Best festival for sessions/singarounds?

Subject: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: GUEST,matt milton
Date: 21 Mar 25 - 11:56 AM

I'm sure this must have been discussed at length many times, but I was wondering what you all think are the best UK folk festivals for sessions and singarounds?

I'm interested in which ones have the maximum opportunity to just go from session to session? or from singaround to singaround? I'm not fussed about the concerts or even workshops really...

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 21 Mar 25 - 05:58 PM

In case you need a prompt this page seems to have the most comprehensive listing of UK folk festivals I've seen.
https://ukfolkfestivals.co.uk/viewall.php

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: Raggytash
Date: 21 Mar 25 - 07:30 PM

I'm going back 45 years ago when I was taken down to Bracknell Folk Festival by a newly acquired friend.

He said the BEST singing session ever was held in the Cellar bar.

I went in not quite knowing what to expect.

He was absolutely correct, the session was simply stunning, no instruments , just awesome singing. At one point there must have 5 or 6 different harmonies being sung.

If I close my eyes I can still hear it now all these years later.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: Acorn4
Date: 22 Mar 25 - 05:36 AM

Moira Furnace Folk Festival has a good programme of singarounds both onsite and at two local pubs The Railway Inn and The Rawdon Arms:Moira Furnace Folk Festival
You don't need a festival ticket for the fringe events

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 22 Mar 25 - 06:16 AM

I agree about the Moira Festival. Matt's question is a good one as in my experience there are not too many festivals where there are plenty of opportunities for singarounds. Quite a few don't seem to have any at all.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Mar 25 - 04:40 PM

The two I know are Whitby, and Sidmouth.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: FreddyHeadey
Date: 22 Mar 25 - 05:18 PM

Glynne Davies set up a Facebook page
UK Folk Festival Fringe
for this sort of info.
Sadly it hasn't been used as much as it could be but might give some leads.

www.facebook.com/groups/756895488369039/

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: Manitas_at_home
Date: 23 Mar 25 - 01:19 AM

Chippenham has always been good for sessions. In recent years both tune and song sessions have been organised in the beer tent in addition to those in various pubs.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: The Sandman
Date: 23 Mar 25 - 02:46 AM

The Festival i organise is good for singarounds and also sessions in Ireland , june 13 15 www.fastnetmaritime.com

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: GUEST,Completely Scuppered
Date: 23 Mar 25 - 06:42 AM

We host a weekly shanty session at the Jenny Lind in Hastings, East Sussex, every Thursday from 20.30. We’ve been doing this for over ten years. Guest singers are always welcome.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: Aethelric
Date: 25 Mar 25 - 06:05 AM

The Moffat Rammy is only sessions and singarounds, and its's free.

You'll find details here:- The Moffat Rammy

It's a facebook page with details on if you scroll down a bit.

Subject: RE: Best festival for sessions/singarounds?
From: GUEST,Tom Patterson
Date: 25 Mar 25 - 07:23 AM

The Morpeth Gathering (25th-27th April) has singarounds on Friday night and Saturday lunchtime which is better than many festivals seem to have.