Welcome to the Youth Festival with Shooting Roots and Stream of Sound!
Sidmouth’s packed Youth Festival programme for ages 12-17 offers a chance to make friends, learn new skills, perform, play and just hang out on the beach. Run by young people, for young people, workshops are based at the central All Saints Church Old School Rooms, and end with amazing showcase performances from newly formed bands, dance sides, choirs and theatre groups at the Manor and seafront. As the sun sets, don’t miss our famous Betsy’s Bash sessions up on the Bulverton hill. Play banging tunes, sing songs, and enjoy some silly games – a favourite early doors haunt for young festival goers.
Over 30 years ago, Shooting Roots was born at Sidmouth Folk Festival! This summer, we’re returning stronger than ever, bringing you a full programme of workshops that you know and love! Whether you’re new to Shooting Roots or a returning participant, come join us for our Welcome Session on Saturday to meet the tutors, play games, and discover the week’s theme!
Take a handful of excellent musicians, add a sprinkling of sparkling arrangements and a pinch of nerdery, and you cook up the spine-tingling harmonies of Stream of Sound. We look forward to our youth workshops at Sidmouth all year, so come along if you know you love to sing, if you think you might want to try, or if you just fancy some uproarious nonsense in good company!
faqs
can i dip in and out of the workshops?
We’d say you’d would get the most out of coming to all days of their chosen workshop/s, especially if they want to perform, but workshops are are flexible to suit whoever turns up on the day.
do i need any experience?
No experience is needed in any of the workshops. For the Shooting Roots Band we usually say you need to be able to play your instrument, but we can always teach percussion if someone turns up without.
do i have to perform at the end of the week?
If performance isn’t your thing there’s no pressure. It’s entirely optional, in a relaxed and encouraging atmosphere.
what if i don’t know anyone?
You soon will! Making new friends is all part of the Youth Festival vibe.
new callers showcase
Your chance to call as part of the Shooting Roots celebration ceilidh. An opportunity for any ceilidh callers not previously booked at Sidmouth. Applications are not quite open for 2026 but watch this space!
who are shooting roots?
Shooting Roots is an organisation run by and for young people, offering creative and participatory folk workshops at festivals and other events. In a nutshell it’s all about generating opportunities for young people to perform, develop friendships and access the folk arts.
who are stream of sound?
Take a handful of excellent musicians, add a sprinkling of sparkling arrangements and a pinch of nerdery, and you cook up the spine-tingling harmonies of Stream of Sound. They look forward to running youth workshops at Sidmouth each year, so come along if you know you love to sing, if you think you might want to try, or if you just fancy some uproarious nonsense in good company!