We’ve had such an amazing return to live, in-person music-making and celebration at The Sidmouth Folk Festival this last week. Thanks to every one of YOU who came along and made it such a brilliant event.  
 
John Braithwaite, Festival Director says: “It has been so heart-warming to see everyone back and having such a great time at festival venues around town, all packed with happy, smiling audiences in the mood for the jam-packed programme of events showcasing the very best in folk music, dance and song.”

We’re always keen to hear how your festival experience has been. Please do visit the website to fill in a feedback form here. We will use this feedback to have a positive impact on future events.

What have your favourite moments been?

There have been so many great ones this week…including a moving Tribute to the mighty Norma Waterson with Eliza and Martin Carthy and a wealth of friends. There have been some outstanding shows from established stars at The Ham concerts, including the unforgettable Spooky Men’s Chorale, the ever-exemplary Show of Hands and an amazing 30th year career celebration from Kate Rusby.

The joint has been jumping at the Bulverton, with big nights out including the incendiary Highland dance music of Peatbog Faeries, the Euro-bal style of Blowzabella, the roots reggae stylings of Edward II and a firebrand show from Grace Petrie. Great to see such young talent being showcased as well with Shooting Roots and Stream of Sound’s Betsy’s Bashes before the Bulverton shows.

And there have been some brilliant ceilidhs, from Melrose Ceilidh Band in Blackmore Marquee to the amazing French Centralbal’s dances and concert performance. Some superb children’s shows, a world of wonderful workshops…and so much more.

What were your new musical discoveries?

We were excited to bring lots of great new music to your ears this week. We’d love to know what you really loved. We were blown away by the brilliant Scottish fiddle player Ryan Young, Bulgarian singer Eugenia Georgieva and rising folk singer star, Angeline Morrison. So good to see audience’s appetites for new and diverse sounds.

Festival director John Braithwaite signs off on amazing week: “Thank you all for coming. Being back in Sidmouth after three long years without a full festival has been a real thrill and pleasure. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2023.”
 
Next year’s Sidmouth Folk Festival runs from 4th – 11th August 2023.