2014 is an extra special year for Sidmouth FolkWeek (1 – 8 August) as the festival celebrates its Diamond Anniversary.
EFDSS presents
EFDSS is delighted to be presenting a Folk Rising Plus concert series, celebrating the best of up-and-coming folk music talent, in The Bedford. Artists will include Will Pound Band, The Dovetail Trio, Josienne Clark and Ben Walker, BBC Radio Two Folk Award winners Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin, David Gibb and Elly Lucas, The Teacups, The Dovetail Trio, Dan Walsh and The Drystones.
What else is happening that week?
An archive trail will offer audiences the opportunity to trace the fascinating history of folk festivals from 1955 to the present day. Dance was at the heart of that first festival in Sidmouth and, sixty years on, it remains one of the most popular strands of the event. Theweek-long celebrations include a special commemorative dance display at Connaught Gardens, where the festival began, as well as a grand anniversary Playford Ball, a special celebratory ceilidh with Old Swan Band and an Oysterband Ceilidh at the Bulverton with extra special guests, a chance to dress up and some memorable song spots as some star performers recall the first songs they ever sang at Sidmouth.
The country’s most renowned traditional singing family will perform in a special 60th Anniversary Concert with an extended version of The Copper Family and some fantastic guests. Other artists in the line-up include Oysterband, Kathryn Tickell, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Yves Lambert Trio, Roy Bailey, Chris Wood & Andy Cutting, Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy and Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting & Nancy Kerr and many, many more.
The fRoots-curated Cellar Full of Folkadelia series offer up some fresh new sounds from the leftfield include Mary Hampton, Namvula, The Long Hill Ramblers, Lisa Knapp, The Furrow Collective, Harp and a Monkey, Sproatly Smith, The Young Coppers and Gren Bartley Band.
Have you got your ticket?
The easiest way to book your tickets for Sidmouth FolkWeek is online but if you need more info or wish to book by phone, call the Box Office on 01395 577952.
Want to volunteer?
Support Sidmouth FolkWeek in a vital role to ensure the smooth running of events. This year there will be a special volunteers-only social event plus a unique 60th souvenir gift on offer.
Full details of volunteering opportunities