About
A festival of traditional folk music and dance taking place annually in May in the picturesque town of Whitchurch, Hampshire.
About Whitchurch Folk Festival
Spring blossoms & folky bunting decorate the town and our heritage buildings, for this inclusive and community-led celebration that has become such a joyful start to the summer each year. There is much to do for free (for all ages) as well as ticketed events. Visitors and local residents alike enjoy the delights on offer in this vibrant 1-day festival that is full of heart. There'll be music, singing, dancing and Morris bells around every corner. It's a day of all things folk - top quality indoor concerts, interactive workshops, outdoor performances, a fringe stage in the pub garden, an exciting Children's programme, Morris and folk dance displays and even a traditional Jack-in-The-Green parade.
The organisation was set up in order to revive Whitchurch's traditional folk festival that took place in the town from the late 1970s to the early 90s, a period fondly remembered by long-term residents and those who grew up locally. The impetus for us to revive the festival came after the sudden passing of the renowned English folk musician, Paul Sartin, who had been a well-loved Whitchurch resident for over 20 years, and very active in the local community. It was a dream of his to see the folk festival revived, so a group of his friends and family got together to make this dream a reality, in Paul's memory and honour. The committee of volunteers who run Whitchurch Folk Club are closely linked with the folk festival.
ABOUT FESTIVAL TICKETS:
Visit whitchurchfolk.com for more information and to buy tickets. Our whole-day Festival tickets give you access to the main programme of ticketed concerts throughout the day and evening. An exciting line up of exceptional folk musicians from across the UK, perform concerts in our intimate seated venues. Choose which concerts you'd like to attend, and move between venues to catch your favourite artists. Entry to ticketed workshops is also included with your festival ticket. Advance tickets for individual concerts may be released in due course, for those who wish to attend just one concert, and tickets will be sold on the door where there are seats available.
FREE FOR ALL VISITORS:
The festival hub at Whitchurch Silk Mill - the UK's oldest working mill - is the place to go for local food and drink stalls, to buy festival merchandise and to browse gift and crafts on offer.
FREE activities and performances to enjoy from morning 'til night:
- Children's festival – there is tons to do for children and their grownups - story telling, music, dance and arts for all ages.
- Pop up activities for all ages to join in with. Have a go at Ceilidh dancing, Maypole dancing or our local Hampshire Step Dancing.
- Jack in the Green Parade through the town - dancers, members of the community and families - take part in or watch the spectacle.
- Morris dancing - enjoy displays by the lively and talented local and regional Morris dance teams.
- Live music on the Fringe Stage at The Kings Arms - soak up the atmosphere in the beer garden all afternoon and evening, enjoying the packed lineup of specially curated local contemporary folk/indie artists, as well as those from further afield.
- Busking and casual performances from local youth music groups and other local musicians.
- Pub sessions and singarounds
Cost Information
Standard tickets are £55
Concession tickets are £45 and open to young people aged 25 and under.
A discount is available for a family or group purchasing 2 x Standard and 2 x Concession tickets.
A discount is available for a family or group purchasing 4 x Concession tickets.
Tickets for individual concerts may be released in due course. Tickets will be sold on the door where there are seats available.