Patakas, When You’re Ready – a review
'When You're Ready', the debut EP from Patakas, is a heartfelt, at times emotionally raw tribute to a dearly missed father and a childhood spent revelling in music.
Latest articles
Morvran, E.P. – a review
Morvran's new EP provides a wonderful, if not all-too-brief, guide to the traditional songs and tunes of Cornwall. Gavin McNamara roves out.
Which traditional songs and tunes were used in The Gallows Pole?
As the BBC drama, The Gallows Pole, kicks off, we take a look at some of the old songs - sometimes traditional - that peppered the soundtrack.
Introducing the Tradfolk Takeover at FolkEast
Introducing the first ever Tradfolk Takeover at the FolkEast Festival, featuring some of the up-and-coming stars of traditional English folk music.
Come Make My Bed – Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
As Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne preps a new EP, we pick his brains on the title track: 'Come Make My Bed' [Roud 32444].
P Stands For Paddy – The Weaving (Live at The People’s Museum of Limerick)
Cáit Ní Riain of The Weaving talks us through her relationship with the traditional Irish song, 'P is for Paddy' [Roud 419].
Bringing in the May
The latest articles on May, that most folksome of months.
May Day Morris: Where to find Morris dancing near me
The Tradfolk Morris Dancing guide is here to help you find your nearest side come rain or shine. Send us your info, share this guide around, and let the Morris commence.
Customs Uncovered: Bringing in the May
A brief look at the custom known as Bringing in the May, the night before May Day, when nature ran riot.
Customs uncovered: the Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling contest
From injuries to history, everything you (and the internet) have ever wanted to know about the Cooper's Hill cheese rolling contest in Gloucestershire.
Customs uncovered: The Hunting of the Earl of Rone
Once a year, over the long Spring Bank Holiday weekend, the occupants of Combe Martin, the Earl of Rone Council, and a fair number of spectators enact this fascinating tradition. Alex Hurr takes a deep dive into its history, but warns of distinct fever-dream vibes along the way.
The best traditional May songs, as chosen by traditional singers
Which are the best traditional May songs to kickstart your summer? We asked some of our favourite singers for their recommendations.
The Old Songs Podcast: Ep8 – ‘Hal-An-Tow’ ft. Lisa Knapp
A full hour-long podcast about the May song, "Hal-An-Tow", which is traditionally sung and danced on May 8th in Helston, Cornwall.
Prep for the summer...
All you need to know about the best folk festivals the UK has to offer.
The Old Songs Podcast
Exploring traditional folk music one song at a time.
Celebrated melodeon player, John Spiers, joins Jon Wilks on the Old Songs Podcast to discuss the Morris tune, The Princess Royal.
In this week's episode of the Old Songs Podcast, Nick Hart interviews Jon Wilks about the traditional song, The Gloucestershire Wassail [Roud 209].
Customs uncovered
Dig in to our selection of articles covering traditional British customs and the manner in which they survive and thrive today.
Traditional May events to add to your calendar
Why is the month of May so important to the folk world? Here's our list of what to do, where to go, what to see, and what it all means.
Customs uncovered: Jack in the Green
Walking bush, Jack in the Green, has a history dating back to the early 1800s. Here's how the character came into being.
Customs Uncovered: The Maypole
Everything you ever wanted to know about the maypole tradition, but were too uncomfortable to ask.
Customs Uncovered: Bringing in the May
A brief look at the custom known as Bringing in the May, the night before May Day, when nature ran riot.
Customs uncovered: the Cooper’s Hill cheese rolling contest
From injuries to history, everything you (and the internet) have ever wanted to know about the Cooper's Hill cheese rolling contest in Gloucestershire.
Customs uncovered: St Agnes Eve, dumb cakes, and the prediction of the future
St Agnes Day was traditionally a time when young women were able to bring about visions of their future lovers and husbands. Here's how...
An interview with the Whittlesea Straw Bear
Meet Douglas Kell, occasional Whittlesea Straw Bear and the latest director of the Straw Bear Festival, and find out what it means to be one of the UK's most-loved folk icons.
Making Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain – an exhibition
Making Mischief is a new exhibition to be staged at Compton Verney, Warwickshire, dedicated to British folk costumes. It's the first of its kind. Here's all you need to know.
Folk music reviews
Reviewing the latest releases on the traditional folk music scene. We focus on traditional music, or music that has been directly inspired by it.
'When You're Ready', the debut EP from Patakas, is a heartfelt, at times emotionally raw tribute to a dearly missed father and a childhood spent revelling in musi.
Morvran's new EP provides a wonderful, if not all-too-brief, guide to the traditional songs and tunes of Cornwall. Gavin McNamara roves out.
Gavin McNamara takes a listen to the new album from Jim Ghedi and Toby Hay and finds a warm-hearted, mid-summer celebration.
