Festival Folk: folk fans

United Kingdom | 06 April 2009

Species description:
With a slew of blog-friendly ‘alternative’ folk acts making the genre trendy again, folk fans are getting younger. Out are Fair Isle sweaters and earnest beards; in are hand-knitted scarves and organic fabrics – and slightly less impressive bumfluff beards. With a copy of the Guardian tucked under one arm and quite possibly pushing the next generation of festival fans in a top-of-the-range buggy with the other, folk fans view the festival experience as a family affair.

For this species, a festival isn’t just about the music. These days, folk music festivals are less about muddy fields and more about creating miniature communities with craft workshops, organic food, cider, open mic sessions and late-night acoustic sing-a-longs in the campsite all likely to feature.

Drink of choice:
You’ll find festival folkies at the real ale tent indulging in bottled ciders or, if they have the kids, sticking to organic smoothies. All the pint glasses will be recycled, naturally.

Where they can be found:

Cambridge Folk Festival 2009 - Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge, 31 July – 2 August
The daddy of the folk music festival scene, Cambridge Folk Festival dates back to 1965 where it was originally took its inspiration from Newport Jazz Festival. Over the course of four days, an eclectic mix of acts from traditional folk to Americana and bluegrass to roots set up camp in the picturesque surroundings of Cherry Hinton Hall. Always priding itself on breaking new acts, in his first year founder Ken Woollard booked a young Paul Simon at the last minute after reluctantly agreeing to pay him £15. This year’s line-up will be announced imminently and is sure to be a corker.

Moseley Folk Festival 2009 - Moseley Park, Birmingham, 4-6 September
What better way to celebrate the last days of summer with some great music? Now in its fourth year, Moseley Folk Festival has showcased some of the very best in contemporary folk acts in recent years with sets from Tunng, Starless and Bible Black, Adem and Ruth Notman alongside such luminaries as Fairport Convention and Kate Rusby. Proving how well they know their audience, the festival also features a knitting convention, Morris dancers and a scrumpy bar.

Sidmouth Folk Week 2009 - Various, Sidmouth, East Devon, 31 July – 7 August
Location is everything for this musical celebration, described by its organisers as “more than just a festival – it’s a holiday by the seaside!” With a line-up already boasting Shirley Collins, Peatbog Fairies and the ‘farewell tour’ from influential singer-songwriter Eric Bogle, revellers are guaranteed some special sets. A host of up-and-coming British and international acts will play as well, combined with sandwiches, cream teas, lying on the beach and everything else that’s great about a seaside holiday – as well as the famous Friday night torchlight procession – why not make a week of it?

Tickets: Various options available, including weekly (£140 adult), day (£28 adult) and weekend (£56 adult), as well as camping options.

Whitby Folk Week 2009 - Various, Whitby, West Yorkshire, 22-28 August
Another seaside festival but with a more traditional bend, Whitby Folk Week promises seven days of “dancing in the streets, music and singing in the pubs, concerts and dances until late into the night.” With over 600 events planned including spontaneous fringe events, Folk Week promises to be a celebration of Britain’s rich musical heritage.

Tickets: Adult season tickets from £122 if booked before 1 May.

Oxford Folk Festival 2009 - Various, Oxford, 20-22 March
Kicking festival season off early, the historical city of Oxford’s folk weekend is now in its sixth year. Kate Rusby is among the names performing over the course of the weekend, but with acts ranging from the established to school choirs and folk bands there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Tickets: Full weekend £58 (adult), day tickets £15-36.

Shepley Spring Festival 2009 - Shepley, Kirklees, West Yorkshire, 15-17 May
For three days in May, the Shepley Spring Festival will take over pubs and cafes in the picturesque Pennine village. Last year’s highlights included The Folk Train, with festival artists entertaining passengers on the Penistone Line throughout the weekend. Along with a stellar line-up of folk stars including Show of Hands, Martin Simpson Trio and the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Shepley will also feature music and dance workshops, an Acoustic Café, traditional fairground and Shepley Springboard workshops with special performances for young people.

Tickets: £45 (adult)

Chippenham Folk Festival 2009 - Various, Chippenham, Wiltshire, 22-25 May
Another staple of the folk festival circuit, this annual event is now in its 38th year. Over 200 events are scheduled to take place within the Wiltshire market town’s centre including sessions, workshops, dance displays, concerts and Ceilidh, which is the festival’s main event. Children’s events and storytelling also feature prominently before the long weekend concludes with a huge street fair on the Monday.

Tickets: Full season tickets from £60 (adult), day and evening tickets available from t May.

Middlewich Folk And Boat Festival 2009 - Middlewich, Cheshire, 19-21 June
While other festivals incorporate some sort of the beach, Middlewich goes one better – by taking the music to water on the Trent and Mersey Canal as well as different venues around the town. Annually attracting around 30,000 folk-lovers, this festival features a wide range of waterway and crafting activities as well as music, dancing and theatre. Acts include Mark Radcliffe and the Family Mahone, Blue Murder, Thea Gilmore and some top-secret surprises.

Leigh Folk Festival 2009 - Library Gardens, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, 24-28 June
Describing itself as “the largest free folk festival in the country,” the Leigh Folk Festival combines barn dances, Ceilidhs, concerts, workshops and an open mic competition. Kicking off with sessions and sing-a-rounds from Wednesday to Friday and then moving on to two full days of concerts and dancing in the Library Gardens, the event culminates in a family barn dance as the sun goes down on Sunday.

By Lisa-Marie Ferla