10th - 11th December 2011
Broad Roots Mid Winter Festival, Lowestoft, Suffolk
With artists including John Ward and Mario Price, Richard Grainger, Martin Carthy, Horses Brawl and more
13 - 15th January 2012
The Whittlesea Straw Bear Festival, Whittlesea, Peterborough
Concerts, Free Events, Straw Bear Procession, Cajun Dance, Barn Dance, Story Telling and more.
19th January - 5th February 2012
Celtic Connections, Glasgow
"Celtic Connections features artists from around the globe alongside the very best Scottish talent."
February 10th – 12th 2012
Cheltenham Folk Festival, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Including Dervish, The Albion Band, Brass Monkey and more...
Gainsborough American Old Time Festival at Queen Elizabeth High School, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire DN21 2ST
American old time music and traditional dance featuring the music of Charlie Poole from The New North Carolina Ramblers with Appalachian dance, fiddle and banjo from Ira Bernstein and Riley Baugus and much more.
18th – 19th February 2012
Frome Folk Festival, Frome, Somerset
Line-up already announced: Spiers and Boden, Bella Hardy, Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman, Tim Edey & Brendan Power, Belshazzar's Feast, Pilgrims' Way, Jenna Witts, Cole Stacey, Luke Jackson with more to announce (including a second headliner).
Spiers and Boden afternoon Ceilidh with guest called Phil Bassindale.
Concerts, Ceilidhs, Workshops, Sing-arounds, Open Mics, Marketplace and more.
2nd - 4th March 2012
The Swanage Blues Festival, Swanage, Dorset
* Free Admission to 40 gigs in 15 indoor venues
* Open Mic daily, Electric Jam Sessions, Buskers, Gospel Service
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.
9 - 11th March 2012
1st Yorkshire Cajun & Zydeco Festival, Malton, North Yorkshire
Mellor Brook Fiddle Day, Blackburn, Lancashire
Bournemouth Folk Festival, Bournemouth, Dorset
Bowness Bay Blues weekend, Bowness, Cumbria
Maritime Music Festival at the National Waterways Museum, Ellesmere, Cheshire
Crediton Folk Weekend, Cheriton Fitzpaine, Devon
The Malton & Norton Folk Festival, Malton/Norton, North Yorkshire
Oxford Folk Weekend, Oxford
Tivvyfest, Tiverton, Devon
Raunds Community Music Festival, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
10th March 2012
"A day of fiddle workshops for all abilities to allow the ‘passing on’ of folk and traditional repertoire, skills and knowledge from England’s rich musical heritage combined with an evening concert."
23rd - 24th March 2012
Located in the compact seafront suite at Bournemouth’s leading entertainment venue, now in its second year, offering the best in folk music, song and dance.
Confirmed artists including: Martyn Joseph, Martha Tilston, Emily Barker, Andy Cutting, The Urban Folk Quartet and more
30th March - 1st April 2012
"a brand new music festival in a stunning setting – on the eastern shore of Lake Windermere, in the heart of the Lake District. Some of Britain’s best blues musicians will soon be raising the roof in this beautiful little town!"
6th - 8th April 2012
13th - 15th April 2012
Morris - Mummers - Concerts - Music Sessions - Singarounds - Displays
20th - 21st April 2012
Small but perfectly formed festival with Roy Bailey, King Courgette & Two Black Sheep & A Stallion in concert as well as Meet & Greet, Singarounds, Musicians Session, Dance Displays & Workshops.
20th - 22nd April 2012
Confirmed artists include: Crucible Trio, Telling The Bees, Triptych, Mawkin and far more
1st May - 31st May 2012
Tiverton's Community Festival
3rd - 6th May 2012
‘Now in its 11th year: Rock, Folk and Jazz Concerts with top-line artistes, Song/Tune and Open Mic sessions, Dance Competition, Ceilidh and workshops.
Shetland Folk Festival, Shetlands
4th to 6th May 2012
Wath Festival, South Yorkshire
With confirmed artists including Fairport Convention, Chris and Kellie While, Dick Gaughan, and more
BAAFEST - Bellingham All Acoustic Festival, Bellingham, Northumberland
We hope you'll be tempted by the terrific line up of acts from the North East and further a field that will be featured over the weekend. The main festival site will be in the grounds of the Riverdale Hall Hotel on the banks of the River Tyne. A host of other events will be taking place around the village including an art exhibition, farmers market and student concert. Camping available too.
Girvan Traditional Folk , Girvan, Ayrshire
Concerts - Sessions - Open Stage - Competitions - Workshops - Children's Events
4th to 7th May 2012
Upton Folk Festival, Worcestershire
Confirmed artists include: Bryony Griffith and Will Hampson, James Findlay, Stompin' Dave and more
40 + Morris Sides - Ceilidh's, Concerts, workshops, singarounds, morris parade (Sun), meet the artist, musical meander, duck race, shanty session, church service etc.
Clun Green Man Festival, Clun, South Shropshire
"Celebrate a Traditional Springtime Festival with Live Music, Drama, Colour & Medieval Merriment
Hardraw May Gathering, Hawes in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire
A new event set in the stunning Yorkshire Dales at the Green Dragon Inn, near Hawes in Wensleydale. 3 days of concerts, and other activities designed to appeal to those who particularly enjoy good folk singing with a touch of humour.
Outstanding lineup and plenty of real ales on site!
5th to 6th May 2012
Stepping Stones Festival, Scottish Borders
Maddy's House Party! Maddy Prior invites you to a fun-filled weekend of music and song to celebrate the arrival of spring. An intimate festival for friends old and new.
Set deep in the heart of the remote Scottish Borders this bijou festival will have food, beer tent, craft stalls, entertainment for children, plus a play area and activities, various workshops and open mic stage.
Featuring: Spiers and Boden, Maddy Prior, Coope, Boyes and Simpson, Keith Donnelly, Carnival Band, New Robe String Band, The Hut People,
Whapweasel, Benji Kirkpatrick, Krazy Kat Theatre and many more
5th to 7th May 2012
Bristol Folk Festival, Bristol
Award-winning artists, Ceilidhs, Sessions,Workshops, Singalongs,
Morris Dancers, Mummers, Maypoles, Arts, Crafts, Musicians, Open Mic, Street Parades, Buskers, Circus Poetry and Story Telling
Confirmed artists include Show of Hands, Cara Dillon, 3 Daft Monkeys, Rua MacMillan and more...
18th - 20th May 2012
Doncaster Folk Festival 2011, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Concerts, Ceilidh, Dance Displays, Sessions & Singarounds
25th - 27th May 2012
Shepley Spring Festival, Shepley, West Yorkshire
Invited artists include: Phil Beer, O'Hooley & Tidow, Tickled Pink and more
Ryedale Folk Weekend, Cropton, Nr Pickering, North Yorkshire
Guests Include: The Tannahill Weavers, Martin Curtis and Trevor Reed
Real Ale Bar - Craft Stalls - Kids Activities - Workshops - Sessions - Singarounds & Concerts
1st – 2nd June 2012
Ireby Festival, Ireby Wigton, Cumbria
Altan, Time Gentleman Please featuring The Demon Barber Road Show, Kieran Goss, Henry Priestman, Polly and the Billets Doux, Tarras, James Findlay, Les Barker, Ewan McLennan, Lucy Ward, Tinderbox, Mochara, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra and many more.
1st – 3rd June 2012
Wessex Folk Festival, Weymouth, Dorset
1st – 4th June 2012
Chippenham Folk Festival, Chippenham, Wiltshire
Four days of the best in folk song, music, dance
and traditions in the heart of Wiltshire
Fishguard Folk Festival, Fishguard, Pembrokeshire
Over the past ten years the seaport town of Fishguard has been host to this friendly small traditional music festival. Also featuring is the ever-popular guided 'Pirate and Smugglers' walk. The festival is mainly free, and embraces the talents of old and young alike and actively encourages visitors to join in the sessions with the 'stars' of the show.
Chester Folk Festival, Chester
Artists include: Chris Wood, Steve Tilston, Al Parrish, Maggie Boyle, Pilgrim's Way and more
The Gate to Southwell Folk Festival, Nottinghamshire
Confirmed artists include: Dougie MacLean, Breabach, Jon Boden and the Remnant Kings, Martyn Joseph, Brass Monkey, Beoga, Le Vent du Nord ( Canada), The Melrose Quartet, Nancy Kerr and James Fagan, Richard and Jess Arrowsmith, Karine Polwart Trio, The Toy Hearts, Fay Hield Trio, Lucy Ward and more!!
1st – 5th June 2012
5th Bude & Stratton Folk Festival, North Cornwall
"Bude by the sea and Stratton full of history. These two towns, now virtually merged, offer a natural location for a folk festival. The ancient market town of Stratton with its narrow streets and historic connection with the Battle of Stamford Hill (1643) has great character ideally suited to folk festivities.
As a resort town, Bude offers plenty of accommodation, beautiful surfing beaches and the best view in the world from Compass Point to Lundy Island."
7th - 10th June 2012
6th Wirral Folk on the Coast Festival, Bromborough, Wirral, Merseyside
5 High Quality Main-Stage Concerts, 4 Ceilidhs, Craft Stalls, Instrument Workshops, Dance Displays and Workshops, 'Chance To Meet',
Rolling Folk Club & Music Sessions, Story-Telling, Sumptuous Bar/Lounge with Real Ale available all on one beautiful 9 acre site
8th – 10th June 2012
Wimborne Folk Festival, Wimborne, Dorset
A weekend of the very best in traditional English and Celtic music and dance, in and around the Minster town of Wimborne - Dorset
Gower Folk Festival, Parkmill, Gower Swansea
"Fabulous music in a stunning and intimate setting"
14th – 17th June 2012
Arran Folk Festival, Isle of Arran, Scotland
The festival will feature a weekend of open sessions, concerts and Ceilidhs with a line-up including The Dead Man’s Waltz, Mochara, Heather Young, Moses with several more acts still to be confirmed.
15th – 17th June 2012
Middlewich Folk & Boat Festival, Middlewich, Cheshire
Beverley Folk Festival, Beverley, East Yorkshire
Confirmed acts include: Peatbog Faeries and Chumbawamba
3 nights and 2 days of breathtaking music, dance, comedy, film, spoken word, acoustic sessions, workshops for all ages, children & family events, craft stalls, Real Ale, camping & much more. Events taking place in the atmospheric "Festival Village" in the grounds of the Beverley Leisure Complex (HU17 0LT) and many more within the complex itself.
21st - 24th June 2012
Sunrise Celebration 2012, Bruton, South Somerset
"4 days of magical sensory delight in the beautiful surrounds of somerset's rolling green hills await you. More than just a festival of amazing musical entertainments, Sunrise is a celebration of human creativity & potential"
Leigh Folk Festival, Leigh on Sea, Essex
Includes a huge array of musical talent, as well as dance displays, ceilidhs, workshops, children’s events and much more.
22nd - 23rd June 2012
Home festival, Totnes, Devon
Home is a two-day festival focusing on acoustic music, voices and song from around the world. HOME features unplugged sets from a wide range of outstanding international artists as well as family activities, food and drink, craft stalls & workshops.
22nd - 24th June 2012
13th Teignmouth Folk Festival, Teignmouth, Devon
Dent Music And Beer Festival, Dent, Cumbria
A weekend of family fun set in a beautiful location on the the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, 16 miles east of Kendal in the south east corner of Cumbria. Free
Solas Festival, Wiston, Lanarkshire
Solas Festival is Scotland's newest arts festival, based near Biggar, and host to a stunning line-up of musicians, artists and speakers.
23rd - 24th June 2012
Harborough Folk Festival, Harborough, Leicestershire
29th June – 1st July 2012
Sark Folk Festival, Sark, Channel Islands
Rogers Rant, Milborne St Andrew, Dorset
Roger’s Rant aim to run a weekend that is enjoyable and fun for all the participants
Roger’s Rant believes in the promotion of traditional and contemporary acoustic folk music, song and dance, with the emphasis on taking part. It particularly wishes to encourage young performers.
Maverick Festival, Easton Farm Park, Suffolk
"Preparing for its fourth year, the Maverick Festival continues to build on its reputation as the UK's foremost home to the best and brightest in American roots music. The event runs over three days at Easton Farm Park in Suffolk, offering an idyllic campsite and teepee village, commencing on Friday night in the main Barn, continues on Saturday with a full programme of musical performances, dance, film & workshops across four stages indoors and out, and finishes on Sunday with its traditional Gospel brunch.
Beyond the Border - Wales International Storytelling Festival, St Donats, Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Storytelling from around the world, epic singers and musicians from Central Asia, folk music from Wales, wild dance bands and much more...
The Dundee Blues Bonanza, Dundee
"All Blues, All Day, All Free"
5th - 8th July 2012
Stonehaven Folk Festival, Aberdeenshire
". On the second weekend of July each year, Stonehaven comes alive with a Weekend of Music with Concerts in the Town Hall plus workshops, Ceilidh, sessions, Blues Night, free afternoon concerts, Family show, Aqua ceilidh, World paper and Comb Championships, Tradition Bearers Concert, Acoustic Youth Stage and more all around the Town."
6th - 8th July 2012
Folkstation Festival, Isle of Wight
"FolkStation is a special folk festival; certainly not the biggest but it is a unique experience. Located at the award winning Havenstreet steam railway, the festival has built up from a “fringe” group of folk musicians who gathered together to play at railway events over 34-year history of the railway."
Cleckheaton Folk Festival, Cleckheaton, West Yorkshire
13th - 15th July 2012
Ely Folk Festival, Ely, Cambridgeshire
Each Ely Folk Festival is better than the last, with an impressive guest list and programme of workshops, concerts, displays, ceilidhs and children's entertainment. The musicians appearing at the Ely Folk Festival reflect the rich diversity of the modern music scene, with a mixture of established favourites and newer talent.
6th - 22nd July 2012
Brass, Durham
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. BRASS 2011; an exceptional festival of sound.
11th - 14th July 2012
Hebridean Celtic Festival (HebCelt), Hebridean islands
Now an iconic feature of the national festival calendar, HebCelt is an exhilarating mix of music set amidst the stunning beauty of the Hebridean islands.
Tickets on sale in spring, early booking for accommodation strongly advised.
13th - 14th July 2011
Moonbeams Wold Top Folk Festival, Hunmanby Grange, Wold Newton, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 3HS
Moonbeams Wold Top Folk Festival is the perfect little festival perched on top of the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds!.
Acts confirmed..
Show of Hands, Richard Digance, The Young Un's, Circus Envy, Sweet Dixie Dreams, Broken Ground, Heathen Kings, Farino, The Whiskey Dogs Hoedown Band, Anna Shannon... more of the fantastic line-up to follow soon...
A weekend of the of best music, best award winning beers and happiest of vibes!
13th - 15th July 2011
Folk on The Lawn, Abbey Mill, Tintern, Monmouthshire, Gwent
20th - 22nd July 2012
Village Pump Folk Festival, White Horse Country Park, Trowbridge Road, Westbury, Wiltshire BA13 4OX
"Trowbridge Village Pump Folk Club presents the Village Pump Folk Festival. Sitting beneath the beautiful Westbury White Horse, the festival will celebrate the best in Folk, Roots and Acoustic music."
2nd - 29th July 2012
The Fiddler's Green Festival, Rostrevor, Co Down, Northern Ireland
26th - 29th July
Warwick Folk Festival, Warwick
Cambridge Folk Festival, Cambridge
Book early...
27th - 29th July 2012
Southern Fried Festival 2011, Perth
"Covering all the American Roots music bases including blues, country, Cajun, gospel, swing and soul, Southern Fried Festival is a little nugget of Americana in the rolling Scottish countryside with a rich vein of international stars and home grown talent just waiting to be prospected!"
3rd - 5th August 2012
Wadebridge Folk Festival, Wadebridge, Cornwall
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.
10th - 17th August 2012
The Broadstairs Folk Week, Broadstairs, Kent
10th - 18th August 2012
Billingham International Folklore Festival, Cleveland
Premier UK Festival of Dance, Music, Song, Arts & Crafts, featuring the best of Traditional Dance & Music ensembles from all over the world.
Eight days of exciting displays & Spectacular concerts, all in colourful national costumes. Various venues in Billingham, Middlesbrough & Stockton on Tees.
Participation activities include dance courses, workshops, children’s club etc.
16th - 19th August 2012
Mull of Kintyre Music Festival, Campbeltown, Mull of Kintyre
17th - 19th August 2012
Moira Furnace Folk Festival, Derbyshire
Innerleithen Music Festival, Scottish Borders
Concerts, workshops, sessions, late night club, open stage and outdoor events featuring both national and local stars in lovely location amongst the Border hills.
18th - 24th August 2011
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."
23rd - 26th August 2012
Purbeck Folk Festival, Langton Matravers, Dorset
A great little festival with weekend camping in the idyllic setting of a sheep farm in the Purbeck Hills of South Dorset. Music and ceilidh with excellent PA in barns. 400 people bought tickets in 2009, the first year of the festival.
23rd - 27th August 2012
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 48th edition with its eclectic mix of concerts, workshops, dances and dedicated youth and children’s programmes."
24th - 26th August 2012
Folk East, Somerleyton Hall, Lowestoft, Suffolk
This year’s line-up includes Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman, Imagined Village, The Shee, Mike Heron, Trembling Bells, Jackie Oates, Plainsong, Faustus, Fay Heilds and Leisure Society to name but a few.
The festival includes, Camping, workshops, high quality food, circus style entertainment and traditional dancing.
24th - 27th August 2012
Shrewsbury Folk Festival, Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Confirmed line up includes Richard Thompson, Kate Rusby, Show of Hands, Dervish, Lau and more
31st August - 2nd September2012
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... "
40th Fylde Folk Festival, Fleetwood, Lancashire
A three-day celebration of traditional and contemporary folk music, song and dance. Concerts, Workshops, Clog Dancing Contest, Young Performers Competition, Meet The Artists, Youth Events, Musicians sessions, Singarounds.
7th - 8th September 2012
Seend Acoustic Festival Seend, Wiltshire
7th - 9th September 2012
Swanage Folk Festival, Swanage, Dorset
"A weekend of concerts, dance, sessions, workshops, a ceilidh, a craft fair, children's entertainments, trade stalls, around 50 traditional dance sides in a grand parade Saturday afternoon through the town and ending on the sea front."
Bromyard Folk Festival, Bromyard, Herefordshire
"The best folk cultural event in the Welsh Border area - featuring over 170 hours of entertainment into just one weekend of traditional music, song and dance.
14th - 16th September 2012
Ramsbottom Festival, Ramsbottom, Bury, Gtr Manchester.
11th - 14th October 2012
Lewes Folk Festival, Lewes, East Sussex


Folk and Roots presents 'Monday Monday', a night of the best of the folk and roots scene which will be held on the first Monday of the month in central London as from October 2009. See 