Our wide-reaching workshop programme offers hundreds of opportunities to learn, create, and develop new skills within a secure, inclusive community of teachers and learners.
With both breadth and depth, the annual programme brings together perennial favourites and exciting new innovations.
Across the week you can dip into one-off taster sessions or commit to in-depth series, many of which culminate in showcase performances. With over 250 workshops covering music, dance, song, crafts, storytelling, talks, and more, there’s truly something for everyone.
Whether you want to join a singing session, spend the week in a scratch band, learn a new instrument, or simply try something entirely new, you’ll find a warm, welcoming environment and plenty of like-minded people to share the experience with.
If there is a particular workshop you want to see at Sidmouth, let us know here.
This year’s workshop programme is already shaping up to be something special, with an inspiring mix of music, dance, song, spoken word, and creative sessions.
Highlights include
● John Kirkpatrick with the Festival Concert Band
● Nick & Mary Barber leading the Sidmouth Big Band
● Janice Burns & Jon Doran’s Festival Choir
● Matt Sullivan exploring Rhumba Guitar
● Jannette Stewart with Well-Known Tunes at a Steady Pace
● Ilse Pedler’s Poetry for All and Spoken Word Open Mic
● Introduction to Calling with Michael Catovsky
● John Dipper – Fiddle
● Squeezebox From Scratch – Melodeon
● Seb Stone – Carols
● Creative Making and Mindful Mornings at The Bulverton
And of course, our dance programme spans a huge range, from Bal to Bhangra, Regency to Rapper, Contra to Cotswold, with workshops running from morning till night. Levels range from absolute beginners to masterclasses, and there’s no need to bring a partner for any of the dance sessions.
Add to that Morning Singarounds, Late Night Songs, and informal sessions throughout the week (don’t miss the Middle Bar Singers) – and you’ve got everything you need to immerse yourself in the welcoming, hands-on participation culture that makes Sidmouth so special!
Lots more to be announced further into 2026
tickets
All in One & Season Tickets get you into all, or any, of the workshops….as many or as often as you like. For non-season tickets holders Workshop-only Ticket bundles are also available, and individual tickets may be available on the door.
Talks & Explorations
Broaden your folk knowledge through insightful talks, presentations and more. Look out for more programme details in 2026.