FolkEast 2023 is fast approaching, and the anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of folk culture in the picturesque Suffolk countryside. This year’s event is brimming with a diverse lineup of artists, workshops, and activities that honor the rich heritage of folk while embracing contemporary interpretations.
From renowned international musicians to local artisans, engaging talks to hands-on workshops, FolkEast 2023 is set to be a feast for the senses. Whether you’re a seasoned folk aficionado or exploring this vibrant world for the first time, our guide will help you navigate the festival’s myriad delights, ensuring you don’t miss a beat. Join us as we delve into the heart of FolkEast and uncover the gems that await you this year!
What you’ll find in this article…
What we’re looking forward to
There’s a lot to choose from, but how about these highlights for starters? Note that we’ve not included ceilidhs and dance events… yet. Watch this space.
Friday
Bannister & Boss, together at last
Boss Morris dancing Matthew Bannister onto the site, following his Big Walk for charity, ready to kickstart the festival proper. (Friday, 12:30pm, Sunset Stage).
Filkin’s Ensemble
It has been a while since we’ve seen a mahoosive folk ensemble on festival stages. Filkin’s Ensemble are keen to fill that gap, and their ‘Arthur McBride’ video last year was exquisite. (Friday, 4:50pm-5pm, Sunset Stage)
Ímar
If it’s upbeat, late-night craziness you’re after, this year’s version of last year’s Talisk gig is Ímar, featuring big beats and the frenzy-fingered virtuosity of Mohsen Amini. (Friday, 7:10pm, Sunset Stage)
Magpie Arc
Martin Simpson goes full Jimmy Page in this huge-sounding folk-rock band fronted by the brilliant Nancy Kerr on vocals. Devil horns at the ready 🤘 (Friday, 9:40pm, Sunset Stage)
Jackie Oates & Jon Wilks
This relatively new duo features songs from Jackie’s storied career, arranged for fiddle, acoustic guitar and occasional close harmonies. (Friday, 3:40pm, Moot Hall Stage)
Sam Sweeney Band
Sam’s latest album, Escape That, was one of the biggest sellers on the folk scene last year. Featuring the genius of Louis Campbell on guitar, it’s a show to be reckoned with. (Friday, 8:20pm, Moot Hall Stage)
Jimmy Aldridge & Sid Goldsmith
We don’t get to see these two folkies playing together all that much these days, but doing so is like getting a warm hug from old friends. (Friday, 5:20pm, The Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Bonfire Radicals
BonRads rock! Birmingham’s finest folk fusion band are an explosion of glitter and sound. The perfect Friday night fun-time band to get you in the mood for the weekend. (Friday, 11:10pm, The Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Saturday
John Smith & Katherine Priddy
John Smith and Katherine Priddy have united for a musical collaboration after a chance meeting. Smith’s renowned guitar skills complement Priddy’s rising fame, offering a blend of rich harmonies and melodies. (Saturday, 4:50pm, Sunset Stage)
Ellie Gowers
A great singer-songwriter, skilled fingerpicker and fantastic singer, Ellie Gowers seems to be going places. Catch her mix of original and traditional songs in this delightful afternoon set. (Saturday, 1:35pm, Moot Hall Stage)
The Young’uns Podcast
A veritable FolkEast tradition, the Young’uns Podcast is a bit of light relief to mark the midway point in the weekend. Rarely anything less than side-splittingly funny. (Saturday, 3:40pm, Moot Hall Stage)
Martin Simpson
The fleet-fingered guitar whizz swaps his electric for his trusty acoustic as he steps down from the Magpie Arc stage and back into more familiar territory. (Saturday, 6pm, Moot Hall Stage)
Kathryn Tickell & the Darkening
Exploring the connecting threads of music, landscape and people, the Darkening’s songs range from themes of freedom, nature and venturing out into the world after times of darkness, to a Roman inscription with links to Libya and Syria magnetically pulled into the 21st century by Amen-inspired breakbeats, ominous vocals and the wildest of piping… (Saturday, 8:20pm, Moot Hall Stage)
The Sartin Singaround
Organised by Tradfolk editor, Jon Wilks, along with Jimmy Aldridge and Sid Goldsmith, this singaround/session began last year and instantly became a favourite event of the late, great Paul Sartin. We’ll be raising a glass to him and celebrating his love of traditional tunes and songs until the early hours. (Saturday, 9:30pm, The Hopp Inn)
Cohen Braithwaite Kilcoyne
One of the country’s finest squeezebox players and a great singer to boot. Stepping away from his Granny’s Attic setup, this is a great chance to see Cohen solo. (Saturday, 4pm, Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Norfolk Broads
One of the best a cappella groups on the scene at the moment, the Norfolk Broads use old songs to fuel new takes on the lives of women both past and present. (Saturday, 5:20pm, Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Burd Ellen
Burd Ellen, the innovative musical project featuring Debbie Armour and Gayle Brogan, invites you into a world where dark landscapes and deep stories are brought to life through traditional song. (Saturday, 6:50pm, Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Sunday
Hack-Poets Guild
Lisa Knapp, Marry Waterson and Nathaniel Mann bring their hit album and tour to the FolkEast stage. One of the highlights of the folk scene in 2023. (Sunday, 2:30pm, Sunset Stage)
Lady Maisery
Frequent festival headliners, Hazel Askew, Hannah James and Rowan Rheingans bring their incredible blend of harmony and invention. A must-see. (Sunday, 4:50pm, Sunset Stage)
The Young’Uns
Festival patrons, Sean Cooney, David Eagle and Michael Hughes, kickstart the last night of the festival, just as the sun goes down behind the Sunset Stage. (Sunday, 7:10pm, Sunset Stage)
Peter Knight , John Spiers & Raynor Winn
The Saltlines tour and album has been a huge highlight of the folk scene over the last year or so. Catch this paired-down version at Moot Hall on Sunday. (Sunday, 3:40pm, Moot Hall Stage)
Tamsin Elliott & Tarek Elazhary
One of the best performances at this year’s Sidmouth Folk Festival, Tamsin and Tarek explore the traditional sounds of their native countries, England and Egypt. Absolutely mesmerizing. An absolute must-see. (Sunday, 6pm, Moot Hall Stage)
The Tradfolk Takeover
Yes, we’re taking over the Stage on the Far Side of the Woods for most of Sunday afternoon and evening! Featuring performances from some of our favourite musicians on the traditional folk scene at the moment: Patakas, Sam Baxter, Frankie Archer, Cynefin, Jennifer Reid, Angeline Morrison and Nick Hart. Join us for an afternoon of brilliant traditional music from some of the best artists performing it. (Sunday, 1:45pm to 10:45pm, Stage on the Far Side of the Woods)
Selected programme listings
Simply scroll through the events list below. Clicking on each one will take you to a new page with further information on that particular performance. Please note that this version of the FolkEast schedule and timetable is current at the time of writing. Changes may take place. It is also only a selection of events. Look out for the festival’s own Pocket Guidebook, on sale at the gate, for the full programme.
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
Hambledon Folk Club The Youth Hut, Hambledon, United KingdomDescribed in The Living Tradition as ‘captivating, bold and striking’, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon. Cohen burst onto the folk scene in his teens with the energetic and much-loved trio Granny’s Attic, along with schoolmates George Sansome and Lewis Wood, and in recent years has embarked on a solo career alongside this. Cohen’s solo repertoire […]
Leveret
Brighton Dome Church St, Brighton, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
Kitchen Garden Cafe 17 York Rd, Kings Heath, Birmingham, United KingdomDescribed in The Living Tradition as ‘captivating, bold and striking’, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon. Cohen burst onto the folk scene in his teens with the energetic and much-loved trio Granny’s Attic, along with schoolmates George Sansome and Lewis Wood, and in recent years has embarked on a solo career alongside this. Cohen’s solo repertoire […]
Moonrakers
All Saints Church Church St,, High Wycombe, United KingdomFour-piece Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional British folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Their multi-instrumental show comprises harp, cello, fretted instruments, whistles, and female/male vocals. Their live shows are informative, full of musical variety and suitable for all ages (“startlingly talented”, Oxford Times, "exquisite sound", BBC). Included in the show are ancient mystic ballads, beautiful lyrical tunes, and joyous chorus songs. The band’s prolific recorded output has received glowing reviews from the […]
Leveret
National Center For Early Music Walmgate, Walmgate, England, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
St Mary's Center Saint Mary's Hill, Chester, England, United KingdomDescribed in The Living Tradition as ‘captivating, bold and striking’, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is at the forefront of his generation of English folk musicians as both a powerful and commanding singer and a masterful player of the Anglo concertina and melodeon. Cohen burst onto the folk scene in his teens with the energetic and much-loved trio Granny’s Attic, along with schoolmates George Sansome and Lewis Wood, and in recent years has embarked on a solo career alongside this. Cohen’s solo repertoire […]
Moonrakers
St Michaels 36-38 George Leigh St,, Manchester, United KingdomFour-piece Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional British folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Their multi-instrumental show comprises harp, cello, fretted instruments, whistles, and female/male vocals. Their live shows are informative, full of musical variety and suitable for all ages (“startlingly talented”, Oxford Times, "exquisite sound", BBC). Included in the show are ancient mystic ballads, beautiful lyrical tunes, and joyous chorus songs. The band’s prolific recorded output has received glowing reviews from the […]
Angeline Morrison
Gregynog Hall Gregynog, Tregynon, United KingdomAbout Recently hailed as one of MOJO's 'voices taking folk into the future', Angeline Morrison is a singer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter whose work combines a deep love of traditional song, a deep respect for the hidden ancestral voices of Old Albion, and a strong belief in magic and enchantment as powerful charms for decoloniality. Angeline mostly makes music in the genres of wyrd folk and psych folk. Her songs have a feral approach, a handmade sonic aesthetic (found sounds, homemade instruments) and […]
Leveret
Gosforth Civic Theatre Regent Farm Road, Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
Moonrakers
Yellow Arch Studios 30-36 Burton Rd,, Sheffield, United KingdomFour-piece Moonrakers (www.moonrakers.net) perform sparkling and unique arrangements of traditional British folk songs and tunes as well as their own compositions. Their multi-instrumental show comprises harp, cello, fretted instruments, whistles, and female/male vocals. Their live shows are informative, full of musical variety and suitable for all ages (“startlingly talented”, Oxford Times, "exquisite sound", BBC). Included in the show are ancient mystic ballads, beautiful lyrical tunes, and joyous chorus songs. The band’s prolific recorded output has received glowing reviews from the […]
Leveret
Cambridge Junction Clifton Way, Cambridge, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
Leveret
The Forge (at The Anvil) Churchill Way, Basingstoke, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
Fairport Convention
Crookes Social Club Mulehouse Rd, Sheffield, United KingdomFollowing the huge success of their annual Cropredy Convention in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, pioneering British folk rockers Fairport Convention announce their Autumn 2024 Tour. 2024 will see the band that launched British folk-rock celebrate 57 years in business. As they embark on their journey around the UK, Fairport's long-established reputation as an exceptional live band continues to flourish. Whilst Fairport Convention has seen many changes over the years, one thing has remained the same - their passion for performance. […]
Fairport Convention
Settle Victoria Hall Kirkgate, Settle, England, United KingdomFollowing the huge success of their annual Cropredy Convention in the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, pioneering British folk rockers Fairport Convention announce their Autumn 2024 Tour. 2024 will see the band that launched British folk-rock celebrate 57 years in business. As they embark on their journey around the UK, Fairport's long-established reputation as an exceptional live band continues to flourish. Whilst Fairport Convention has seen many changes over the years, one thing has remained the same - their passion for performance. […]
Leveret
Wiltshire Music Centre Ashley Rd, Bradford-on-Avon, United KingdomLeveret is a unique collaboration between three of England's finest folk musicians. Andy Cutting, Sam Sweeney and Rob Harbron are each regarded as exceptional performers and masters of their instruments. Together their performances combine consummate musicianship, compelling delivery and captivating spontaneity. Leveret’s music is not arranged in the conventional sense and instead they rely on mutual trust, listening and responding. Their playing is relaxed and natural, drawing audiences in and inviting them to share in music making that is truly spontaneous and yet deeply […]
FolkEast currently welcomes around 3,500 visitors per day, although John – who had previously worked on big events, including Knebworth Festival – says he’d like to grow it and then cap it at 6,500 so that it retains its personal feel. This year it will have four main stages, as well as all the usual workshops, eateries, camping and shenanigans.
The festival will run from the 18th to the 20th of August, although anyone getting there earlier (on the 17th) gets to see the Sam Kelly Trio, the John Ward Trio and the Stumpy Oak Ceilidh.
Thanks for the information Tradfolk. I can Look forward to a great weekend of music and fun.
Big Session at the Beer Tent by THE HARBOUR LIGHTS CROWD ON SATURDAY
NOT TO BE MISSED