Southwell Folk Festival 2008

Southwell's second folk festival will coincide with the annual Gate to Southwell procession of Morris dancers to Southwell Minster from Nottingham city centre. The three day folk festival will be held on an 8.5 acre site next to the town's workhouse from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th June.

The line-up includes performers from the International folk scene; Bellowhead, Solas, Cara Dillon, Tanglefoot, Last Night's Fun, Jez Lowe and the Bad Pennies, Rachel Unthank and the Winterset, Hilary James & Simon Mayor, The Omega 3, Bob Fox and 422. Also appearing will be: Anna Elias & the Forlorn Hope, Jezz Hall, 10 o'clock Horses, Tom Kitching & Gren Bartly, Carmina, Fieldwork, Leen Valley Band, Charlotte Cottam Band, Rich Dytch, Mick Lawlor, The Bouviers, Hex, Simon Jackson, Winter Wilson, The Boothill Toetappers, Bill Caddick, All Blacked Up, Brooks Williams, Flossie Malavialle, Ruth Notman, Gareth Pearson, Quicksilver, Kerfuffle, Dr. Sunshine and Something Nasty in the Woodshed. there are still more acts to be confirmed.

In addition to performers in the main marquee, there will be an open mike session marquee, a dance display area, singarounds, and opportunities to meet the artists. There will also be workshops and sessions throughout the town, and it is hoped the Workhouse, a National Trust Property, can be used for some of these.

Tickets are available per day or weekend. There is a special discount for early purchases before 12th May. Weekend tickets are priced at £50 for adults, £18 for a child (12-17), and £105 for a family ticket applies to 2 adults with up to 2 children of 12-17 years. Children under 12 admitted free.
Day tickets: Friday adult £13; Child (12-17) £6; Family £31 - Saturday or Sunday adult £22; Child (12-17) £10; Family £52.
Weekend camping (per person) £8 Child (12-17) £4.
Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

As well as music there will be children's entertainment in the second marquee with Hilary James and Simon Mayor's Musical Mystery Tour on Saturday and a children's ceilidh with 422 on Sunday. 422 will also play host to a traditional music workshop for older children and young people on Sunday morning prior to the ceilidh. Traditional music and dance teaching will take place in schools in the area in the run-up to the event, conducted by several of the leading performers.

The triple turreted children's tent will house various workshops and activities. 422 and Kerfuffle will host music and dance workshops and a beginners' melodeon workshop is planned. Plus Dr Sunshine, Jan's Blackboard Van and All Juggled Up (circus skills) will be in residence all weekend.

The festival will include a beer and cider festival, with about 40 beers, mostly from micro breweries, and will include several specially commissioned brews and also offer a wide variety of catering options.

There is camping available with limited space for caravans and motor homes, so if you wish to bring either, it is essential that you ring 01636 816678 to reserve your space.

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