Chippenham Folk Festival

22 - 25 May 2026

22 - 25
May
2026

Whats on When

Only publicised events are listed, there are LOTS more to come

Click on a Day to expand

Events on Friday 22nd May 2026
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
10:15 - 12:15	Schools' Day workshops	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Chippenham Folk Festival's very popular events for local Key Stage 2 children are by invitation only. Please contact your primary school if you wish your child to attend. Aimed at ages: Key Stage Two Shooting Roots	Event Tickets Only
12:00 - 12:45	Dulcimer Mountain	Island Park: Community Stage	Dulcimer Mountain is a Chippenham-based trio playing Americana, Folk, Country and a bit of Rock-n-Roll. Dulcimer Mountain	Donation
12:45 - 14:30	Schools' Day Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Chippenham Folk Festival's very popular events for local Key Stage 2 children are by invitation only. Please contact your primary school if you wish your child to attend. Aimed at ages: Key Stage Two The Downfielders	Event Tickets Only
13:00 - 13:40	Hot Club Of Folk Town	Island Park: Community Stage	Regulars in the local folk scene, Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar, bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing Hot Club of Folk Town	Donation
13:00 - 15:00	Session hosted by Sarah Matthews & Doug Eunson	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews are familiar faces at many folk festivals. They play fabulous English and European dance music on Fiddle, Melodeon & Hurdy Gurdy Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews	Donation
14:00 - 14:55	M3G	Island Park: Community Stage	Chippenham's own M3G. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material. M3G	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Session hosted by Manny Grimsley	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Manny, who plays fiddle & melodeon is a member of Relentless and a familiar face at many festival sessions. Manny Grimsley	Donation
15:20 - 16:10	Becky Syson	Island Park: Community Stage	Uplifting positive songs for the soul with Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter Becky Syson. Becky Syson	Donation
16:35 - 17:05	The Downfielders	Island Park: Community Stage	The Downfielders are staples of the festival. A band based around the Downfield schools, Gloucestershire, With a constant turnover of students in the line up the band has been running for 40 years. The Downfielders	Donation
17:30 - 18:30	Wings and Whispers	Island Park: Community Stage	Music inspired by the natural world and magical beings. Join the harp, voice, whistle, and guitar for a journey through English and American folk. Wings and Whispers	Donation
18:00 - 19:00	A Chance to Meet...	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A chance to meet Marilla Homes and Ken Wilson ahead of their performances over the weekend. Marilla Homes, Ken Wilson, Barry Goodman	Weekend tickets Only
18:00 - 21:00	Session hosted by Sheaf	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Penny Kempson, Will Sartin and Lewis Jones are deeply rooted in the folk tradition and have performed in bands and sessions across the UK and beyond. Sheaf	Donation
19:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Neeld	A fun Friday evening of contra dancing (P) Nicola Scott, Bearded Dragons	Weekend tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	St Paul's Church	A varied mix of interesting and fun dances to start off the festival! (G) Victoria Yeomans, Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Weekend tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	Town Hall	A varied mix of interesting and fun dances to start off the festival! (P) Liam Binley, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 23:45	Welcome Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Kick off the festival with a high-energy welcome ceilidh! Dance to Brown Boots Boogie Band with Ian Nichols calling. Fun for all, no experience needed.(P) Brown Boots Boogie Band, Ian Nichols, Liberty Hill North West (North West)	Weekend or Event tickets Only (£17.50)
20:00 - 22:30	Bal	Olympiad: Riverbank	An evening of balfolk dancing, interspersing popular balfolk dances (such as bourrees, mazurkas and scottishes) with regional French dances. (A) Shivelight, Ravi Sawney	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Opening Concert	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A folk powerhouse! After last year’s roaring success during the festival season, Sāwol kick off our festival in style. Joined by festival veteran Keith Donnelly and the mesmerising Lauren South. Sāwol, Donnelly and South, Sam Hindley	Weekend or Event tickets Only (£27)
20:00 - 22:00	Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Festival Folk Club hosted by Lewes Saturday Folk Club's Valmai Goodyear with guest spots from Ken Wilson and Peter & Barbara Snape. Ken Wilson, Peter and Barbara Snape, Spare Parts	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Welcome Sing‑around	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Kick off the festival with George Dale and Mike Gibson! Our welcome sing-around is the perfect place to share a song, lead a chorus, or just listen in. All styles and voices are warmly invited. George Dale and Mike Gibson	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	Trad Night	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Join Mossy Christian for a night of traditional music featuring: Jeff Warner, Jim & Lynette Eldon, Nigel Smith, Megan Wisdom, Dave Webber & Anni Fentiman, Sean Lyons. Jeff Warner, Jim & Lynette Eldon, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, Nigel Smith , Megan Wisdom, Seán Lyons, Mossy Christian	Weekend or Event tickets Only (£15)
21:00 - 23:00	Session hosted by Ali Barnes	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Ali Barnes is an experienced performer and sought after session player specialising in Irish and Scottish traditional music but she is equally happy playing good tunes in other genres Ali Barnes	Donation
22:30 - 23:30	Post-Bal Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverbank	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend tickets Only

Events on Saturday 23rd May 2026
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
09:30 - 11:00	English Dance Workshop - There's No Business Like Shaw Business	Neeld	A session of reconstructions by Andrew and original choreography by Pat. (P) Orly Krasner (US), John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop - Making Waves	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Contras and squares with waves. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop - Victoria's Inventions	Town Hall	Dances written by Victoria, many of them published in “At Home with Deo Volente”. (G) Victoria Yeomans, JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Folk Dance Basics and Beyond	Olympiad: Riverbank	A workshop for beginners and refreshers, with an emphasis on contra and Playford-style dancing, and covering all you need to know to get you dancing this weekend. (P) Bob Morgan, Linda Game & Gareth Kiddier	Donation
09:30 - 10:45	Absolute Beginners Melodeon	Yelde Hall	Join Ed and Helena and begin your melodeon journey today. Accessible workshop taught using an intuitive tab system with no music-reading needed. 20+ loan instruments available. Squeezebox from Scratch	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:45 - 11:15	Songwriting Inspired By Traditional Precedents	Angel Function Room	Roger will discuss writing with traditional songs as a model, illustrated with recordings of his own songs. Participants will be invited to offer examples of their own work. Roger Watson	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 10:25	Chippenham Male Voice Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	Chippenham Male Voice Choir has performed since 1940 when formed as the Westinghouse Choir. We are excited to welcome to the community stage for their first time at the folk festival Chippenham Male Voice Choir	Donation
10:00 - 10:45	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Aimed at ages: 0-2 Becky Bops	Donation
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable from: http://www.sparepartsband.co.uk/SPTunes.php Spare Parts	Donation
10:00 - 11:45	Singing Together	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Part 1 of 2 sessions where Megan Wisdom leads a vocal harmony workshop, teaching traditional songs in two or more parts. Learning will be by ear with music available if required. All welcome. Megan Wisdom	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 11:00	Early Earth Protectors river wedding craft	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Early Earth Protectors invite you to join them to make some decorations and badges for their river wedding on the 30th May an event to celebrate the river Avon that runs through our site. Aimed at ages: 5+ Early Earth Protectors	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Chalice Morris Men (Cotswold Morris), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Old Palace Clog (North West), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border), Mr Wilkins Shilling (North West Clog), Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Radstock Morris (Mixed Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 11:45	Talk: “Wiltshire Women and Music - From the Archives to the Airwaves”	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Wiltshire Women & Music: From the Archives to the Airwaves. Nancy Kerr and Lucy Whitfield in conversation. Nancy Kerr	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Three Crowns	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), The Tattered Court (Border), Beltane Border (Border), Summertown Morris (Cotswold), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), Chalice Morris Men (Cotswold Morris), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Old Palace Clog (North West), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Steampunk morris (Border), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris (North West), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Mr Wilkins Shilling (North West Clog), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris (North West), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs), Wild Thyme (Border), Steampunk morris (Border), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	St Andrews (Outside)	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Radstock Morris (Mixed Cotswold), Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Moonlight Morris (Border), Liberty Hill North West (North West), New Esperance (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Summertown Morris (Cotswold), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), The Tattered Court (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Rose Hips (Belly dance), Crooked Moon (Appalachian), Sahara Sisters Bellydancing group (Bellydance), City Clickers (Clog step dance)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. City Clickers (Clog step dance), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Rose Hips (Belly dance)	Donation
10:30 - 12:00	NYFTE Rapper Workshop	Masonic Centre	Learn some fast-paced dance moves and tie yourselves in knots with swords with the exuberant National Youth Folk Troupe of England (NYFTE). Exclusively for 11-17s. No experience necessary. Wear hard-soled shoes. Aimed at ages: 11-17 NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
10:30 - 11:30	Meet the Team - Beltane Border	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A Chance to Meet Beltane Border Morris. Beltane will take you on a journey across Dartmoor. Expect dances inspired by moorland myths, legends and monuments with songs and background about the side Beltane Border (Border)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 11:30	Beginners Appalachian with Crooked Moon	The Ruze	Learn a sequence of basic steps from the Appalachian tradition accompanied by our fabulous Old Time musicians. Hard soled shoes or taps recommended. (This is a stand alone workshop) Crooked Moon (Appalachian)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:45 - 11:20	Bristol Youth Folk	Island Park: Community Stage	A performance from Bristol Youth Folk, a brand new group for kids in the Bristol area, aged 6-17, learning about all types of folk - from Cotswold to Molly, Rapper to Border. Bristol Youth Folk	Donation
11:00 - 11:45	Children's Ceilidh Workshop	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Can't wait till the children's ceilidh on Monday? Naomi from Fairy Tale Family Folk Dance will have you spinning in no time with games designed to introduce key ceilidh calls and moves. Aimed at ages: 3-17 FairyTale Family Folk Dance	Donation
11:00 - 12:30	Ocarina workshop	Yelde Hall	Learn to play the transverse ocarina, a ceramic wind instrument with an distinctive 'etherial' tone. Taught by maker Robert Hickman with G ocarinas. Suitable for beginners, loan instruments available. Robert Hickman	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 13:00	Session hosted by some of Trinculo	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Trinculo are only at the festival for one day and have a soundcheck part way through the session but have agreed to kick it off and stay as long as they are able. We are very grateful that these fabulous musicians have agreed to be involved Trinculo	Donation
11:10 - 11:50	Toddle Bops Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Aimed at ages: 3+ Becky Bops	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop - Maggots	Neeld	A selection of Liam's favourite Maggot dances. (P) Liam Binley, John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	American Dance Workshop - Shadows and End Effects	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Contra dances with “interesting” shadows and end effects can be confusing, but in this workshop, we’ll break down what is really going on and build skills and understanding that will help you navigate them (A) Diane Silver (US), Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Mixed Dance Workshop - A Trip to Scotland	Town Hall	Scottish dances for English country dancers, learn some new figures from Scottish dances interpreted for an ECD style (G) Nicola Scott, JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Callers' Workshop - The Walkthrough	Olympiad: Riverbank	In Walkthroughs workshop, we’ll share different strategies, including different calling styles, and best practices using practical examples, discuss how to prepare successful walkthroughs for new-to-you dances Louise Siddons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:30 - 12:30	Talk: Wilts and Berks Canal Trust	Angel Function Room	Join Dave Maloney, volunteer from the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, sharing wonderful stories of our local canal. This is a tale of history, community, and the long-term project to restore the canal Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, Tom Guest	Donation
11:40 - 12:10	Wiltshire Young Musicians	Island Park: Community Stage	Wiltshire Young Musicians draw school-age musicians from across the county, playing in a variety of different ensembles - including orchestras, windbands, choirs and bands. Wiltshire Young Musicians	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	Dance Workshop with the Bristol Youth Folk	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Bristol Youth Folk will be teaching a simple Border Morris dance that will then be performed at the end of the session - all ages are welcome! Sticks and Bells will be provided. Aimed at ages: 3-17 Bristol Youth Folk	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	North West Workshop with Liberty Hill	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Butterley was written by Sheila a few years ago and is now danced by several teams. Named after the original Butterley Brick Company who built the blue iron girders at the iconic St. Pancras Station Liberty Hill North West (North West)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 13:00	Ilmington with New Esperance	The Ruze	New Esperance Morris has breathed new life into the Ilmington tradition, including the reintroduction of galleys. Please wear dance shoes and bring hankies if you have them. Some Cotswold experience required New Esperance (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:15 - 13:15	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Aimed at ages: 0-5 Ben Matthews and friends	Donation
12:25 - 12:50	Maypole Performance with Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary School	Island Park: Community Stage	A local primary school whose maypole team are regulars to the festival. Don't forget to stick around to have a go with Let us Dance after this afternoons parade! Langley Fitzurse C of E Primary	Donation
12:30 - 13:00	Canal Tales	Angel Function Room	Storyteller and narrowboat dweller Ian Douglas has salvaged a wealth of stories from the depths. Murder and mystery, heroes and love, devils and oatcakes are all wrapped up in this storytelling session Ian Douglas, Tom Guest	Donation
12:30 - 14:00	Coffee Concert	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Some of the finest songwriters on the folk scene perform and discuss their approach to songwriting, chaired by Megan Wisdom. Megan Wisdom, Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter, Dave Webber, Roger Watson	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:30 - 14:30	Acoustic Afternoon Concert: Songs from Our Native Lands	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Acoustic afternoon concert with sets from (in this order) Sean Lyons, Jeff Warner and James Fagan. Jeff Warner, Seán Lyons, James Fagan , Katie Howson	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
12:30 - 13:30	NYFTE & WYM lunchtime ceilidh	Masonic Centre	A ceilidh given by youth musicians, but for everyone who fancies a lunchtime whirl. NYFTE are joining forces with locals Wiltshire Young Musicians for a one-off dance extravaganza. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth), Wiltshire Young Musicians	Donation
12:45 - 14:15	Bodhran Workshop	Yelde Hall	Irish bodhran drumming workshops. Open to everyone with beginners most welcome. Drums provided. Lots of fun, laughter, drumming and live practice music. Sense of humour considered helpful. Bruce Lowe	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 13:40	Callers' Round	Olympiad: Riverbank	An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Fee Lock. Fee Lock	Donation
13:00 - 15:00	Session hosted by John Spiers and Amanda Whatley	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	We are very privileged to have John Spiers and his partner Amanda Whatley leading a session. The tunes will be varied and fabulous John Spiers and Amanda Whatley	Donation
13:15 - 13:50	Patric Bulmer	Island Park: Community Stage	Patric has been on the community stage as part of band ,The Magicians Nephew. This year we welcome his solo act exploring just what an accordion can do his set consists of traditional pieces, his own work, and an AWFUL lot of banter. Patric Bulmer	Donation
13:15 - 14:15	Storytelling: Jack Tales	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Everyone knows a story about Jack, Jack the Everyman, Jack the hero. Come join storyteller Ian Douglas for a collection of Jack tales fit for anyone’s ear Ian Douglas	Donation
13:30 - 16:30	Scrap Attack: Banners	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore Come help us decorate the new community stage banner to be seen and loved for years to come. Make a small flag or banner of your own to take home Aimed at ages: 3-17 The Wiltshire Scrapstore	Donation
13:30 - 14:30	Canal Songs	Angel Function Room	Continuing our water themed day, we have the fabulous Towpath Singers joining us for some canal shanties. Towpath Singers, Tom Guest	Donation
13:30 - 14:45	Building Essential Session Skills	The Ruze	A confidence-building session for beginner and intermediate players. Tips and tricks to help you get to grips with session playing. All instruments welcome, tunes used will be in G or D. Tony Hodkin	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 15:15	Afternoon Sing	The Three Crowns	Join Kitty Vernon for a relaxed afternoon sing at The Three Crowns, offering an intimate and cosy venue for a big sing. Kitty Vernon	Donation
13:50 - 14:10	The Bristol Folk House Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	A lively community choir covering a wide range of folk songs Bristol Folk House Choir	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	English Dance Workshop - Poussettes Galore	Neeld	An exploration of dances both historical and modern featuring a variety of poussettes. (P) Orly Krasner (US), Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	American Dance Workshop - What the Hey	Olympiad: Sports Hall	All the heys, with a focus on shape, timing, and flow. Contras, squares, maybe even a triplet! (P) Louise Siddons, Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
14:00 - 15:30	Bal Workshop #1 ‘Bal Basics’	Olympiad: Riverbank	A fun workshop to briefly run through some dances you’re likely to find on the bal/French dancefloor. For absolute beginners wanting to dip their dancing toes in the wonderful world of bal. (A) Lucy Huzzard, Shivelight	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Shooting Roots: Drama workshop	Masonic Centre	Create and devise scenes, skits and vignettes with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. The zanier the better. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
14:00 - 15:00	Parade	The Buttercross, Middle High Street, Island Park: Island Park Stage	A parade of all our wonderful dance teams; this will start at Market Square and process down the High Street to end at the Island Park Stage. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Beltane Border (Border), Liberty Hill North West (North West), New Esperance (Cotswold), Crooked Moon (Appalachian), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris (North West), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Chalice Morris Men (Cotswold Morris), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), The Tattered Court (Border), Rose Hips (Belly dance), Mr Wilkins Shilling (North West Clog), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Old Palace Clog (North West), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border), Summertown Morris (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs), Icknield Way (Cotswold), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
14:15 - 14:30	Parade Passes the Community Stage	Island Park: Community Stage	The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage Details to follow	Donation
14:30 - 15:30	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Aimed at ages: 0-5 Singing Hats	Donation
14:30 - 16:00	Crafty Crochet	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Join experienced crochet teacher Sharon Carter and make a festival souvenir. Suitable for absolute beginners, small charge for materials payable during the session. Sharon Carter	Donation
14:30 - 15:45	Ornamentation, Improvisation and Rhythm	Yelde Hall	Improvers workshop with Tess (bodhran/flute) & Mark (whistle/pipes), looking at techniques to make playing more interesting & enjoyable. Focus on bodhran, whistle & pipes, but all instruments welcome. Tess Livingstone & Mark Goodman	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:00 - 17:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
15:00 - 17:30	Saturday Afternoon in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A double-headliner delight! Patakas’ driving brotherly harmonies meet the virtuosic, high-energy trad of Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly. Two of the scene's most exciting young acts. Jon Doran & The Northern Assembly, Patakas, Sam Hindley	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
15:00 - 15:40	Folk Friendzy: A workshop mashup	Island Park: Community Stage	Folk Friendzy are regular performers on the community stage but this year they are inviting you to have ago at their unique style. A high-energy workshop blending traditional dance with popular music. Aimed at ages: 5+ Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish)	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Session hosted by Sel & Ben	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Ben and Sel have been immersed in folk music as musicians and dancers for well over a decade. Many of you will know Sel for running Tunesday Tuesdays Selam Adamu & Ben Potton	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Summertown Morris (Cotswold), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs), Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris (North West), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Three Crowns	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), New Esperance (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Liberty Hill North West (North West)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Mr Wilkins Shilling (North West Clog), Steampunk morris (Border), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Radstock Morris (Mixed Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	St Andrews (Outside)	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Chalice Morris Men (Cotswold Morris), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), The Tattered Court (Border), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Rose Hips (Belly dance), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), Beltane Border (Border), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), Old Palace Clog (North West), Icknield Way (Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Crooked Moon (Appalachian), City Clickers (Clog step dance)	Donation
15:15 - 16:15	Shooting Roots: Song workshop	Masonic Centre	Sing your heart out and create harmonies with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
15:45 - 17:15	Mixed Dance Workshop - Dances to Tunes I Particularly Like	Neeld	A selection of dances with tunes that Liam particularly enjoys and hopes that you will too! (P) Liam Binley, Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	American Dance Workshop - Variations on Squares	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Grid squares, zias, 5-cpl squares, double-contras with square moments, etc. (maybe a few regular 4-cpl. squares). We’ll aim for an interesting mix. (A) Diane Silver (US), Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
15:45 - 17:15	Bal Workshop #2 ‘Bal deep dive- Scottische/Mazurka’	Olympiad: Riverbank	We will be focusing on two couple dances - the schottische and mazurka, looking at the basics of these dances and also diving into some improvisation with the steps to jazz up your partner dances! Suitable for beginners and those looking to improve their couple dancing skills. (A) Lucy Huzzard, Shivelight	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	Keith Donnelly Family Fun Show	Island Park: Community Stage	Laughs, songs and stories with the wonderful and mischievous Keith Donnelly Aimed at ages: 5-122 Keith Donnelly	Donation
16:00 - 17:00	An hour with Tom Kitching	Angel Function Room	Tom Kitching doing readings and songs and stories about life on Spey. Tom Kitching, Jen Cox	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	Little Concert	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Festival favourites, The Luscombe Sisters, are joined St. Albans Folk Festival's New Roots Competition winner Gabriel Bath for a relaxed afternoon. The Luscombe Sisters , Gabriel Bath, Jeff Gillett	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 18:00	Lingmara: World Music Choir	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Lingmara: World Music Community Choir sing in a variety of musical genres they have performed in Lithuania, Germany and France. Lingmara: World Music Choir	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
16:00 - 17:15	Ballad Session	Yelde Hall	Join our host Rosie Upton with festival guest Brian Peters, in our Ballad session. Come and participate or sit back listen and enjoy! Brian Peters , Rosie Upton, Moira Craig, Barbara Snape	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	An Hour With Rob Johnston	The Ruze	Experience the astounding talent of Rob Johnston. A master of acoustic guitar his virtuosic performance blends folk with modern innovation. Don’t miss this world-class musical journey. He is joined by Tim Gower and Jess Marsh. Rob Johnston	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	Soft Play Stay and Play	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Looking for a shady space to relax. There are no artists scheduled for this session but the space and soft play is available for families use. Please remain with you're children at all times Details to follow	Donation
16:30 - 18:00	Shooting Roots: Make A Band workshop	Masonic Centre	Bring your instruments and form a brand new band with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
17:30 - 18:30	Wiltshire Concert Band	Island Park: Community Stage	With woodwind, brass and percussion sections, the band repertoire is vast and ranges from traditional marches to big band classics, popular musical shows and arrangements of classical music Wiltshire Concert Band formerly the Wiltshire Police Band	Donation
17:30 - 19:25	Zesty Contra Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Lively contra dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
18:00 - 19:00	Swingletree	The Ruze	Swing into the evening with Swingletree, bringing lovely harmonies and bouncy vibes from their tales of life on the canals. Swingletree	Donation
18:00 - 21:00	Session hosted by Nick Goode	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Nick has been a professional actor/musician for over twenty years, recording & performing with many bands. A sought after musician on the ceilidh circuit, he also leads two weekly sessions. Nick Goode	Donation
18:30 - 23:30	Rapper Tour with Mabel Gubbins	The Three Crowns	Join Mabel Gubbins on a rapper tour of the Chippenham town. Starting at The Three Crowns, any teams that wish to join will be in for a wonderful night of fun and frivolity. Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
19:30 - 22:30	Playford Ball	Neeld	New York Playford Ball favorites, old and new. (will be called using positional vocabulary) (P) Orly Krasner (US), Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	St Paul's Church	A fun evening of contras and squares. (A) Diane Silver (US), Linda Game & Gareth Kiddier	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	Town Hall	A mixture of Nicola's favourites from ECD, Scottish and American dances (G) Nicola Scott, John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 20:20	Pre-Bal Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverbank	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:00	Intimate Evenings in The Angel	Angel Function Room	Experience an enchanting night at The Angel with Sally Ironmonger, Brian Carter, and Hannah Wood. From witty, story-led contemporary folk to dreamy, soulful pop, enjoy a unique, unplugged connection. Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter, Hannah Wood, Bill Crawford	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 21:00	Shooting Roots: Tunes, Games and Songs	Masonic Centre	Evening fun with Shooting Roots, with games, songs, tunes and fun aimed at an exclusive young people session. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
20:00 - 24:00	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Saturday night heats up with Trinculo! Join caller Nick Walden for an energetic ceilidh that’ll lift the roof.(P) Trinculo, Nick Walden, Beltane Border (Border)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£17.50)
20:00 - 21:30	The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry. Aimed at ages: 5-122 Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
20:00 - 22:30	Saturday Evening in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Captivating ballads from rising star Holly Clarke set the stage for folk royalty. Jackie Oates & John Spiers bring masterful fiddle and melodeon for an evening of pure English trad. Jackie Oates & John Spiers, Holly Clarke, Nancy Potts	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
20:00 - 22:00	Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Festival Folk Club hosted by Bob & Gill Berry with guest spots from Brian Peters and Jim & Lynette Eldon. Brian Peters , Jim & Lynette Eldon, Bob and Gill Berry	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 21:00	Dulcimer Mountain	The Ruze	Chippenham’s Dulcimer Mountain bring a fun, harmony-filled mix of Americana, Folk and Rock-n-Roll. Join Linda, Rob and Martin for a lively set from three staples of the local live music scene! Dulcimer Mountain	Donation
20:00 - 22:30	Forebitter or Worse: Shanties & Songs of the Sea	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Join George Dale and Mike Gibson for a maritime sing-around. Raise your voice with authentic shanties and songs of the sea. Lead a verse or join the chorus—all are welcome! George Dale and Mike Gibson	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	Trad Night	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Join Megan Wisdom for a night of traditional music featuring: Rosie Upton, The Luscombe Sisters, Alice Jones, Katie Howson, Belinda Kempson & Fran Foote and Hyem. Rosie Upton, The Luscombe Sisters , Katie Howson, Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote, Megan Wisdom, Hyem, Alice Jones	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
20:30 - 22:40	Bal	Olympiad: Riverbank	An evening of dances ranging from exquisite mazurkas to joyful bourrées. (A) Lucy Huzzard, Nicky McConkey & Richard Scott	Weekend or Day tickets Only
21:00 - 23:00	Session hosted by Jack Hogsden	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Jack plays guitar & mandolin but is generally known for his melodeon style & has been regarded among the top players in the UK. Expect foot-stompers, morris mayhem, and everything in between Jack Hogsden	Donation
22:00 - 23:00	Keith Donnelly	The Ruze	Keith Donnelly presents a classic late night get together. Laughs and larks from one of our festival favourites. Keith Donnelly	Donation
22:40 - 23:30	Post-Bal Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverbank	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend or Day tickets Only
23:15 - 24:00	New Roots Showcase	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Spots from a selection of the winners of this year's New Roots Competition, hosted by Barry Goodman. Gabriel Bath, Barry Goodman, Hyem, Martha Khan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)

Events on Sunday 24th May 2026
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop - I Like a Challenge	Neeld	Dances to really make you think. Not for the faint-hearted or those who missed their caffeine hit this morning. (G) Victoria Yeomans, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop - Challenging Contras	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances with quirky choreography or high-piece counts are fun, but don’t get called because they require more teaching. This workshop is to take them bit by bit so we can enjoy them with no stress. (A) Diane Silver (US), Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop - A Peek Inside My Brain	Town Hall	Liam considers that his brain is possibly a scary place to be, but hopes that these dances aren't too mind-boggling. Mostly English, possibly some American, and even some Scottish! (P) Liam Binley, Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Callers' Workshop - Calling American Squares	Olympiad: Riverbank	A workshop for callers on the topic of calling American squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Linda Game & Gareth Kiddier	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:45	Absolute Beginners Melodeon	Yelde Hall	Join Ed and Helena and begin your melodeon journey today. Accessible workshop taught using an intuitive tab system with no music-reading needed. 20+ loan instruments available. Squeezebox from Scratch	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 10:45	Bristol Youth Folk Workshop	Island Park: Community Stage	Learn how to Morris Dance with Bristol Youth Folk! We will be teaching a Cotswold Morris Dance for beginners, complete with live music, bells, and possibly even hankies! Aimed at ages: 5+ Bristol Youth Folk	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Circus Skills with Clare's Circus	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade Aimed at ages: 3-17 Clare’s Circus	Donation
10:00 - 10:45	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Aimed at ages: 0-2 Becky Bops	Donation
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable from: http://www.sparepartsband.co.uk/SPTunes.php Spare Parts	Donation
10:00 - 11:45	Singing Together	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Part 2 or 2 sessions where Megan Wisdom leads a vocal harmony workshop, teaching traditional songs in two or more parts. Learning will be by ear with music available if required. All welcome. Megan Wisdom	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 11:30	Bodhran Workshop	Masonic Centre	Irish bodhran drumming workshops. Open to everyone with beginners most welcome. Drums provided. Lots of fun, laughter, drumming and live practice music. Sense of humour considered helpful. Bruce Lowe	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Knights of King Ina (Cotswold Jigs), Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Old Palace Clog (North West), Steampunk morris (Border), Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Three Crowns	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Ellington (Cotswold), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold), White Horse Morris (Cotswold and Border), Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper), Moonlight Morris (Border), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Mafficking Border (Border), Sarum (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Moonlight Morris (Border), Liberty Hill North West (North West), Sarum (Cotswold), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border), Ellington (Cotswold), Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Alton Morris (Border), New Esperance (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Clausentum (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border), Alton Morris (Border), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Black Adder Morris (North West), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border), White Horse Morris (Cotswold and Border), Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Clausentum (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Old Meg Morris (North West), Mafficking Border (Border), New Esperance (Cotswold), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Old Palace Clog (North West)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Black Adder Morris (North West), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Knights of King Ina (Cotswold Jigs), Old Meg Morris (North West), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Beltane Border (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Rivelin clog (Clog), Applejacks (Appalachian), Tappalachian (Appalachian), Spank the Planks (Appalachian), Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Spank the Planks (Appalachian), Theale Tattoo (Step Clog), Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance), Crooked Moon (Appalachian), Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Applejacks (Appalachian)	Donation
10:30 - 11:45	Talk: Cecil Sharp, Saint or Sinner?	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Although he's generally acknowledged as the greatest of England's folk song collectors, the reputation of Cecil Sharp has taken a battering in recent years. Brian Peters sets the record straight. Brian Peters	Donation
10:30 - 11:30	North West Workshop with Liberty Hill	The Ruze	Westhoughton. Written by Trefor Owen in the 1980s in celebration of the gargoyles on Westhoughton church tower. Our music is Quadrille Bouchard and Marche du Verner. Liberty Hill North West (North West)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 12:00	Infrastructure	Angel Function Room	A workshop on arranging dance music, starting from the underlying rhythmic and harmonic infrastructure. Suitable for all instruments. Roger Watson	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 11:45	NYFTE Workshop	Island Park: Community Stage	The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
11:00 - 12:15	Absolute Beginner D Whistle	Yelde Hall	An introduction to the D whistle, suitable for absolute beginners and taught by ear. Limited loan instruments available - or visit the music stalls on your way to the Yelde. Colin Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 12:00	Sunday Hymn Sing	Angel Hotel : Angel Atrium	Join us in The Angel Hotel for a hymn sing. Hymn books will be provided. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 13:00	Session hosted by Tom Kitching	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Fiddle player and author, Tom has worked with numerous singers and bands, including Pilgrims' Way, Gavin Davenport, Jon Loomes, Tom Kitching	Donation
11:10 - 11:50	Toddle Bops Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Aimed at ages: 3+ Becky Bops	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop - Local-ish to me	Neeld	A selection of dances written by people ‘local-ish’ to Liam (so around Rutland). (P) Liam Binley, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	American Dance Workshop - Grid Squares, Exploding Squares etc	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Squares and contras that move you from set to set (and sometimes back) (G) Geoff Cubitt, Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Dance Musicians' Workshop	Town Hall	Matthew Coatsworth will lead a workshop recent research with Georgia Delve into 18th century country dances. Participants will be able to play music soon to be released on a recording by the Warleggan band Matthew Coatsworth, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	American Dance Workshop - No-Swing Contras	Olympiad: Riverbank	Zesty dances, hot music, no swings. Are you ready for the Peterborough (New Hampshire) Challenge? (P) Louise Siddons, Linda Game & Gareth Kiddier	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:45 - 13:15	Songwriting Workshop	Masonic Centre	It’s just a song - or is it? Sally Ironmonger & Brian Carter share their idiosyncratic approach to songwriting and performance - discuss lyrics and tunes, and connection with your audience Sally Ironmonger and Brian Carter	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 12:30	Show Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	Singing songs from smash hit West End musicals as well as lesser-known off-Broadway gems, all in a cappella, Chippenham & Swindon Show Choirs join forces Chippenham & Swindon Show Choirs	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	Border Workshop with Beltane Border	The Ruze	Beltane combine confident and graceful flowing movements with fiery energy bringing tales of the myths, legends and monuments of Dartmoor alive. We’ll teach you our popular Tolmen Stone and Vixana dances Beltane Border (Border)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:15 - 13:15	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Aimed at ages: 0-5 Singing Hats	Donation
12:30 - 14:00	Ocarina workshop	Yelde Hall	Learn to play the transverse ocarina, a ceramic wind instrument with an distinctive 'etherial' tone. Taught by maker Robert Hickman with G ocarinas. Suitable for beginners, loan instruments available. Robert Hickman	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:30 - 14:30	Acoustic Afternoon Concert	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	With sets from (in this order) Holly Clarke, Brian Peters, and Alice Jones. . Brian Peters , Holly Clarke, Alice Jones, Nancy Potts	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
12:30 - 13:30	Coffee Concert	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Grab a cup of your favourite brew and join us for a relaxing traditional afternoon, hosted by Barry Goodman. Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote, Hyem, Barry Goodman	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 14:30	The Afternoon Ceilidh	Island Park: Community Stage	Bring the whole family for a free Sunday ceilidh! Dance to Fraser’s 10th with caller Prue Reilly. A lively afternoon of fun for all ages. (P) Aimed at ages: 5-122 Fraser's 10th, Prue Reilly	Donation
13:00 - 13:40	Callers' Round	Olympiad: Riverbank	An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Diane Silver. Diane Silver (US)	Donation
13:00 - 15:00	Session hosted by Tess Livingstone, Mark Goodman & Seb Stone	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Tess, Mark & Seb are regular faces on the session music scene. Expect a lively session, though not exclusively Irish and we might even get some songs in from Seb. Tess Livingstone & Mark Goodman, Seb Stone	Donation
13:15 - 14:15	Storytelling: Of Beast and birds:	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	It’s often a journey into the natural world that teachers people what they most need to know, come take a journey into the wild with storyteller Ian Douglas Ian Douglas	Donation
13:30 - 16:30	Scrap Attack: Fairytale Mascarade	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill. Make your own mask or headgear and come join us at the Fairy Tale Ceilidh on Monday at 11:35 Aimed at ages: 3-17 The Wiltshire Scrapstore	Donation
13:30 - 14:30	Young Traditions: New Roots & Rising Stars	Angel Function Room	Joining local rising star M3G is a fabulous entrant from the New Roots competition run by St. Albans Folk Festival. M3G, Martha Khan, Sophie Boon	Donation
13:30 - 15:15	Afternoon Sing	The Three Crowns	Join Kitty Vernon for a relaxed afternoon sing at The Three Crowns, offering an intimate and cosy venue for a big sing. Kitty Vernon	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	Callers' Showcase Dance	Neeld	Come and dance to the calls of a preselected group of callers, new to calling at Chippenham. (P/G/A) Bob Morgan, John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	English Dance Workshop - Serendipity	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances by Fried deMetz Herman, mostly from her last collection. (P) Orly Krasner (US), Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
14:00 - 15:30	Mixed Workshop – Dances for Odd Numbers	Olympiad: Riverbank	Dances for odd numbers - including dances for 3, 5, 7 dancers, maybe more! (P) Nicola Scott, Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Aimed at ages: 0-5 Ben Matthews and friends	Donation
14:00 - 15:00	Shooting Roots: Theatre Workshop	Masonic Centre	Create and devise scenes, skits and vignettes with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. The zanier the better. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
14:00 - 15:00	The New Esperance Tradition	The Ruze	Forty-odd years ago, we started to write dances in a new style. There are now a dozen dances, which are designed for four people or multiples thereof. Bring your hankies and dance shoes, and instruments. New Esperance (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:15 - 15:30	First Steps in Morris	Yelde Hall	Introduction to Morris dancing. Accessible introductory session led by experienced dance teachers. Presented by the Morris Federation and led by Drew Knight. Suitable for Absolute Beginners. The Morris Federation, Knights of King Ina (Cotswold Jigs)	Donation
14:30 - 16:00	Crafty Crochet	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Join experienced crochet teacher Sharon Carter and make a festival souvenir. Suitable for absolute beginners, small charge for materials payable during the session. Sharon Carter	Donation
15:00 - 16:20	NYFTE Show Case	Island Park: Community Stage	NYFTE (pronounced "nifty") are a team of 10-18 year olds from all over the country, performing a wide range of dance styles, song and musicianship. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
15:00 - 17:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
15:00 - 17:30	Sunday Afternoon in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Driving tunes from the James Kerry Trio, performing from their new album Tributaries. Backed by the rising talent of Harry Kessell and the soulful sounds of Sheaf. James Kerry Trio, Harry Kessell, Sheaf, Nancy Potts	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
15:00 - 16:00	Album Launch	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Alvar Smith launches his new album A Sailor and His True Love, traditional singing from the Blaxhall Ship, with Veteran Records' Mossy Christian. MC Katie Howson Alvar Smith, Katie Howson, Mossy Christian	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Session hosted by Underground Sun	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	These fabulous young musicians have agreed to lead a session for us. The future of folk is in safe hands The Underground Sun	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian), Clausentum (Cotswold), Ellington (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Bow Brook Border Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Three Crowns	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border), Liberty Hill North West (North West), Alton Morris (Border), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Knights of King Ina (Cotswold Jigs), Beltane Border (Border), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), White Horse Morris (Cotswold and Border), Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Mish Mash Morris (Mixed), Old Meg Morris (North West), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold), Stafford Morris (Cotswold), Sarum (Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Moonlight Morris (Border), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Mafficking Border (Border), Old Palace Clog (North West), Black Adder Morris (North West)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Spank the Planks (Appalachian), Theale Tattoo (Step Clog), Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance), Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Rivelin clog (Clog), Applejacks (Appalachian), Tappalachian (Appalachian)	Donation
15:15 - 16:15	Shooting Roots: Song workshop	Masonic Centre	Sing your heart out and create harmonies with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
15:30 - 16:30	Jackie Oates songs with children and parents	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Festival headliner Jackie Oates visits the Under 5's Dome to lead an acoustic song session specifically for children and their parents Aimed at ages: 0-5 Jackie Oates	Donation
15:45 - 17:00	Aqueilidh	Olympiad: Swimming Pool	Dive into a pool dance with Dancing Yew and caller Martin Clarke. It’s shore to be a whale of a time—just keep your head above water and go with the flow!(P) Important: Numbers are limited, please collect (free to season ticket holders) tickets from the box office on a first-come first-served basis to secure your space to splash! Dancing Yew, Martin Clarke	Event Tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Harriet Willes Ball	Neeld	Miss Harriet Willes invites you to attend an afternoon of her favourite dances, as documented in her own hand. Aimed at ages: 11-Adult Louise Siddons, John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Donation
15:45 - 17:15	American Dance Workshop - 4 Square	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Squares and double contras (G) Geoff Cubitt, JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
16:00 - 17:30	An Eclectic Afternoon	Angel Function Room	Join John and Di Cullen for a rich, varied set supported by Bill Crawford. A delightful mix of song and style, bringing a unique, curated energy to our festival. Bill Crawford, John and Di Cullen	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:15	Ballad Session	Yelde Hall	Join our host Rosie Upton with festival guests Gabriel Bath and Ken Wilson in our Ballad session. Come and participate or sit back listen and enjoy! Rosie Upton, Moira Craig, Gabriel Bath, Ken Wilson	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	Improvers Appalachian with Crooked Moon	The Ruze	This workshop is aimed at those with some knowledge of Appalachian stepping. Learn a short routine in Crooked Moon's dynamic style. Hard soled shoes or taps recommended. (This is a stand alone workshop) Crooked Moon (Appalachian)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:30 - 18:00	Ghost of a Sailor's Talking Blues	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Sailor Swift (Pete Morton), Sophie Boon	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
16:30 - 17:30	Songs, Stories and Step	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A good humoured hour of traditional songs, stories and step dancing. Jim & Lynette Eldon, Ken Langsbury & Bernie Cherry	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:30 - 18:00	Shooting Roots: Make A Band workshop	Masonic Centre	Bring your instruments and form a brand new band with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
16:45 - 17:15	The Cause Community Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	A collective of singers and musicians performing a wide variety of songs based at the Cause Music Centre Chippenham. Cause Community Choir	Donation
17:30 - 18:30	The Keith Donnelly Comedy Hour	Island Park: Community Stage	Fun for all the family with Keith Donnelly Aimed at ages: 5-122 Keith Donnelly	Donation
17:30 - 19:25	Zesty Playford Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances published between 1651 and 1730 that reward energy and musicality. Some familiar favourites and perhaps some surprises! (P) Louise Siddons, JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
18:00 - 19:00	Stick and Bucket Dance Competition	Old Road Tavern	Chippenham's hilarious annual contest for the best interpretation of Sir Terry Pratchett's Stick & Bucket Dance. Details to follow	Donation
18:00 - 21:00	Session hosted by Josh, Louis & Helen from Clausentum Morris	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Helen, Louis & Josh are all fabulous musicians in their own right but together they make truly beautiful music. There will obviously be Morris tunes but so much more Clausentum Morris Musicians; Josh Louis & Helen	Donation
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Neeld	An evening of lively contras and squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	English Dance - From NY with Love	St Paul's Church	English Country Dance favorites from the Big Apple (P) Orly Krasner (US), John Hymas & Denise Bearon	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	Irish Ceili	Town Hall	An evening ceili of Irish Set Dancing. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan, WillPower	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
19:30 - 21:30	Evening Concert	Masonic Centre	Former Shooting Roots tutors, Matt and Mim, support Sheffield folk quartet The Underground Sun, who blend precise vocals with trad and contemporary tunes. Having already played many renowned folk festivals and venues, they are an accomplished, must-see band. The Underground Sun, The AKPs	Donation
19:45 - 22:45	Techno Contra	Olympiad: Riverbank	This one’s about the vibes and the flow - and don’t forget your glow necklace. (P) Louise Siddons, Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 23:45	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Experience the explosive, high-octane energy of Lasair paired with Hannah Moore’s expert calling. A powerhouse evening of music and dance that you won't want to miss. (P) Lasair, Hannah Moore, New Esperance (Cotswold)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£17.50)
20:00 - 21:30	The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry. Aimed at ages: 5-122 Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
20:00 - 22:30	Sunday Evening in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Concertina and melodeon masters unite! Folk legend John Kirkpatrick and Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne bring a virtuosic, button-box bonanza. Richard Trethewey joins them, bringing songs and tales from Cornwall. John Kirkpatrick, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Barry Goodman, Richard Trethewey	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
20:00 - 22:00	Bitter and Mild - Tom Kitching and Jen Reid	Angel Function Room	Tom Kitching and Jennifer Reid present their new show, ‘Bitter and Mild’, a tongue-in-cheek celebration of their native North West of England, through songs, stories, and a skeletal horse. Tom Kitching and Jennifer Reid, Keith Donnelly	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 22:00	Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Festival Folk Club hosted by Bodmin Folk Club's Sylvia Watts, with guest spots from Pete Coe and Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote. Pete Coe, Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote, Sylvia Watts	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	The Big Sing	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Join George Dale and Mike Gibson for The Big Sing! Our flagship communal event invites everyone to raise the roof. Bring your finest voice for a powerful, shared celebration of song. Don't miss it! George Dale and Mike Gibson	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	Trad Night	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Join Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom for a night of traditional music. Peter and Barbara Snape, Seán Lyons, Ken Wilson, Jim & Lynette Eldon, Alvar Smith, Benammi Swift, Ken Langsbury & Bernie Cherry, Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
20:00 - 23:00	French Music and Dance	Old Road Tavern Barn	French session - Come along and join in playing French folk dance music. There's a chance to dance as well. Details to follow	Donation
21:00 - 23:00	Session hosted by Bridge & Boden	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Will Bridge and Jackie Boden are a fiddle and box duo from Sheffield who delight in playing a wide variety of tunes with skill & enthusiasm Bridge & Boden	Donation
23:15 - 24:00	Will Allen & Becci Pamely	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Will & Becci perform music from their new organ and fiddle album 'Great & Small'. Will Allen & Becci Pamely	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)

Events on Monday 25th May 2026
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop - Me and My Shadow	Neeld	American contra dances where you interact with your partner, neighbour and a friendly shadow (or two!) who follows you through the dance. (P) Nicola Scott, Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop - Four Square	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances in many genres, but all in one formation. Square your sets! (G) Victoria Yeomans, JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	English Dance Workshop - Dances by Philippe Callens	Town Hall	A selection of dances by Philippe Callens, known for their musicality, flow, and elegant structure. A rewarding session for dancers who enjoy thoughtful and beautifully crafted choreography. (P) Liam Binley, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Callers' Workshop - Calling American Squares	Olympiad: Riverbank	A workshop for callers on the topic of calling American squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Linda Game & Gareth Kiddier	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:45	Improvers Melodeon	Yelde Hall	Join Ed and Helena for some tips and tricks to spice up your playing. Designed for melodeon players with a little experience looking to spread their musical wings. Squeezebox from Scratch	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:40 - 10:00	SOUNDCHECK - Hot Club of Folk Town	Island Park: Community Stage	Hot Club of Folk Town , Jenny Rogers	Donation
09:45 - 11:15	Songwriting Inspired By Traditional Precedents	Angel Function Room	Roger will discuss writing with traditional songs as a model, illustrated with recordings of his own songs. Participants will be invited to offer examples of their own work. Roger Watson	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 11:00	Hot Club of Folk Town	Island Park: Community Stage	Regulars in the local folk scene, Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar, bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing. This year, they're joined by Freestyle Appalachian flatfoot dancer Jennifer Rogers. Hot Club of Folk Town , Jenny Rogers	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Circus Skills with Clare's Circus	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade Aimed at ages: 3-17 Clare’s Circus	Donation
10:00 - 10:45	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Aimed at ages: 0-2 Becky Bops	Donation
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable from: http://www.sparepartsband.co.uk/SPTunes.php Spare Parts	Donation
10:00 - 11:00	Shooting Roots: Theatre Workshop	Masonic Centre	Create and devise scenes, skits and vignettes with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. The zanier the better. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
10:00 - 11:00	Sound Bath	The Ruze	A symphony for your senses, a journey for your soul! Immerse yourself in the soothing waves of sound as Ben Matthews and friends guide you through a transformative sonic adventure Ben Matthews	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 11:00	Can't Sing, Won't Sing	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A gentle introductory singing workshop covering vocal technique and confidence building specifically designed for those who feel they can't or shouldn't sing. Jess Arrowsmith	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Borderline Morris (Border), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Bell's Angels (Cotswold), Black Adder Morris (North West)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Steampunk morris (Border), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Wild Thyme (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Bell's Angels (Cotswold), Liberty Hill North West (North West), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Steampunk morris (Border), Beltane Border (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Black Adder Morris (North West), Beltane Border (Border), New Esperance (Cotswold), Borderline Morris (Border), Liberty Hill North West (North West)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day. Crooked Moon (Appalachian), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
10:30 - 11:45	Talk: Not All Beer And Skittles	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	This is a talk on the games and activities that went on in Ale Houses, Inns and Taverns or in the yard at the rear of the building such as Quoits, Rat Clubs, Pigeon Racing, Cock Fighting etc, etc. Martin Horler	Donation
10:45 - 12:00	Shanty Workshop	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Towpath Singers	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 12:15	Vocal Health	Yelde Hall	Especially for singers, this workshop will focus on caring for your vocal health. Led by Feldenkrais Practitioner Marilla Homes. Marilla Homes	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 14:00	Session Hosted by Sāwol	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	We have a real treat for our final (organised) session of the festival. Some members of the fabulous fiddle ensemble Sawol will be hosting. Feel free to carry on playing when the organised bit finishes ! Sāwol	Donation
11:10 - 11:50	Toddle Bops Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Aimed at ages: 3+ Becky Bops	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	American Dance Workshop - Variations on Longways Sets: Double-contras, Triplets, Triple Minors, etc.	Neeld	This session will highlight these formations of American dance that often only get a short nod in an evening program. We’ll do some classics, but there’s a good chance there will be something that you’ve never seen before. (A) Diane Silver (US), Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	English Dance Workshop - Celebrations	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances by Orly Krasner (P) Orly Krasner (US), JAMB	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop - Summersweet	Town Hall	A selection of dances from the Summersweet collection by Gary Roodman - graceful, flowing, and full of warmth, with a distinctly lyrical feel. (P) Liam Binley, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Dance Organisers' Round	Olympiad: Riverbank	An opportunity for dance organisers to get together and discuss all things dance organising. Hosted by Jen Cox (Oxfolk/BunkFest/Open Morris/EFDSS) and Jane Curry & Andrew Findlay (London Barndance).	Donation
11:30 - 12:30	Shooting Roots: Song workshop	Masonic Centre	Sing your heart out and create harmonies with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
11:30 - 12:30	Flat Foot with Jenny Rogers	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Come along and learn traditional and new style Appalachian and flat footing steps and choreography with some polyrhythms thrown in for fun. Jenny Rogers	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:35 - 12:35	Family Fairy-tale Ceilidh	Island Park: Community Stage	Specifically for children and families. Bringing a sprinkle of fairy dust and story telling to introduce our youngest attendees to the fun to be had in ceilidh dancing. Costumes encouraged! Aimed at ages: 3+ FairyTale Family Folk Dance, The Downfielders	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	An Hour With Cohen Braithewaite-Kilcoyne	Angel Function Room	A master of the squeezebox, experience a captivating journey through the deep roots of English traditional song. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Sam Hindley	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 14:00	Afternoon Acoustic Concert	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	With sets from (in this order) Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote, Jim & Lynette Eldon and Mossy Christian & Megan Wisdom. Jim & Lynette Eldon, Belinda Kempster & Fran Foote, Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom, Sylvia Watts	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
12:00 - 13:30	Stay and Play	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Looking for a shady space to relax. There are no artists scheduled for this session but the space and soft play is available for families use. Please remain with you're children at all times Aimed at ages: 0-5 Details to follow	Donation
12:30 - 14:00	Bodhran Workshop	Yelde Hall	Irish bodhran drumming workshops. Open to everyone with beginners most welcome. Drums provided. Lots of fun, laughter, drumming and live practice music. Sense of humour considered helpful. Bruce Lowe	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:30 - 14:00	Crafty Crochet	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Join experienced crochet teacher Sharon Carter and make a festival souvenir. Suitable for absolute beginners, small charge for materials payable during the session. Sharon Carter	Donation
12:55 - 13:20	The Good afternoon Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	The Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (one of 23 FUN community choirs that sing in the afternoons) led by the wonderful Matt Finch. Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir	Donation
13:00 - 14:00	Shooting Roots: Make A Band workshop	Masonic Centre	Bring your instruments and form a brand new band with other young people under the guidance of youth folk arts specialists Shooting Roots. Aimed at ages: 11-17 Shooting Roots	Donation
13:00 - 14:30	Storyround	The Ruze	Hosted by Ian Douglas, an opportunity to tell or listen. Bring a story you've been wanting to tell and offer it in a friendly space. Stories no longer than 3 minutes. Ian Douglas	Donation
13:30 - 16:30	Scrap Attack: Circus Props	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill. Have you enjoyed learning new circus skill this weekend? Come along and make your own ribbon stick, poi or your own creation that helps you test a skill. Aimed at ages: 3-17 The Wiltshire Scrapstore	Donation
13:45 - 14:10	Sounds with your feet	Island Park: Community Stage	Explore where making sound with your feet can take you with Clog dancer Vikki Lewis. Aimed at ages: 3+ Vikki Grimsley , Manny Grimsley	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	English Dance Workshop - Splendid Shaw	Neeld	Splendid 17th and 18th century dances interpreted by Andrew Shaw. (G) Victoria Yeomans, Pete & Sue Hall	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	American Dance Workshop - Not Just Duple Minors!	Olympiad: Sports Hall	American dances in different formations - longwise, Becket, Mescolanza, triplets and more! (P) Nicola Scott, WillPower	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Scandi Workshop #1 ‘Swedish Polska’	Olympiad: Riverbank	A whistle stop tour of this gorgeous couple Swedish dance to get newbies out on the dancefloor with confidence! Wear slidy shoes if possible, suitable for beginners. (A) Lucy Huzzard, Nicky McConkey & Richard Scott	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Coffee Concert	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	John and Di Cullen, Jeff & Elaine Gillett, Jeff Gillett	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Parade	The Buttercross, Middle High Street, Island Park: Island Park Stage	A parade of all our wonderful dance teams; this will start at Market Square and process down the High Street to end at the Island Park Stage. New Esperance (Cotswold), Crooked Moon (Appalachian), Beltane Border (Border), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth), Bell's Angels (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold)	Donation
14:15 - 14:55	The Parade passes the Community Stage	Island Park: Community Stage	The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage Details to follow	Donation
14:15 - 15:15	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Aimed at ages: 0-5 Ben Matthews and friends	Donation
14:30 - 16:00	Jeff Warner: Songs from the Atlantic Nation	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Exploring the great wealth of song that traveled not only from the UK to the US, but also from the US to the UK. With songs from the Anne and Frank Warner Collection. Jeff Warner, Alice Jones	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
14:30 - 16:30	Farewell Sing	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Bid a fond farewell with George Dale and Mike Gibson at our final afternoon sing-around. Share one last song and a hearty chorus as we wrap up the weekend in style. All voices welcome. George Dale and Mike Gibson	Donation
14:30 - 15:45	Building Essential Session Skills	Yelde Hall	A confidence-building session for beginner and intermediate players. Tips and tricks to help you get to grips with session playing. All instruments welcome, tunes used will be in G or D. Tony Hodkin	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:00 - 16:00	Shooting Roots Showcase	Island Park: Community Stage	Come and see the fantastic results of our Shooting Roots workshops, held over the weekend, and support our festival youth! Shooting Roots	Donation
15:00 - 17:30	Monday Afternoon in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Folk legend Pete Coe brings his stories and songs, joined by festival favourites Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, with Seán Lyons’ songwriting craftsmanship. A masterclass in tradition close to our festival hearts. Pete Coe, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, Seán Lyons, Nancy Potts	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
15:00 - 17:00	Wings and Whispers: Keeping the Tradition Flying	Angel Function Room	Ethereal harmonies and delicate strings meet the future of folk. We’re proud to present two New Roots competition winners in support of Bristol based duo Wings and Whispers. Hyem, Wings and Whispers , Jen Cox, Gabriel Bath	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Beltane Border (Border), New Esperance (Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Wild Thyme (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A variety of Morris traditions being performed throughout the day. Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold)	Donation
15:30 - 16:30	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Aimed at ages: 0-5 Singing Hats	Donation
15:45 - 17:15	English Dance Workshop - Timing is Everything	Neeld	Satisfying moments in dance come from nailing the timing of a connection, a lead forward, or a back-to-back. Discover those moments in our favourite dances from the long and living Playford tradition (P) Louise Siddons, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	American Dance Workshop - Fun With Beckets	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Fun with becket formation dances! (G) Geoff Cubitt, WillPower	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Scandi Workshop #2 ‘Slängpolska/Schottis’	Olympiad: Riverbank	Covering the basics of two commonly danced and wonderful dances from Sweden, the improvised Slängpolska and the Schottis (we will especially look at how this differs from the French ‘scottische’ from Bal Workshop #2 on Saturday!) (A) Lucy Huzzard, Nicky McConkey & Richard Scott	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:15	Ballad Session	Yelde Hall	Join our host Rosie Upton with festival guest Bill Crawford in our Ballad session , Come and participate or sit back listen and enjoy! Rosie Upton, Bill Crawford, Moira Craig, Jim Eldon	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:20 - 17:05	The grand exhibition of contraptions and curiosities.	Island Park: Community Stage	A chaotic show loaded with myths, music, magic and mayhem featuring, songs, stories, sparkles and silliness. A bewildering and often breathtaking hour of absolute puerility. Aimed at ages: 5+ Ian Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel, Gacko	Donation
17:30 - 18:30	Helian	Island Park: Community Stage	Helian is a folk band blending gentle melodies, rich harmonies, and earthy storytelling to create music that feels both ancient and alive. Helian	Donation
17:30 - 18:55	Zesty Contra Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Zesty Contras. Do you like skipping your heys, and allemanding twice around instead of once? Nothing too taxing, just lively contras you can enjoy to their fullest. (P) Louise Siddons, WillPower	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:00 - 22:00	The Cause Music Cafe	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Fred and friends welcome you to the Cause music cafe, with special guest Pete Coe. Pete Coe, Fred Guscott and Friends	Donation
19:30 - 22:30	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	The festival’s grand finale! End on a high note with the EFDSS Ceilidh Band and the legendary Fee Lock. One last chance to dance your heart out before the party’s over. Don't miss the big finish! (P) EFDSS Ceilidh Band, Fee Lock, Crooked Moon (Appalachian)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	Neeld	Come and end the festival in style with a fun evening of dances. 20-30min display spot from NYFTE at 8pm. (G) Victoria Yeomans, Jacqueline Schwab (US), Ali Messer, NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Town Hall	Come and end the festival in style with a fun evening of contras and squares! (A) Diane Silver (US), Bearded Dragons	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 20:10	Pre-Balfolk & Scandi Dance Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverbank	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:00	Intimate Evenings in The Angel	Angel Function Room	A masterly display of acoustic guitar from Rob Johnston sets the stage for Bridge & Boden. Close-knit harmonies and stunning tunes close out our evenings in The Angel. Bridge & Boden, Rob Johnston, Tom Guest	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Monday Evening in St. Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	The stellar Kerr Fagan Van Eyken brings a powerful, sophisticated sound to our final stage, with support from the evocative Marilla Homes. A high-calibre close to our festival. Kerr Fagan Van Eyken, Marilla Homes, Sam Hindley	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£27)
20:15 - 22:30	Balfolk and Scandi Dance	Olympiad: Riverbank	A Grand Tour of Balfolk and Scandi dances. (A) Lucy Huzzard, Nicky McConkey & Richard Scott	Weekend or Day tickets Only

Only publicised events are listed, there are LOTS more to come

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Chippenham Folk Festival C.I.C.

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