Sidmouth is 70!
Sidmouth Folk Festival 2024 is on the horizon. We’ve been dusting off our bell pads, tuning our fiddles and parping our melodeons, eager to get started with the 70th edition of England’s longest-running traditional folk extravaganza.
That’s right, Sidmouth Folk Festival will be 70 years old in August, 2024, and the dates have already been set. The festival will run from August 2nd to 9th.
With many of the artists and events already announced, and with many of the super-early-bird tickets fast evaporating, now is an excellent time to get yourself acquainted with this legendary affair. There’s so much going on, you’ll need these remaining weeks and months to plan your week properly, whether that involves seeing all the headline artists, hitting the beach or simply lazing around with a pint and a good book in Blackmore Gardens.
In short, if you’re a regular Tradfolk reader and you’ve never been to Sidmouth Folk Fest, this is the year to right that wrong. It’s the folk experience – there’s nothing else quite like it.
In this article you’ll find…
- What is the Sidmouth Folk Festival?
- Where are the venues?
- What is the lineup for Sidmouth Folk Festival 2024?
- Is the Sidmouth Folk Festival purely traditional music?
- Tell me about the morris…
- Is Sidmouth Folk Festival family-friendly?
- Is Sidmouth Folk Festival free?
- Can I combine it with my beach holiday?
- Where can I stay?
- Is there much to eat?
What is the Sidmouth Folk Festival?
Sidmouth Folk Festival began in 1955, organised by EFDSS. Initially a celebration of folk dance, it has grown to include many more of the folk arts, and is now known for its diverse programme, including some of the big names from folk music (traditional and non-traditional) that perform across several stages over the course of the first week in August.
Along the way, Sidmouth Folk Festival has been known as Sidmouth International Festival, The Sidmouth Festival, and Sidmouth Folk Week. Visitors can expect over 700 events, stretching out across the length and breadth of the picturesque Devon seaside town, ranging from folk art workshops to Morris Dancing championships.
Where are the venues?
Sidmouth is what’s known as a town festival, meaning that everything is spread around, rather than being stationed in one location. Although things are subject to change, here’s a Google Map showing where you’ll usually find the action.
What is the lineup for Sidmouth Folk Festival 2024?
The Sidmouth Folk Festival in 2024 promises an electrifying blend of traditional and contemporary folk music, alongside an array of dance, workshops, and special projects, making it a must-attend event for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The festival kicks off with pre-festival specials featuring performances by the Fisherman’s Friends, George Hinchliffe’s Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and Steeleye Span, setting the stage for a week of musical excellence.
The main festival programme boasts an impressive lineup, including revered acts such as Alasdair Fraser & Natalie Haas, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, and the innovative Sea Song Sessions featuring Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, and others. Notable artists like Karine Polwart, Kate Rusby, and the Oysterband highlight the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of folk music. The inclusion of diverse acts such as Zulu Tradition and the Melrose Quartet further demonstrates the festival’s global outlook.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival offers a packed social dance programme, engaging ceilidhs, and a multitude of workshops covering everything from guitar and melody accompaniment to bhangra dance and storytelling. Special projects like ‘Ewan Wardrop: Sweet Thames: The London Folk Club Heritage Project’ and ‘Ghosts, Werewolves, and Countryfolk’ presented by Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes enrich the festival’s cultural offerings.
For the full lineup, head to the Sidmouth FF website.
Is the Sidmouth Folk Festival purely traditional music?
No, it isn’t. While the traditional arts are clearly the main focus, there are plenty of things going on that will appeal to non-tradfolkies. This year’s line-up includes a good number of performers who may have been inspired by the tradition, but tend to perform more contemporary music. Kate Rusby & Sea Song Sessions (Jon Boden, Seth Lakeman, Ben Nicholls, Emily Portman & Jack Rutter), in particular, will draw large crowds.
Of course, it’s not all music, either. As we’ve already mentioned, dance is a large part of the programme, and you could quite easily fill out your entire week attending workshops on everything from storytelling to mumming.
Tell me about the morris…
If morris dancing (and display dancing in general) is your bag, Sidmouth is the place for you – you’re never not within earshot of a set of bells.
Get ready for an electrifying showcase of display dance in 2024. Some of the most exceptional dance teams from around the world are set to perform. Announced so far: Beltane Border Morris, Eynsham Morris, Feet First Appalachian Dance Team, Gog Magog Molly, Great Western Morris, Hadrian Clog, Kekezza, Liberty Hill Northwest Morris, NYFTE (National Youth Folklore Troupe of England), Sussex Junction Morris, Ten Hill Morris (US), Wakefield Morris Dancers and Whip The Cat Rapper and Clog.
For those eager to experience the dances for themselves, there will be a range of dance workshops every morning of the festival. Everyone is welcome at the workshops, which cater to a wide range of experience and ability.
The highly-anticipated John Gasson Memorial Jig Competition is making a welcome return, adding a competitive spirit to the festival with high standards and energetic jigs. And let’s not forget the popular Sidmouth Horse Trials. Grab your hobby horses and beasts and compete for the prestigious trophy. To top it off, Morris Wednesday is certain to make a memorable mark. The theme is yet to be announced, but we can expect nothing less than a sensational celebration.
Is Sidmouth Folk Festival family-friendly?
It certainly is. In fact, there’s even an area dedicated specifically to families. If you have littleuns with you, head to Blackmore Gardens, where the Children’s Festival takes place. You can expect to find children’s theatres, maypole lessons, arts and crafts workshops, one-man bands, and a stage for younger performers. Jackie Oates and Bryony Griffiths are just two well-known names that will be running events for kids in 2024.
Is Sidmouth Folk Festival free?
No, Sidmouth Folk Festival is not free. A variety of ticket types are available, including season tickets, all-in-one weekend tickets, week tickets, weekend tickets, day tickets, and more. More info can be found on the ticketing site.
Can I combine it with my beach holiday?
Nobody is stopping you! It’s the height of summer, and the beach – although quite rocky – attracts plenty of bathers. In fact, it’s not uncommon to find that the person you’re swimming next to was the star attraction the night before.
It’s also a good spot for walking, wonderfully situated on the Jurassic Coast with the clifftops stretching out in either direction from the edges of the town. The views across Jacob’s Ladder from Connaught Gardens are breathtaking.
That said, if you’re turning up to Sidmouth for a beach holiday during the first week in August, and folk culture isn’t your thing, you’re in for a bit of a surprise. The promenade is rammed with street performers, stalls, Morris sides and throngs of festival-goers. If folk’s your thing, it’s quite the party.
Where can I stay?
The festival is extremely popular, so hotels and AirBnBs tend to get booked out months in advance. However, it does have its own camping ground – the Bulverton Campsite – which is linked to the town by a festival bus.
A useful tactic is to enquire at the Sidmouth Rugby Club, which puts up people with campervans and motorhomes. Alternatively, many people stay inland in nearby towns such as Ottery St Mary and drive into the festival for the day.
Is there much to eat?
The festival invites stallholders to trade around the various stages, so there’s plenty of food on offer. A collection of international food stands can often be found opposite Jacob’s Ladder Beach, and there is a wonderful Indian street food stall in the grounds of Kennaway House. You’ll also find a range of cuisines around Blackmore Gardens.
The town also has its fair share of pubs and restaurants, usually overrun with morris dancers.
Got any other Sidmouth Folk Festival questions you’d like us to answer? Get in touch via our contact page and we’ll see what we can do.
Can’t wait for Sidmouth this year – I’m artist in residence 😁❤️
Great work.
keepitup…