More than 300 musicians and 25 Morris sides are getting ready to take part in Folk Week and turn Broadstairs into an all singing, dancing and playing town for a week this August 9-16.
Some of the ticketed events have already sold out, most notably Oysterband, who are calling it a day on touring after this year.
There are still tickets available for other concerts at the Queen’s Road Baptist Centre; ceilidhs and dances at the Sarah Thorne; acoustic events at the Sailing Club, workshops all around the town and special events at Crampton Tower and the Vale United Reform Church.
Morganway appear at the Pavilion on the Sands on Monday 12th August. Striking six-part harmonies, energetic rhythms, catchy songs, and a fiercely formidable live act, Morganway have made quite the impression on the UK’s burgeoning Americana and country scene.
It’s not all sitting back and watching, workshops include Bollywood, African, Belly dancing, Ukulele bands, a festival choir, songwriting, poetry breakfasts, sketching walks, shanties and knitting. They’ll be a Gentle Ceilidh, supported by Chartwell Boutique Care Homes and a Fancy Dress Sci-Fi Ceilidh with Banter.
Folk Week also has two Silent Ceilidhs – one for 10 -17-year-olds and another for all the family. Pop, Reggae, Folk, re-mixed specifically to get you to throw some folk shapes to…no experience necessary as all the moves are piped in through your headphones. It’s also great to watch.
Also new for this year, the Hooden Horse hunt. The mascots of the festival have inspired a trail around town, featuring the corporate supporters of Folk Week. It’s £1 to take part, pick up a form at the Folk Week merchandise at the Hobby Horse Club at the bandstand – and the prize is a Folk Week goody bag.
The first ceilidh kicks off on Friday 9th August with the Hill Top Ceilidh band at the Sarah Thorne Theatre and if you have the energy, there’s two workshops a day in country dancing, solo clog, lunchtime and evening ceilidhs and a Playford Ball.
There’s free music in over 130 pub gigs, a craft and music fair and music and dance at the bandstand.
There’s still pitches available at the festival campsite at Dane Court School. The tickets include Folk Week events and camping.
You can buy tickets with or without camping, or for just one workshop or concert or dance.
The Souvenir Programme is available now to buy online and is a complete guide to Folk Week – £7.50 including postage and packing. Also available in venues around Broadstairs; the Elephant in the Room in Ramsgate and the Margate Visitor Festival Centre in Margate.
Book online at www.broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Credit card booking, Ticket Sales & Information Call 01843 604080
Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes has also teamed up with Folk Week again with the return of the Seniors Folk Concert. The event will take place on August 11 from 2:30pm to 4:30 pm at The Sarah Thorne Theatre, Fordoun Road, Broadstairs.
Building on the success of last year’s groundbreaking ‘Dementia Friendly Folk’ concert, this year’s Seniors Folk Concert promises to be an equally enchanting celebration of music and community. Ticket prices are set at £2.50 for children and £5.00 for adults to be accessible to everyone.
The concert will feature the return of Gentle Ceilidh with Krista & The Wood Urchins, who captivated audiences last year with their lively and heartwarming performances.
This year’s concert continues Chartwell House’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, with a special focus on creating a welcoming environment for individuals living with dementia. Music has long been recognised for its profound impact on mental health and emotional well-being, and this event aims to harness that power to foster connection, joy, and shared experiences.
“Music is a universal language that has the remarkable ability to reach deep within us, evoke memories, and create meaningful connections,” said Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House. “Our goal with the Seniors Folk Concert is to offer a space where everyone, particularly those living with dementia, can experience the joy of music in a supportive and engaging environment.”
Tickets for the Seniors Folk Concert are available now. To secure a place, please visit https://broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk/event/d4-gentle-ceilidh-with-the-bubble-band-and-ceilidh-shapes
