This year we have done:

Summerpole in Guildford - first Saturday in May and very much Morris. Assorted pub, town festival and village fête Morris and choir outings with sessions.

Sidmouth only for a day - just me and it poured on the journey over. We camped last year and found it too much of a marathon trying to do a mix of ceilidh, workshop, plus the odd concert and session and idling in the town. It was the 'quiet' campsite noise at stupid hours coupled with rain and mud that finished us. Was it better this year? That said, I could cheerfully do much more Middle Bar, so next year?

I do know minimalist people who sleep on the street in car or van and just do Sidmouth sessions/idling. Others pay for accommodation but just do sessions.


Didn't get to Towersey at August Bank Holiday. Did last year on a half-price ticket. Tad expensive full price. I wonder about just going to the Barn for a sing.

Did get to Singfest in Surrey. First weekend in September. Is this a folk festival? Technically perhaps not but has features in common. Weekend secluded farm. Camping but not compulsory. Singing workshops leading to concert. Barbecue supper then ceilidh on Saturday night. Songs and the odd tune round the fire last thing Friday/Saturday. Cider and beer. Fiddle or two being played during the breaks from workshops.

Non-singing spouses/partners/offspring & co get to idle round the place. Small children being run off feet looking after a steward's collie which also joined the ceilidh. Not an extravagant weekend, but good.

And an afternoon and evening at Swanage - second weekend in September. Red Lion session, Artisan in concert in the church - good acoustics, and saw the odd bit of dancing plus donations-only gigs. Possible to camp and sight-see and do sessions/free events. A seaside weekend out.

Lewes coming up - not really thought about it yet. We'll see. What's it like?