This is by no means a complete list of 2008 British festivals and will be regularly updated, but by all means please email us to add your event details, this page is accessed by thousands of potential festival goers each year so the more information we have about your festival the more useful it is for them and you.
16th January - 3rd February 2008
Celtic Connections, Glasgow
"Celtic Connections features artists from around the globe alongside the very best Scottish talent."
14th - 17th February
St Valentines Folk Festival, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands
"Folk. Skiffle. Blues. Indie. Celtic. Dance. Stories. Poetry. Folk-Walk. Singarounds. Sessions... "
Artists include:
Cathryn Craig & Brian Willoughby, George Papavgeris, Laners, Scolds Bridle, Belzebub, Miv Cameron Band, Bedlam, Dave Walmisley,
Bob Lines, Edwards Brothers, Tony Portlock, Pete Quin, Trefor & Vicki Williams, Pete & Anita McNabb, Dave & Julia Taylor,
Andy Clarke, Will Morgan, Tony Barrett, Gren Bartley
15th - 17th February 2008
Kirkby Fleetham Folk Club Winter Warmer Weekend, Kirkby Fleetham, North Yorkshire
Booked guests include: Jez Lowe, Duncan McFarlane Band, Wendy Arrowsmith, Keepers Fold, Brother Crow, Zoox, Pillowfish, Acoustica, Chris Milner, Two Black Sheep and a Stallion, Hamish Currie etc......Singarounds and sessions as well!
Cheltenham Folk Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Artists include:
Show of Hands, Brass Monkey, Three Magpies and more
29th February - 2nd March 2008
IVFDF 2008, Sheffield
IVFDF is the country's longest continually running folk festival, aimed squarely at students (although anyone who feels they can keep up is welcome) and run by a different university each year. IVFDF is a non-stop weekend based (fairly broadly) around traditional forms of music and dance.
7th - 9th March 2008
The Swanage Blues Festival, Swanage, Dorset
CWLWM CELTAIDD, The Celtic Festival of Wales, Trecco Bay, Porthcawl, South Wales
Take over 500 singers, musicians and dancers from all the Celtic countries, put them in a high quality holiday camp(superbly equipped with state of the art venues, leisure facilities & luxury heated mobile homes), invite the public to join them for a weekend of concerts, ceilidhs, sessions and workshops, and call it Cwlwm Celtaidd - The Celtic Festival of Wales! That’s it in a nutshell – the only Welsh festival dedicated to the Celtic tradition.
All details, including artist list, the highly affordable weekend ticket and accommodation prices are to be found on the www.cwlwmceltaidd.com. or phone the festival office on 01656 766667.
Loughborough Folk Festival, Loughborough, Leicestershire
Doncaster Folk Festival, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Booked artists include: Les Barker, Dave Burland, Crucible, Jon Loomes, Ninepenny Marl, Paul Pearson, Peter Taylor, Nick Wyke & Becki Driscol, Stubblejumpers Ceilidh Band
Concerts, traditional dance, ceilidh, workshops, singarounds and sessions
20th - 24th March
Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival, Fareham, Hampshire
Concerts * Workshops * * Informal Sessions * * Dance Displays * * Singarounds * * Late Night Festival Club
Confirmed artists include: Show of Hands, Kathryn Tickell, Flook, The Oysterband and more
29th March 2008
The Fig and Date Fayre at The Rose and Crown, Cop Hill, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
11th - 13th April
The Fifth Annual Oxford Folk Festival
Confirmed artists include: Bellowhead, The Katherine Tickell Band, Brass Monkey, Martin Simpson & Danny Thompson, Three Daft Monkeys,
Luke Daniels 'Islands', The Oxford Waits, The Woodpecker Band, Wilber, The Oxford Fiddle Group
18th - 20th April
Crediton Folk Weekend, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon
Artists confirmed include Jon Brindley, Capella, Huw Chidgey and more
Morris - Mummers - Concerts - Music Sessions - Singarounds - Displays
1st - 4th May
Shetland Folk Festival
2nd - 4th May
Moor & Coast Festival, Whitby, North Yorkshire
Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy with Chris Parkinson, Elbow Jane, Winter Wilson, George Papavgeris, Cloud Street, Flossie,
George Welch, Ylim, Workshy Profits, Whitby Community Choir, Roger Sutcliffe, Geoff Turner, Widdershins, Mr Fox, Tina Taylor,
David Livingstone, Coblers Monday, Judie Knight, Jim McDonald, Ken Hall
2nd - 5th May
Upton Folk Festival, Worcestershire
40 + Morris Sides - Ceilidh's, Concerts, workshops, singarounds, morris parade (Sun), met the artist, musical meander, duck race, shanty session, church service etc.
3rd - 5th May
Fèis Rois Adult Fèis, Ullapool, Ross-shire
4th - 5th May
Woodford Folk Festival, Woodford, Nr. Stockport, Cheshire
Confirmed artists include Cherish The Ladies, Kellyoddy, Sad Pig, Trebuchet and more
Open Mic session, Singer Songwriter Competition, Workshops, Song & Music Sessions.
Crich Tramway Village Folk Weekend, Derbyshire
"Julie Felix - one of the most enduring and respected Folk singers on the UK circuit today - will be the star attraction when Crich Tramway Village holds its annual Folk Weekend on Sunday 4th and Bank Holiday Monday 5th May.
For the Folk fraternity few artists generate more respect than the artist who was once described as 'Britain's First Lady of Folk'. Lauded over more than 40 years for her song writing talents, captivating performances and committed backing of many causes, especially anti-war movements, Julie Felix is a true Folk legend.
This is also a family event. There will be a whole host of entertainment including performances from a variety of folk dancing troupes and the Tramway Village’s play areas, exhibitions and tram rides will be open as usual.
Julie Felix will be appearing on both days in the marquee in the Woodland Walk area overlooking the Derwent Valley. Also appearing over the weekend will be a variety of well-known local folk musicians.
Crich Tramway Village is open on weekends in March then daily from 21 March until 2 November. It is situated near Matlock, Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28. Admission prices: Adult £10.00. Senior £9.00. Child (3-15) £.5.00. Family (2 adults, 3 children) £28.00 Information line 01773 854321"
9th - 11th May 2008
Clennell Hall Folk Festival, Alwinton, Northumberland National Park
Bob Fox headlines, with Kimber's Men, Donal O'Connor, Calum Stewart, Evil Sweeties, Few Broth and more
ALL SESSION SINGERS WELCOME!
NORTHUMBRIAN CRAFT STALLS,
FREE Camping on Weekend Ticket
60 hours of folk music, song, and dance.
7th Moniaive Folk Festival, Moniaive, Thornhill, Dumfriesshire
Moniaive is ‘One of the coolest villages in Britain’ according to The Times and certainly one of the most picturesque in Scotland.
This years festival takes places over the weekend of may 9th -11th with guests: Altan, Bellevue Rendevouz, The Omega 3 ( formerly Roaring Jelly), Moishe’s Bagel, Lionel Mclelland, The Paul McKenna Band, Absolutely Legless Irish Dancers. The program also includes workshops, competitions and childrens events. The craic in the two village hotels is amazing. Free campsite.
Weekend tickets price £30 are available online
Holmfirth Festival of Folk, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire
Guests include Treebeard, Gerry McNeice, Pete Morton, Roger Davies, Meridian, Hamish Currie, Duncan McFarlane+ Anne Brivonese, Alun Parry and more
Tredegar House Folk Festival, Newport, Gwent
Including: Nancy Kerr and James Fagan
Folk on the Pier 2008, Cromer, Norfolk
The tenth annual festival of roots'n'blues music hailed as the 'the best gig on the North Sea'.
With Shooglenifty (Scotland),
Whapweasel, Bob Fox, Sid Kipper, Little Johnny England, Mike West and Katy Euliss 'Truckstop Honeymoon', Tanglefoot (Canada), Julie Ellison
14th - 17th May
Brigg Fiddle Festival, Brigg, Lincolnshire
Tasmin Little, Fairport Convention, Old Blind Dogs, Chris Garrick, Tab Hunter and Ben Paley and Altan. Plus workshops sessions and Busking Comp.
15th - 18th May
Winchester MayFest '08, (formerly Winchester Folk Festival), Winchester, Hampshire
"A celebration of traditional and contemporary, music, song and
dance, in the beautiful city of Winchester. All the colour and
warmth of its strong folk heritage. Includes roots, blues and jazz ... "
16th May - 17th May 2008
Lewes Folk Rock Festival, Lewes, Sussex
Confirmed artists include: Baka Beyond, Sheelanagig and more
Berwyn Festival 2007, Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, Wrexham
"Showcasing the best in music with art and food from the Berwyn Region. The festival is being held in the village of Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, on the banks of the upper Ceiriog River, in the heart of the Berwyn foothills.
16th May - 18th May 2008
Shepley Spring Festival, Shepley, West Yorkshire
"After the huge success in 2007 we are happy to announce that tickets for the second Shepley Spring Festival May 16-18th 2008 are now on sale. Headline artists include Peggy Seeger with Martin Carthy, Norma Waterson and Mike Waterson, Bellowhead, John Tams & Barry Coope, Uiscedwr, Crucible, Spiers and Boden, Whapweasel, Park Bench Social Club, Breabach, Bella Hardy, Mick Ryan and Pete Harris and more besides.
65 concerts, dances, workshops and displays over 3 days as well as a comprehensive children's festival and 'Shepley Springboard' a programme of youth music and dance workshops.
We now have dormitory accommodation available at Cliffe House in Shepley village just a couple of minutes walk from the festival site. For further details please contact the festival office on 01484 604704
New old time bluegrass festival, Almeley, Herefordshire
Bands booked so far, Beverly Smith & Carl Jones, Kent Carters, Cousin Pearl, The new Essex Bluegrass Band,
Ticket early bird £20.00 on day £25.00 inc camping
the low cost festival
Contact Number, 01544 327 936
23rd May - 24th May 2008
Ireby Festival, Ireby, Cumbria
Artists confirmed include:
The Paperboys (Canada); The Wailin' Jennys (Canada); Vin Garbutt; The Coal Porters; Julie Felix; Sid Griffin; Chris James; Tollo's Reunion; The Resplendents; BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists Jack McNeill and Charlie Heys; Elaine Davidson and many more.
Box Office 016973 71645 On line and postal booking via the web site.
23rd May - 26th May 2008
Chippingham Folk Festival, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Four days of the best in folk song, music, dance
and traditions in the heart of Wiltshire
Over 200 Events ~ Over 50 Workshops
Concerts ~ Ceilidhs ~ Dances ~ Displays ~ Story Telling ~ Pub Sessions ~ Full Children's and Youth Programmes ~ Outdoor Arena in Beautiful Riverside Setting ~ Riverside Camping and Caravan Sites ~ Craft Marquee ~ Music Stalls ~ Instruments Maker ~ Street Market on Monday ~ Superb on site catering ~ Historic Market Town ~ Excellent Road and Rail Links
Chester Folk Festival, Chester
Artists include: Tanglefoot · John Spiers & Jon Boden, Chris While & Julie Matthews · The Churchfitters, Sid Kipper · Chris Wood · Cloudstreet · Kerfuffle, Grant Baynham · Shona Kipling & Damien O'Kane
Cleethorpes Folk Festival, Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
"Cleethorpes Folk Festival is a weekend celebration of the very best in folk music, song and dance. Starting on Friday night, running through to beyond midnight on the bank holiday Monday."
The Black Horse Music Festival, Telham, Sussex
Fishguard Folk Festival, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
Make a date in your diary for this friendly, 4 day festival. May 23rd to 26th 2008
Live music at its very best featuring Niamh Ni Charra (fiddler and accordion player from Riverdance) accompanied by Mike Galvin (guitarist);
From America, Beverly Smith and Carl Jones (Appalachian songs and tunes);
Ember (Welsh/American duo/trio);
Toreth (Welsh language singer/songwriters and musical duo);
Sild (Welsh/Estonian duo);
Nick Wyke and Becki Driscoll (Fiddle duo from Devon); Mike Chant, plus others.
See web site for more details. Also featured are concerts, sessions, workshops, meet the artists, open mic slots, street performances, and a guided smuggler and pirates guided walk around the historic town of Fishguard, located on the Pembrokeshire coastal path. Based mainly in the Royal Oak, the festival is town wide.
30th May - 1st June 2008
Montrose Music Festival, Montrose, Angus
"Montrose Music Festival will take place from 30 May - 1 June 2008 and will feature live music from a wide range of genres, from Rock to Jazz, Folk to Latin, Blues to Bluegrass and more. The Festival will kick off in the town hall on Friday night with The Average White Band.
Whatever your taste in music, there will be something for everyone.
There is ample accommodation in the town, with a number of hotels and B&Bs in the area. There are also caravan and camping sites within walking distance of the town centre."
Wychwood Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
The Imagined Village - featuring Billy Bragg, Simon Emmerson, Eliza Carthy, Martin Carthy, Sheila Chandra from Trans-global Underground, Andy Gangadeen from The Bays, Francis Hylton, Johnny Kalsi from The Dhol Foundation, Barney Morse Brown, Sheema Mukherjee and Chris Wood.
Kate Rusby
The Blockheads and Phill Jupitus
Palladium
Piney Gir and the Country Roadshow
The Epstein
Plus Comedy from, Andy Smart, Phill Jupitus, Dave Johns, Stephen Frost and Jeff Green.
6th - 8th June 2008
'Coastline ' Bluegrass Music Event, Llandudno, N.Wales
Concerts, Picking sessions, Workshops, Visiting bands, Scratch bands, Camping, Food, real ale, BBQ
Wessex Folk Festival, Weymouth, Dorset
Artists include: Last Night's Fun, Dick Gaughan and more
Southwell Folk Festival, Nottinghamshire
Confirmed artists include: Eliza Carthy, Solas, Tanglefoot, Bob Fox, Flossie Malavialle, Gareth Pearson and Something Nasty in the Woodshed.
Wirral Folk on the Coast Festival, Bromborough, Wirral
Artists include: Martin Carthy, Chris While and Julie Matthews, Harvey Andrews, Jez Lowe and more
13th - 15th June 2008
Ipswich Riverside Folk Weekend, Ipswich
Details to be confirmed.
The Big Session, De Montfort Hall & Gardens, Leicester
Acts already confirmed for 2008 include OYSTERBAND, BELLOWHEAD, THE HANDSOME FAMILY, CARA DILLON, DEVON SPROULE, KILA, LAU, THE TROUBADOURS, HEY NEGRITA, VINCENT VINCENT & THE VILLAINSy."
Keith Folk Festival, Keith, Moray
Middlewich Folk and Boat Festival, Middlewich, Cheshire
Confirmed artists to include: June Tabor, Chris and Kelly While, Martin Simpson, Anthony John Clarke, Rory Ellis, Peatbog Faeries, Kirsty McGee and Mat Martin, Family Mahone and many, many more
Gower Folk Festival, Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill, Gower, Swansea
Confirmed artists include: Witchnotes, Kerr Fagan Harbron, Sultans of Squeeze, Martyn Wyndham Read, Climax Ceilidh Band, Louise Schultz and Susanne Lind (Sweden), Skyhook, Tom Kitching and Gren Bartley, Dana and Susan Robinson (USA), Les Barker, Mary Humphreys and Anahata, Meridian, Craig, Robson and Morgan, Shanty Jack, Tom Bliss, Pat Smith & Ned Clamp, and Kerry Fletcher
14th - 15th June
Leamington Peace Festival, Pump Room Gardens, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire
"A free festival featuring two entertainment areas, a children's tent, a workshop tent, and over a hundred stalls. Diverse range of music."
20th - 22nd June 2008
Teignmouth Folk Festival, Teignmouth, Devon
"A small friendly festival in a lovely South Devon Seaside Town.
Beverley Folk Festival, Beverley, East Yorkshire
"concerts ~ ceilidhs ~ workshops ~ children's events
sessions ~ trade & craft fair and lots more"
26th - 29th June
Leigh Folk Festival, Essex
The largest free folk festival in the country, at venues around Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, with over 60 musical acts, 30 dance display sides, mummers, street entertainers, ceilidhs, children's events and more besides. This year's headliners include Rachel Unthank
& the Winterset, Mawkin:Causley ~ Nancy Kerr & James Fagan ~ Kirsty McGee & Mat Martin ~ Tom Bliss ~ Phil Burdet ~ Emma Tricca ~ The Melodica, The Melody and Me
. Details of timings, venues etc. regularly updated on the festival website www.leighfolkfestival.co.uk.
27th - 28th June
Togfest Music Festival, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
"Celebrating it's Tenth Anniversay with the best of live music of every genre.** Thirty five artists across four stages. ** Family friendly atmosphere** Evolving line-up: Togmor, The Zeds, Big Laundry Bill, Stone Foundation, Dan Plews, Taylor'd Country, Peartree Bridge Family, Navaro, '3am', etc etc. **Free childrens entertainment. **Free workshops. **Walk in acoustic session.** Camping."
27th - 29th June
Crawley Folk Festival, Crawley, Sussex
"The sprawling wooded grounds of The Hawth is the perfect backdrop for the annual Crawley folk festival - a three day family friendly celebration of the best traditional and contemporary music that the folk scene has to offer!
Crazy about Ceilidh? Potty about pipers?
Well you'll be spoilt for choice with music acts from Britain, Ireland and North America encompassing every style imaginable from English Ceilidh bands to Scottish pipers, Irish bodhran players to Welsh singers, Deep South blues to Canadian fiddlers, Cajun squeezeboxes to Appalachian pickers ….and sometimes a bit of all of it together!
With an indoor theatre, workshop rooms and oodles of outside space, The Hawth's unique setting means we can do so much more than your average festival!
You can soak up the ambience at the Amphitheatre stage or sample a pint at the bar and enjoy the best small acoustic acts at the foyer stage. If its big names on a big stage you're after - the main theatre is for you, whilst the intimate Studio setting offers a chance to get up close and personal to some of folk's most accomplished acts.
Real ale tents, food stands and craft stalls are nestled conveniently between the storytelling tent, dance stage and open air marquee allowing you to weave from one event to the next and adding to the camaraderie and feel-good festival vibe!"
Dent Folk Festival, Cumbria
"A weekend of Music, Dance, Puppetry, Street Theatre, Storytelling, Workshops, Family Activities and
Real Ale in one of the most beautiful settings in the UK.
Handley Village Festival, Handley, Clay Cross, Nr. Chesterfield, Derbyshire
A 33 acre family friendly site in the hills of Derbyshire
Workshops
Children’s Entertainment Crafts
Dance Teams
Real Ale Bar
St Albans Folk at the Festival, St Albans, Hertfordshire
The 'Folk at the Festival' weekend will take place from June 27-29 2008. It will include a concert featuring Zoox at Redbourn Village Hall on Friday June 27, a procession and day of dance followed by a ceilidh with Nick Walden and the Committee Band on Saturday June 28 and a day of workshops with Steph West and others on Sunday June 29, followed by a concert featuring the New Rope String Band, at the Maltings Arts Theatre.
26th June - 3rd July
The Railway Folk Club
Lymm Festival, Lymm, Cheshire
4th - 6th July 2008
Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival, Newcastleton, Roxburghshire
"39th year of the Friendly Festival based around competitions and endless sessions with concert dance ceilidh and workshops. An atmosphere that must be experienced to be believed."
Contact 013873 76254
festivalsecretary@newcastleton.com
Folk on the Water Festival, Saul, Near Frampton on Severn, Gloucestershire -
"The Saul Canal Festival & Folk on the Water Weekend… two events at one venue...
a Boat Gathering & Folk Music Festival in a beautiful corner of Gloucestershire"
Two Rivers Folk Festival 2008, Chepstow, Monmouthshire
Oysterband, Baghdaddies and many more, camping with big top concert marquee, 25 morris teams, Chepstow Castle concert, sessions, kids entertainment
Cleckheaton Folk Festival, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire
Confirmed artists include: The Wilson Family, Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson with Chris Parkinson, Seize the Day, Miriam Backhouse and more....
North Wales Bluegrass Festival, Conwy, North Wales
4th - 19th July 2008
Cheltenham Music Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Meurig Bowen has announced the programme for the 64th – and his first – Cheltenham Music Festival (Friday 4-Saturday 19 July).
The major theme of this year’s Festival is the 50th anniversary of Vaughan Williams’ death which prompts a broad-ranging investigation of classical music’s connection with folk-song in the 20th century. The various compositions of the folk-inclined RVW, Holst, Grainger, Britten, Bartok, Kodaly and Lutoslawski are all performed at the Festival by distinguished folk influenced artists such as the greatest ambassador to British folk music, Kathryn Tickell. Kathryn will also explore the possibilities of combining Indian and British folk traditions with percussionist Kuljit Bharma in collaboration with SPNM. The Manchester Camerata with Gordon Nikolitch bring together Vaughan Williams’ expansive masterpiece with folk tunes and the (Cheltenham raised) Holst’s St Paul’s Suite, as well as Bartok’s 1939 Divertimento which brilliantly combines modernist and folk-like influences.
10th - 13th July
Stonehaven Folk Festival, Aberdeenshire
11th - 13th July
Ely Folk Festival, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Priddy Folk Festival, Priddy, Somerset
The friendliest folk festival in England, held at the beautiful village of Priddy,
high on the magnificent Mendip Hills in sunny Somerset.
Spratton Folk Festival, Spratton, Northamptonshire
Two stages with over 25 bands playing.
Bromsgrove Folk Festival, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire
"Artists booked include John Wright Band, James Keelaghan, Chris While & Julie Matthews, Bram Taylor, Fairfield"
12th - 14th July
Furness Tradition Annual Festival, Furness, Cumbria
15th - 19th July
Hebridean Celtic Festival, Western Isles, North West Scotland
"This major Celtic music festival set against the glorious Gaelic culture and Hebridean heritage is currently entering its 13th year. A cornerstone in the wider European calendar of events, this unique festival is renowned for its dynamic programming, broad family appeal and fantastic welcoming community.
Major artists rub shoulders alongside a range of Celtic, world and homegrown performers creating a warm intimacy for an International audience. Make sure you don’t miss this years stunning event."
‘Simply one of the best festivals in the world.’
16th - 20th July
The Larmer Tree Festival, Wiltshire
Larmer Tree Festival, the original boutique festival and still the best-kept
secret, is back from 16th-20th July 2008. Let the music and atmosphere of
the enchanted gardens steal you away from the humdrum of everyday life, and
enjoy…
Yn Chruinnaght, Peel, Isle of Man
"As Yn Chruinnaght is the Manx National Festival, it will be jam packed full of top quality Manx performers. However,
Yn Chruinnaght is also an Interceltic festival and performers from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall and Brittany
will be performing. With a Cornish Troyl and Breton Fest noz kicking the festival off and complementing a Manx ceili,
visitors to Yn Chruinnaght will enjoy the sound of traditional music played by some of today’s leading professional
bands."
18th - 20th July
Saddleworth Folk Festival, Uppermill, Greater Manchester
"The Friendly Festival on the edge of the Moors"
26th July
Lechlade River Folk Festival, The Trout Inn, St. Johns Bridge,
Faringdon Road, Lechlade, Oxfordshire
All day festival of local talent from the River Folk club
Go on come along and have a fun day!
12.00pm - 11.00pm
Good food
Good beer
Good music
25th - 26th July
The Evolve Festival, Weymouth, Dorset
Confirmed artists include: Show of Hands, Lou Rhodes, Kerfuffle, 3 Daft Monkeys, Megson, Tim Van Eyken, Landermason and more....
25th - 27th July
Lomond Folk Festival, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire
Warwick Folk Festival, Warwick, Warwickshire
26th - 27th July
The Big Tent, Falkland, Fife
The Big Tent - a weekend of music, art and creativity championing the work
of the environmental movement and those concerned with the conservation of
the living world.
Music line up of King Creosote + The Fence Collective + Peatbog Faeries +
Frank and Walters + Moishe's Bagel + Voces Del Sur + Abdou + John Coletta +
More.
Debates, Exhibitions on Sustainable Living and One Planet, Poetry, book
launches, children's zone, local food, craft market place.
27th July
Folk by The Oak, Hatfield, Hertfordshire
One day event with confirmed artists included Seth Lakeman, Cara Dillon, Martin Simpson and more..
31st July - 3rd August
Stokes Bay Festival, Stokes Bay, Hampshire
"Enjoy some great live music in a family-friendly atmosphere at one of the
safest and most relaxed festivals of the summer held in a picturesque
setting at unspoilt Stokes Bay, with its stunning views across the
Solent and the English Channel to the Isle of Wight."
Confirmed artists include: The Levellers, Bellowhead, The Saw Doctors, Dick Gaughan, Michael McGoldrick, Show of Hands, Devon Sproule and more...
Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge
Book early and quickly!!!
1st - 8th August
Sidmouth Folk Week, Sidmouth, Devon
The best of folk music, dance and song in a holiday at the seaside in East Devon. Concerts, dances, ceilidhs, dance displays, crafts, workshops, sessions, street theatre. Something for all the family with lots of special events for children.
2nd - 3rd August
The Alternate festival of Jazz & Folk 2008, The Edgmond Lion, nr Newport, Shropshire
A whole weekend of the best jazz and folk musicians from the Shropshire area and beyond. Evening barbeque picnic accompanied by great jazz sounds, night-time Ceilidh, overnight camping, breakfast, folk bands, Morris Dancers (with the chance to learn how to Morris Dance) and lots more....
Confirmed Performers for the >alternate Festival of Jazz & Folk 2008:
Swing Manouche: a Birmingham based Jazz quartet consisting of two guitarists, a violinist and double bass. Influenced primarily by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli they bring their own sounds to jazz classics.
Quiver: 6 piece Latin jazz band. Quiver's music is an intoxicating mix of rhythm, melody and harmony that brings passion, soul and irresistible energy to the stage and guarantees to get everyone on their feet.
Klemzer Kollectiv: Gypsy Jazz music from clarinet, guitar and bass. see: www.myspace.com/klezmerkollectiv
Hoover the Dog: The ever-so cutely named Welsh borders trio are a ceilidh folk band who will get your feet tapping and hands clapping!
TICKETS:
In advance: Please call alternate on 07904 553 125
Advanced tickets are priced at £25 per adult camping, £10 for under 16s camping (to be accompanied by an adult)
Day Tickets £10 per day per adult and £6 for under 16s.
Tickets at the Gate are priced at £30 per adult camping, £10 for under 16s camping (to be accompanied by an adult)
Day Tickets £12 per day per adult and £6 for under 16s.
7th - 9th August
Fairport's Cropredy Convention, Cropredy, Oxfordshire
Artists include: Fairport Convention, The Family Mahone, Anthony John Clarke, Whapweasel, The Levellers, Julie Fowlis, 3 Daft Monkeys and far more
8th - 10th August
Pickering Folk Festival, Pickering, North Yorkshire
Confirmed artists include: The Waterboys, Luka Bloom, Eddi Reader, Last Nights Fun, Eliza Carthy and more.
10th - 17th August
The Broadstairs Folk Week, Broadstairs, Kent
11th - 17th August
Bideford Folk Festival, Bideford, Devon
"This week long friendly festival is held in and around the historic port of Bideford , situated in beautiful North Devon . There are concerts and music sessions taking place every day of the week with plenty of opportunity for musicians and singers to join in and for audiences to sit and listen to some good music and soak up the atmosphere. Booked already a superb mix of well established artistes and the best of the new young folk acts."
Fiddlers' Bid' 'Faustus' 'John Kirkpatrick' 'Les Barker''Kate Lissauer & the Buffalo Gals' 'Random' 'Cornwall Songwriters' 'Zoox''Barron Brady' 'Dambuskers'' Trim Rig & Doxy' 'Lynne Heraud & Pat Turner' 'Barrie & Ingrid Temple' John Heslop & Kathi Wallace' 'Roger Bryant' and Isambarde
Glasgow International Piping Festival – Piping Live!, Glasgow
"Glasgow International Piping Festival – Piping Live! will take place between 11th-17th August 2008. The week is a showcase of all things piping, with contermporary and traditional styles of piping from all over the globe gathering in Glasgow for the week. There are free concerts in George Square in Glasgow, and many other events at venues around the city including a family day with children’s events.
Also the World Pipe Band Championships (which aren’t run by us) are on Saturday 16th August on Glasgow Green."
15th - 16th August
Tegeingl - the festival of hidden folk, Mold, Flintshire
Artists confirmed include: Mabon, Steve Tilston, Pigyn Clust, Les Barker, Martha Tilston, Crasdant, Jez Lowe, Siân James, Bella Hardy, Eileen McGann and David K, Jez Lowe, Groups from Poland and Ireland.
There will be concerts, a ceilidh late on friday night, and a twmpath
late on saturday night. a competition for young musicians; sessions;
workshops on music & dance.
Tickets £35 fri/sat, £50 family, £20 all day saturday, £15 friday evening
or saturday evening.
15th - 17th August
The White Horse Folk Festival, Wantage, Oxfordshire
"White Horse Folk Festival is a small, friendly festival held in Oxfordshire where there is plenty of fine singing, quality guests and good company."
Innerleithen Music Festival, Scottish Borders
"Come to our small town by the River Tweed just 30 miles south of Edinburgh for a weekend featuring some of the biggest names in Celtic music. Plus workshops, outdoor concert and great pub sessions.
Accommodation is limited - please book early - details on the website or phone 01721 729949.
Tickets from the Eastgate Theatre (01721-725777) or from Scotlight, High Street, Innerleithen."
Pontardawe Festival, Pontardawe, Neath Port
"Folk, roots, celtic and world music and dance for all the family + childrens events, litfest, real ale bar and lots more in the heart of the picturesque Swansea Valley."
St Mary's in the Marsh Charity Folk Festival, Nr Romney, Kent
Over 20 local bands taking part..
The Green Man Festival, Glanusk Park, Powys, Wales
The Green Man Festival is held in the glorious setting of Glanusk Park Estate. Framed by the River Usk and the Monmouthshire Canal, Glanusk Park is set in over 20,000 acres of rolling parkland in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.
16th - 22nd August
Whitby Folk Week, Whitby, North Yorkshire
"There are around 600 events packed into the week and the main emphasis of the festival is on the traditional music, dance, song and storytelling of the British Isles and Ireland."
21st - 25th August
Towersey Village Festival, Towersey, Oxfordshire
"Famed for being one of the most relaxed, family friendly festivals of its kind, Towersey Village Festival returns for the 44th edition with its eclectic mix of concerts, workshops, dances and dedicated youth and children’s programmes."
22nd - 24th August
Solfest, Cumbria
22nd - 25th August
Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Richard Thompson, Bellowhead, Oysterband, Lunasa, Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, Tim Van Eyken Band, Pete Morton,
Rory McLeod, New Rope String Band, Máire Ní Chathasaigh & Chris Newman, The Demon Barber Roadshow, ColvinQuarmby, Steve Tilston, The Wilsons, Bella Hardy Trio, Eilen Jewell Band, John Wesley Harding, Kerfuffle, Pete Lockett & Joji Hirota, Boka Halat, Cloudstreet, The Doonans, The Wilsons, Braebach, Sheelanagig, 4Square, Elbow Jane and many more.....
29th - 31st August
Wallingford Bunkfest, Wallingford, Oxfordshire
"Concerts... dance displays... ceilidhs... beer festival...
a huge Craft Fair... Fab Food... children's BunkFest...
folk club... vintage displays... music on river boats... storytelling fringe... "
Flyde Folk Festival, Marine Hall, Fleetwood, Lancashire
Concerts, Ceilidh, Workshops, Dance teams, Singarounds, Pub Session, Youth Events, Pub Sessions, Craft & Music Fair.
Lancashire & Cheshire Clog Dancing Contest, Young Person's Competition.
Burnham Folkfest, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset
12th - 14th September
Bromyard Folk Festival, Bromyard, Herefordshire
"the best folk cultural event in the Welsh Border area - cramming over 170 hours of entertainment into just one weekend of traditional music, song and dance. Some of the most outstanding folk musicians of the British Isles performing in concert."
3rd - 5th October
Ingleton Folk Weekend, Ingleton, North Yorkshire
Situated in the Yorkshire Dales - headline acts include The Kathryn Tickell Band, Bob Fox & Stu Luckley
Loads of other bands, sessions, workshops and dancing. Everything free except for the 2 main concerts.
10th - 12th October
Banbury Folk Festival, Banbury, Oxfordshire<
24th October - 2nd November
Perthshire Amber - The Dougie Maclean Festival, Perthshire
Beautiful Perthshire in the heart of Scotland is the setting for the fourth annual Dougie MacLean Festival. With concerts in theatres, castles and even an iron age crannog and featuring a variety of musical styles, this is an experience not to be missed.
Spanning over 10 days, the festival gives the opportunity for Dougie MacLean to draw from his vast repetoire of song and instrumental compositions - from The Gael used in Last of the Mohicans to the internationally acclaimed Ready for the Storm and his anthemic Caledonia with...no song repeated!
There will also be workshops, talks, open mic, sessions, ceilidh dance and much much more.
Described as "a jewel of a festival-where contemporary song meets folk, roots and tradition" (Herald)
