The SCoFF Festivals, Special Events and Workshops List

SCoFF claims no credit for the following events which are independently run in and around the SCoFF area, in some cases by Member Clubs or their organisers, but it does encourage and support them and hopes that members will encourage their regulars to attend.

Festivals, Summer Schools and one-day Events
in the SCoFF Area

Events at Halsway Manor are also listed by the Manor

  • 2010

  • SUSSEX All-day SINGAROUND Saturday 16th. January 2010 from 11.00 a.m. - 11.00 p.m. The Royal Oak, High Street, Barcombe (near Lewes) East Sussex BN8 5BA. Free admission - good pub food on sale all day. First an hour of informal tunes while people arrive. Then the singing starts, finishing with a good hour of glorious choruses. Ballads & the occasional instrumental party piece will be very welcome too.
  • Ballad Session Sunday 17th. January 2010 noon - 3.00 p.m. Elephant & Castle, White Hill, Lewes, East Sussex BN7 2DJ Free admission - good pub food on sale.
  • HANDS ON MUSIC: STRINGS AT WITNEY 6th/7th February 2010 Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo. See also the Village Music weekend.
  • Cheltenham Folk Festival 12-14 February 2010 with massive Guest List. Info 0844 576 2210 or boxoffice@cheltenham.gov.uk
  • The Folk Association of South Hants - FASH presents workshops in Music & Song on Sunday 21st February 2010 at Soberton Village Hall - SO32 3PF. Morning session 10.30 to 12.30 - choose either Hand Bells with Elizabeth Haigh or Playing the Bones with Pete Gritton. Afternoon session 1.30 to 3.30 - join in some Sea Shanties with the Portsmouth Shanty Men. No experience (or even aptitude!) necessary Just come to learn and have fun.12.30 - 1.30 Bring & Share lunch or you can bring your own if you wish. Tea & coffee available £8.00 (FASH members £6.00) for the whole day. £5.00 (FASH members £4.00) for one session. Pay at the door.
  • ALCESTER WINTER-FEST 26-28 FEB 2010. INDOOR CAMPING, CAMPERVANS & CARAVANS NO TENTING. Tickets only £20
  • The Song Goes On... Saturday, 27th February 2010 Twyford Parish Hall A CONCERT OF FOLK SONGS COLLECTED IN HAMPSHIRE OVER 100 YEARS AGO including songs collected in Twyford in 1905 and with an informal singing workshop and exhibition during the day. PERFORMED BY GEOFF JERRAM, RON COE, THE MADDING CROWD AND CRAIG;MORGAN;ROBSON. AND EXHIBITION OF OLD PHOTOGRAPHS OF TWYFORD AND SURROUNDING AREA Compiled from private archives and Hampshire Record Office. EXHIBITION: 12noon till 5pm Admission Free Harmony Workshop 2.30pm with Craig; Morgan; Robson Join in and sing one of the songs collected over 100 years ago by George Gardiner. Singing led by C;M;R - the outstanding a-capella harmony group. All welcome. CONCERT: 8pm Tickets £5. For further information: www.forest-tracks.co.uk/hampshirevoices, flyer at http://www.forest-tracks.co.uk/hampshirevoices/media/Song Goes On...pdf or tel: Paul Marsh 01962 713608. Tickets from Paul, Twyford Stores or on door. All proceeds to Parish Hall Fund Unreserved seating (Doors open for Concert 7.30pm). CONCERT SOLD OUT but workshops and exhibition still available.
  • The Swanage Blues Festival 5-7 March 2010 (also in October).
  • HANDS ON MUSIC: VILLAGE MUSIC WEEKEND Witney: 6,7 March 2010. Woodwinds, Brass, Free Reeds, Strings and Voices, Village Band Music, Harmony Singing, Early Music, Street Band, Improvisation.
  • Frittenden Festival Saturday 20 March 2010 at Frittenden, Kent. This is a village-based folk festival mainly featuring performers deeply rooted in the traditional singing, dancing and music of South-Eastern England. Workshops in the morning starting at 10 or 10.30, sessions at lunchtime, various events during the afternoon, and a session and a dance will run concurrently during the evening from about 8pm to 11 or 11.30.
  • Music workshop with Johnny Coppin Sun 28 March 2010- Dursley Town Hall, Gloucestershire 10 - 4pm A WORKSHOP FOR SINGERS, SONGWRITERS and MUSICIANS. A workshop on how to approach song writing, learn how to write tunes for songs, arrange songs, accompany songs. By working with your own songs and ideas, the aim is to build confidence and generate new enthusiasm for your music making. Whatever your level of experience, Johnny will explain and illustrate many of the techniques. Contact - Anne Watson of Traditional Music Making, 8 Jubilee Road, Dursley, Gloucestershire GL11 4ES tel 01453 519243 or 07766 447804 email traditionalmusic[at]btinternet.com www.traditionalmusicmaking.org.uk/li

  • Gosport & Fareham Easter Festival 1-4 April 2010
  • Sore Fingers Week 5-9 Apr 2010. Kingham Hill School situated just south of the A44/A436 linking Chipping Norton and Stow on the Wold.
  • Oxford Folk Festival Friday 16th - Sunday 18th April 2010. Street Parade, Ceilidhs, Morris Dancing and children's activities.
  • St George Fest in Hedge End (Nr Southampton) 22-24 April 2010. Events organised so far include an 'Axford Five' Concert with Craig; Morgan; Robson & The Askew Sisters on Thursday 22.
  • Upton Upon Severn Riverside Folk Festival 30 April-3 May 2010
  • Hastings Jack in the Green 30 April-3 May 2010
  • Winchester MayFest 14-15 May 2010 (tbc) in Winchester, Hants. NOTE the only events of which we have notice are:
  • La Grande Gennerie 17-33 May 2010 workshop in France with Reg Meuross, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Chippenham Folk Festival Spring Bank Holiday weekend, 28-31 May 2010. Four days of the best folk dance, song, music and traditions in the heart of Wiltshire.Chippenham Folk Festival, The Causeway Music and Arts Centre, The Causeway, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 3DD, ENGLAND. +44 (0)1249 657190 or info@chippfolk.co.uk (Note: The Festival telephone is not manned all the time but there is a message service in place which is usually checked at least once a week)
  • Black Horse Festival 28-31 May 2010: Pestalozzi International Village, Ladybird Lane, Sedlescombe, East Sussex, TN33 0UF
  • Fishguard Folk Festival 28-31 May 2010, Pembrokeshire, Wales.
  • Dulverton Folk Festival 28-31 May 2010. On the southern gateway to Exmoor, between the Barle and the Exe, a new festival with emphasis on participation and quality.
  • Wessex Folk Festival, Weymouth 4-6 June 2010.
  • Strawberry Fair Sat 5 June 2010, a local festival of music, entertainments, arts and crafts that takes place in Cambridge on Midsummer Common, Cambridge each year. Over its 30 year history, Strawberry Fair has evolved into one of the largest, free, open-air festivals of its kind in the country. And, believe it or not, it is completely free to attend - but volunteers [and donations] are required. The 2010 Fair will focus on active community involvement, with more space for local people of all ages to create, perform and take part. One of the core values of the Strawberry Fair has always been to offer a truly diverse range of entertainment for individuals, families and children in Cambridge. For 2010 the committee are also placing a strong emphasis on trying to avert climate change and encourage sustainability. Enquiries http://webmail.strawberry-fair.org.uk/
  • Wimborne Folk Festival 11-13 June 2010. Contacts Linda Wilde 01202 623740 linda.wild@wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk (Info, Concerts, Sessions, Tickets) or Maria and Brian Bisp, 01202 743465, maria.bisp@wimbornefolkfestival.co.uk (Dance, Pub Gigs, Stalls).
  • La Grande Gennerie 14-18 June 2010 workshop in France with Mike Silver, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Wessex Alfresco 2-10pm Sat 19 June 2010 with Colvin Quarmby, Mary Jane, Tuppenny Jack and P.J.Wright. Contact phoning Kathy on 01202 732239
  • Forest Folk Song and Ale, North Boarhunt (Nr Fareham) Hants 25-27 June 2010 Informal singarounds and sessions with a Guest Concert tba
  • Crawley Folk Festival at The Hawth, Crawley, Sussex 25-27 June 2010.
  • La Grande Gennerie 28 June-2 July 2010 workshop in France CANCELLED with Craig; Morgan; Robson, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Christchurch Festival, Dorset 2-4 July 2010
  • 1st Sark Folk Festival 2-4 July 2010 with Leddra Chapman, Ruth Notman, Ewan McLennan and many others, a wealth of Channel Island talent and an ever increasing list of visiting acts from the UK and France.
  • Beggars Fair Romsey, Hants 9,10 July 2010. Community Festival with free events all around the town.
  • Folk Station on the Isle of Wight 9-11 July 2010. Based around the stations of the IOW steam railway with Spiers & Boden and many more.
  • West Somerset Folk Festival Carhampton, Nr Minehead 9-11 July 2010.
  • Priddy Folk Festival 9-11 July 2010. On top of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. 9 concerts, 2 Ceilidhs, Late nite bop, All Day Club Tent, Family friendly atmosphere, Lots of free actiities, Dance & Children’s Festival, Craft Demonstrations, Good onsite camping, Crafts & Trade stalls.
  • Heart of the World Festival Cambridge, UK, 11-25 July 2010, a celebration of music and culture from around the world.
  • Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival 16-18 July 2010, Tolpuddle, Dorset. Saturday Bar Area 1pm onwards. All welcome, children's events and amusements. South West TUC, Church House, Church Road, Filton, Bristol BS34 7BD Tel 0117 947 0521 (camping bookings) or online www.tuc.org.uk/tolpuddle.
  • Trowbridge Village Pump Festival 22-25 July 2010. Folk and roots music in concert plus dances, workshops, informal sessions, street entertainment and a complete children's programme.
  • Folk by the Oak Sunday 25 July 2010, Hatfield House, Herts
  • Wickham Festival 5-8 August 2010 Nr Fareham, Hants. This is the Festival held at Stokes Bay for the last two years. We’re delighted to report that Wickham Parish Council has agreed to sponsor an extended programme of free childrens entertainment at the Festival while local traders have promised festival-goers a warm and friendly welcome in the many attractive shops, bistros, restaurants, pubs and wine bars in Wickham’s historic village square.
  • Cambridge Co-operative Folk Festival 29 July-1 August 2010.
  • Sidmouth Folk Week 30 July-6 August 2010. Sidmouth Tourist Information Centre, Sidmouth, Devon EX10 8HR, Box Office tel. 01395 578627 (accommodation queries 01395 516441).
  • Dartmoor Folk Festival 6-8 August 2010. 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. Camping is available in fields close to the festival site, with events taking place in the nearby village hall and playing fields. Jane White enquiries@dartmoorfolkfestival.co.uk.
  • Broadstairs Folk Week 6-13 August 2010. Pierremont Hall, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 1JX, Tel: 01843 604080, Email: info@broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
  • Bath Folk Festival August 7th-15th 2010. Bath will play host to over 17 concerts, an Irish music summer school, many workshops in Music and Dance from Various Folk Traditions as well as many informal sessions.
  • Bideford Folk festival is taking a year out in 2010. The 2009 festival was a huge success but was heavily subsidised by grant funding. We don't have this in place yet for 2010 so we have decided to have a holiday in 2010 and put all our efforts into putting on another great festival in 2011.
  • We are sorry to disappoint so many people who love their week's holiday, the lovely atmosphere and the music. We look forward perhaps to seeing you as visitors to Bideford Folk Club.

  • La Grande Gennerie 23-27 August 2010 workshop in France with Johnny Coppin, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Southsea Folk and Roots Festival 26-30 August 2010. Evening Concerts & Free Entry Daytime Music. South Parade Pier, South Parade, Southsea, Hampshire PO4 0SW.
  • Towersey Village Festival 26-30 August 2010. Nr Thame, about 15 miles East of Oxford.
  • Wadebridge (Cornwall) Folk Festival will once again take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2010
  • Shrewsbury Folk Festival 27-30 August 2010
  • Wareham Wail 3-5 September 2010. Come and join in the singing with some of the country's 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. Everything on one site: move from sing to sing. Campsite, Bed & Breakfast and food tents all within easy reach. Ring us on 01202 734049 or use the postal address: Wareham Wail, 10 Old Wareham Road, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset BH12 4QR
  • Purbeck Folk Festival 3 - 5 September 2010, 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. Headliners for 2010 include Dogan Mehmet and Deerhunters, Monster Ceilidh Band, Megson, Gadarene, Martha Tilston and many more. Tickets via festival website
  • Didmarton Bluegrass Festival 3-5 September 2010 at Kemble Airfield, near Cirencester. The biggest bluegrass festival of the year.
  • Singfest Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th September 2010, Mellow Farm, Dockenfield, Farnham, Surrey. A festival, but You make the music. It’s friendly and small scale and is based on workshops led by well established singers and musicians. You learn a selection of songs which you’ll perform on the Sunday afternoon. Everything is learnt by ear, so no there’s no need to be able to read music. Everyone’s welcome – you don’t have to be a member of a choir, just keen to sing! And like any festival ... there’s camping, plenty of local beer and cider and a large camp fire. On Saturday evening, there’s a Bar B Q and ceilidh.
  • La Grande Gennerie 6-10 September 2010 workshop in France with Mike O'Connor, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Swanage Folk Festival, Dorset, 10-12 September 2010
  • La Grande Gennerie 20-24 September 2010 workshop in France with Martyn Wyndham-Read and Iris Bishop, one of the new series taking over from Martyn and Danni Wyndham-Read's 'La Jeusseliniere' series which ended two years ago. Details on website or download pdf file
  • Tenterden Folk Festival Kent, 30 Sept-3 Oct 2010. Big Festival with names big and little, dancing and dancers, Craft Fair.
  • Bampton Charter Fair Thursday 28th October 2010 with 'After the Fair' Free Festival running until Sunday. See website for contacts.
  • Haddenham Folk Festival Saturday 4th December 2010 with Sara Grey, Kieron Means, Ben Paley and more. Village Hall, Banks Park, Haddenham, Bucks HP17 8EE
  • 2011

  • Valley Music in St Mary Bourne Bourne Valley in Hampshire on June 24th – 26th 2011. A group of people, working together to present a small festival for the Bourne Valley. The music is loosely described as 'folk music', and includes music from local choirs, Gaelic ensembles, dance bands as well as World Music. The music is beautiful and fun and should appeal to the community as a whole. There is a great deal of musical talent in our area as well as a sizeable population who we feel will enjoy this festival. We know very well that we will not even scratch the surface of what is available to us locally by way of musical talent and ideas. However, you have to start somewhere, and the criteria for the festival are that the musicians are either local or known to us and that people in the Bourne Valley can feel that the festival is for them. We anticipate that some of the festival will attract people from outside of the Bourne Valley and everyone is very welcome. We are aiming to have workshops during the daytime and performances in the evenings. We are fund raising, and asking for support, as we want to make this event attractive for everyone. We have wonderful supporters, 'Angels', and they are listed on the website. Without them this event would not be able to take place. Mary Childs.
  • See SCoFF 2009 Festivals List for web addresses for festivals not yet on the 2010 list.
  • UK Folk Festivals national list by John Wright
  • The Fo'c'sle Festival List includes a few that don't make it to the national lists, and
  • The Folk Roots National Festivals Page includes all known folk and international music festivals in this country and Europe (updated annually mid-March).
  • Music Maker Festival guide 2010 (also to appear in March) Try also:
  • Irish-music.net CDs, Festivals, Summer Schools etc.





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