekend. Events take place throughout the old town of Harwich at several local venues.

Covers a variety of music styles.

Not the normal many acts in one place sort of event, but an event spread around under the one banner.

You might find something that suits you.

Spread out over a month.

Site not fully updated yet.

Manchester Folk Festival is a major new festival of English folk and acoustic roots music. From songs of struggle to joyful reels, from traditional to experimental, the festival will celebrate contemporary folk as it straddles genres, embraces cultures and absorbs new influences.

An urban festival. A gathering of all kinds of folk.

With craft workshops, pub sing-arounds and in-conversations with artists.

HOME is the festival hub, and nearby Gorilla, The Ritz and The International Anthony Burgess Foundation will also host gigs.

Multiple venues.

A world music event, many different styles. Check the line up to see if it appeals to your tastes.

Musicport was established in 2000 to promote live music and music education in Whitby and the surrounding area.

The rather magical winner of the Indoor Festival of the Year 2013 (Fatea Awards

It was a new event, in Newcastle, last year, and it's back again. Intends to showcase contempory , alternative and traditional folk and roots musics. Includes local and national artists

Lowender, the festival that celebrates Cornish culture and its Celtic connections, is returning to Redruth, Wednesday 25th - Saturday 29th October 2023.
Expect Cornish music, dance, song and fun for all the family with a host of international Celtic performers from Brittany, the Isle of Man, Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Music performances, dance sessions and workshops will be taking place in locations across Redruth Town Centre during the 4-day festival, whilst the main evening events will take to the stage at Redruth School.
Tickets are on sale now and kids go free!
This year will see Lowender, which has developed from the Lowender Peran festival, grow into a new organisation where connecting communities and championing Cornwall’s living traditions on a national and international scale is at the core of its values.
For over 40 years Lowender Peran developed an interCeltic festival, creating a powerful network of international friends, celebrating cultural exchange and helping to open Cornish culture to a wider audience.

Two days of workshops and performances by more than fifty groups, representing over thirty different countries "all the villages of the world - and in London, a marvellous concept". Saturday evening is a Balkan dance and Latin American night, Sunday evening, International Dance.

Visitors to the event will be able to watch and try for themselves traditional dance forms from all over the world.

Also known as The Melton Mowbray Christmas Folk Trail, consists of many acts hosted across many venues in the town of Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, UK. With an additional welcoming singaround on the evening of Friday 9th December.

Usually taking place in different local venues.