Beverley Folk Festival
The Beverley Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of music, workshops, comedy and spoken word that is held in and around Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire, England.
Established in 1983, the festival was originally organised by the White Horse Folk Club. Over the years it has developed into one of this country’s most popular festivals of its kind.
Whilst British Folk Music, both traditional and new, remains at the heart of the festival, it also feature Americana, world music, some classic rock, punk, a variety of acoustic performances and much more. In recent years it has expanded to also encompass comedy, film, poetry, drama, literature and storytelling.
Past line-ups have ranged from such legends as The Watersons, Steeleye Span, Oysterband, Show of Hands to Billy Bragg and The Proclaimers. Newer performers have included Seth Lakeman, Bellowhead, Eliza Carthy and Blackbeard’s Tea Party.
The festival as a whole includes:
The Festival Village Green: Here there are open-air musical performances, a range of quality food providers, information and craft stalls and much more.
Main Stage Marquee: This marquee hosts not only the festival’s main headliners, but also stages a variety of performers throughout the weekend.
Concert Marquee: Showcasing some of the freshest young talent, old favourites and a truly eclectic mix to suit all tastes.
Wold Top Marquee: Very popular venue, which includes the Late Night and Moonbeams Sessions, improvised jamming, quality local real ale and a truly intimate and inviting atmosphere.
The Racecourse Rooms: Each function room or bar at the racecourse takes on an identity of its own, ranging from open music sessions, CD and instrument stalls, the film club, youth performances, comedy, drama, literature and more.
Children’s Marquee: Running a range of activities, including arts, crafts, music and storytelling, this venue ensures the festival is family friendly event.
Festival Fringe: Several local pubs schedule their own entertainment throughout the weekend to complement the official festival.
The festival is run on a not-for-profit basis and is managed by a board of volunteer directors. Other volunteers are also key to the festival, with dozens of people taking part as stewards, on the reception desk, directing parking, as part of the recycle team, etc.
The next Beverley Folk Festival takes place Friday 19th to Sunday 21 June 2015 - performers booked to date include: Seth Lakeman & Band, Hayseed Dixie (USA), Ralph McTell, Barbara Dickson & Rab Noakes, Peatbog Faeries, Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting & Nancy Kerr, New Rope String Band, Curtis Eller’s American Circus (USA), Hat Fitz & Cara Robinson (Australia), Lucy Ward, The Tweed Project, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, Gentlemen of Few, Holy Moly & the Crackers, Rob Heron & The Tea Pad Orchestra.