Chippenham Folk Festival 2008

Now in its 38th year and having seen many changes since its beginnings in the village of Lacock many years ago, this festival still retains its 'village' atmosphere, and is packed with song, dance, workshops and dance displays. Over 200 events take place within the town centre.

The main ceilidh and concert events take place in the park by the river. Practically every pub and venue in the town is used for a wide range of sessions, workshops and smaller concerts and dances.

This year's line-up has been confirmed and top of the billing are SOLAS (Monday), and other top liners this year include Kerr Fagan Harbron, Tanglefoot (Sunday), GraceNotes, Jeff Warner, Mawkin Casuely, Cloudstreet, Rubus and Craig Morgan Robson. Other acts confirmed are Brian Peters, Dalla, Eddie Richards, Joan Gifford, John & Caroline Bushby, John Burge, Johnny Collins, Judy Cook, Mick Ryan & Paul Downes, Mike Nicholson, Pete Coe, Steve Jordon, Steve Morris, Steve Turner, The Claque, Tom McConville & David Wood, Tony & Pearl O'Neill, and Vicki Swann & Jonny Dyer.

Ceilidh bands include Climax Ceilidh Band, The Committee Band, Fee Lock, Hotel Palindrone, Joan Holloway, Kerry Fletcher, Mike Courthold, Nick Walden, Sheena Masson, Steamchicken, and Trinculo.

Social dance is provided by Barrie Bullimore, Dave Brown, English Contra Dance Band, Flos Headford, Frances Oates, Frances Richardson, Geoff Elwell, Geoff Holland, Ian Jones, Jenny Prince, John Meechan, Kendal Green, Lynne Render, Meltdown, Merry Conceit & Jim Coleman, Pendragon, Rhodri Davies, Sheila Mainwaring, The Falconers, and Weston Country Dance Band.

There are concerts lined up in the newly refurbished Studio Hall at the Olympiad, a full programme in the Cause Music & Arts Centre, a 'crazy cabaret evening' on Saturday at the Constitutional Hall, a new offering from Mick Ryan with "The Navvie's Wife" and Brian Peters is presenting his show on Child Ballads called "Songs of Trial & Triumph".

Display sides include Dorset Buttons Rapper, East Saxon Sword, Footnotes, Hammersmith Morris, Hobo's Morris, NYFTE, Ridgeway Stepclog, Rose & Castle Morris, Rumworth Morris of Bolton, The Instep Research Team, and Wickham Morris, with other Display Sides also coming to the festival.

There is also a full programme of children's events (for season ticket holders only) and entertainment for them includes Mo Bradshaw, Mr Brown's Pig, Nick Hurst, and NYFTE. Story-telling is provided by Peter Hearn.

There is a large craft marquee, catering facilities and an open air arena in the park. The high street and historic market square are both pedestrianised, and are used throughout the weekend for busking, street theatre and processions and there's a huge street fair on Monday.

TICKETS:
Tickets are now available to buy. Early Bird discounts are as follows: £58 adult w/e ticket (£29 - 10-15yrs) b4 29th February; £63 (£31.50) b4 1st May; £68 (£34) thereafter. Day and evening tickets will be available from 1st May. There may be tickets for individual events on the door but these can't be booked in advance so are subject to availablity.

CAMPING:
Camping and caravanning are available to season ticket holders on riverside sites in the centre of the town at £15 per person for the weekend, kids aged 10-15yrs - half price.

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