Free festivals

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Red
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:53 AM

baggerage unlikely this year see cresby.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 21 May 09 - 10:03 AM

Black Bull Bender 29\31/5,Durham Trad.at Croxdale 26/28/06,Cleckheaton 3-5/7 Staithes 15-19/7, Durham Folk Party 24-26/7,White Horse Festival 14-16/8, probably a lot more but that's all I can think of at moment. PM/phone me if you want any more details. Hope you are keeping well.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Tug the Cox
Date: 21 May 09 - 05:52 AM

Exmout Misiv and Arts festival is this weekend, nearly all free and outdoors. Huge programme covering all genres, check it out on the web.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 21 May 09 - 03:05 AM

Thanks for the info, Ray. Sadly I won't have the van for a good week or so. Have fun!

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Banjo Ray
Date: 20 May 09 - 08:16 PM

Foaotmad spring camp is on this coming weekend. See my entry in this thread this time last year for details.
Ray

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 20 May 09 - 07:20 PM

I'm reviving this thread as I aim to get to more festivals this year. Any freebies or free fringe festivals around please?

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Doktor Doktor
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 11:07 AM

Whittlesford (not to be confused with WhittleSEA)
19th July 2008 - with Isambarde
The Red Lion Hotel
Station Road
WHITTLESFORD
Cambridge CB2 4NL

www.redlionfolk.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 06:46 AM

100!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 06:44 AM

are you going sooz?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Sooz
Date: 11 Jul 08 - 02:37 AM

Theres one in Mansfield this weekend.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Celtaddict
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:59 PM

And bagpipes of course.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Celtaddict
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:59 PM

I see most of these seem to be in the U.K. but there are some others in the U.S. too.
New London, CT, August 23, 10-7, Celts and Currachs
Trouz Bras, Ed Miller, Danny O'Flaherty, Jodee James, Dan Ringrose, Celtic Melody, Spirited Soles Irish Step Dancers, Mystic Scottish Country Dancers, cultural booths, vendors, food, dance instruction, and currach races on the Thames (which in Connecticut I blush to disclose is pronounced 'thaymz').
Celts & Currachs

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:56 AM

Natures World Free Fest, Teeside.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:48 AM

Friday:The Carlton, Informal Session, Handbridge, Chester 8pm

Saturday: The Bores Head, Informal Session, Middlewich 8pm

Sunday:The Bee Hive,Informal Session, Hoole Road, Chester 2pm

The Raven Folk Club, The Cross Keys, Lower Bridge Street, Chester 8pm

Aston Arms, Frodsham Informal Session 8pm

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 10 Jul 08 - 11:41 AM

Anything going on this weekend?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: BanjoRay
Date: 09 Jul 08 - 01:54 PM

This weekend is the Killington Lake Old Time weekend. It's a free camp, with a voluntary contribution of a fiver towards the hire of two portaloos. It's the other side of the lake you can see behind Killington services on the M6. If you're travelling North on the M6 you get off at the next junction (Kendal/Sedbergh) then follow the Sedbergh sign. Take the next right of this road, then the next right again. After a farmhouse you'll see tents in a field on your right, and there should be a FOAOTMAD banner (if i've already got there!).
We just play tunes all weekend in a large session, with a gospel session on Sunday morning. There's a large Berber tent for getting under if it rains, and the farmer (Joe Fearnhead, banjo player) lights a barbecue we can use on Sat evening. We usually get 30-40 people, including one or two flatfoot dancers.

Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 08:32 AM

Mesen' & the fiends are off to Cleckheaton this w/end.

Its a good 'un as they cater for 'fringers' like us, & there's an option of just paying for camping without having to buy a fest ticket.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 08:25 AM

Forgot, here's a link: http://www.dulvertonfolkfestival.net/

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 03 Jul 08 - 08:08 AM

Coming up:
Dulverton Free Folk festival, July 18-20, on the edge of Exmoor, Devon, UK

With funding and support from
Artlife, West Somerset Council, Exmoor Events and Festivals, The Bridge Inn, The Rock House Inn, and Sapphire Sound.

Appearing:
Paul Downes, Jackie Oates, Stephen Snow, The Coalition of the Willing, John Richards.
And yours truly also.
Loads of singarounds and open mics too.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 12:45 PM

driffield folk festival is an all free festival... 22nd n 23rd of august.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 12:19 PM

17th Annual Leigh Folk Festival in Leigh on Sea, Essex runs from 26 through 29 June. Boasts loads of free events and fun for all the family.

Barn Dances, Ceilidhs, Concerts, Singarounds, Sessions, Workshops, Open Mike Competition, Children's Events, Dance Sides from Around the World.

Leigh Folk Festival

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Jim I
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 09:54 AM

I;m surprised no one has mentioned Newcastleton, first weekend in July. Although there is a smallish charge for some of the events there is no ticket charge per se. Camping on the main site is chargeable but you can camp by the river (5 minutes further away) for free.

Several sessions, both tune and singaround, in the pubs, the club, the village hall and the camp sites.

www.newcastleton.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 08:47 AM

SCARBOROUGH SEA FEST,JULY 18 20.
A good selection of performers which includesMudcatters ,KeithKendrick,Dick MilesTom and Barbara Brown,Two Black Sheep and a Stallion.
nonmudcatters like Kimbers men,Monkeys fist and many morewww.seafest.org.ukor
© Scarborough Seafest 2008
Festival Office: The Old Post Office, Commondale, Whitby YO21 2HG.
Email: [e-mail]

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Mad Jock
Date: 22 Jun 08 - 05:38 AM

Dont forget The Songwriters Festival at the Taybank Hotel in Dunkeld on Saturday 6th Sept.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 01:45 PM

Is there an e-mail address to contact them?   Because we were told at the recent public meeting that camping only tickets would be for sale by now subject to availability, and that it wouldn't be necessary to buy any event ticket.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 07:25 AM

http://www.beverleyfestival.com/tickets-camping/camping-at-the-festival


'Camping places are limited and camping will only be made available to Individual Event Ticket Holders, subject to availability nearer the festival weekend.'

So doesn't sound like you can pay just for camping - you still have to buy a ticket

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 18 Jun 08 - 07:19 AM

Last minute camping only tickets for Beverley folk festival this weekend should be available now on the Beverley folk festival website. Organised events need tickets, but there are plenty of fringe activities.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 08 Jun 08 - 03:38 PM

Leamington Peace festival 14th - 15th June. It's free and in the public park. Loads of brill music for those who like this kind of thing

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Snuffy
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 07:50 AM

Evesham Morris, Medieval & Cider Festival

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 01 Jun 08 - 06:04 AM

----------------------------------------------------------------------
A new venture this year, sponsored by Wychavon District Council & Tourism.

June 14th & 15th – Morris, Medieval & Cider Festival. Town Centre, Almonry Heritage Centre and Abbey Park, Evesham.

For the first time in Evesham a Festival of Morris Dancing with Morris 'sides' from all over the country performing into the night.

Plus

Merrie England re-enactment group, story telling, Minstrel Music, plague victims, fire eating, sword play, costumes, heraldry etc. Local traders market, hog roast and Vale cider & real ale bar.

Ceilidh in The Public Hall, Evesham, Saturday 14th ~ 8 - midnight ~ Steamchicken with Caller Dave Hunt. (Tel Almonry for tickets 01386 446944 £7.50 or £8.50 on door).

Singarounds & sessions in pubs & venues around the town. Beer Festival in The Trumpet.

Admission: Free | Contact: Lew Hammond [phone]
Email: [e-mail] | Website: www.worcestershires-heritage-garden.org

If you'd like further info, PM me for Morris/Folk Organiser's email/tel no.

Rosie Stroud

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,JohnB
Date: 30 May 08 - 02:14 PM

Millrace Folk Festival in Cambridge (Ontario) is freely available for anyone in Canada on the August holiday weekend.
It also fetures Great British folk acts every year, including the fantastic English group CRUCIBLE this year, also Johnny Collins with Jim Mageean and Graeme Knights.
JohnB

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 30 May 08 - 09:27 AM

Was just looking at the thread for York Folk weekend, this weekend. Looks good.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Simon G
Date: 29 May 08 - 05:39 AM

Alison Arms Free Folk Festival
6-8 June 2008
Alison Arms, Preston Road, Coppull, Lancashire PR7 5DU Map
Pete Morton, Houghton Weavers, Heather Dale, His Worship and the Pig, Dave Gibb.
Lots of singarounds and workshops on a single venue.
Camping close by, free with showers, etc

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: curmudgeon
Date: 28 May 08 - 08:40 PM

Again - Here's another    free festival -- Tom

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: curmudgeon
Date: 28 May 08 - 08:30 PM

Here's another free fetival:

http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=111584&messages=1

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 May 08 - 11:16 AM

Portland Harbor Museum Maritime Music Festival
August 2
Gordon Bok, David Jones, Kendall Morse,
Marc Bernier,David Coffin, Roll'nGo and a host of others. 10AM-4PM
SMCC Campus in South Portland
www.portlandharbormuseum.org

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 28 May 08 - 09:35 AM

Have put festivals into months, so can copy and paste onto word to find things easier. Hope there aren't mistakes. Post if there are.

Free festivals list as at 28th May 2008

March
Darlington Spring thing 13-15 March
Lancaster Maritime festival 21st -24th March

April
Rochester sweeps, 30 April-2nd May. Sweeps Festival Rochester Kent. Loads of free gigs and singarounds in the local Pubs. loads or Folk and Morris Teams and Singarounds with good beer. Free, apart from the concerts.
In the US: NJ Folk Festival at Rutgers U
Alaskan folk festival every april

May
the Sewerby Old Time weekend is totally free this weekend - you don't even have to pay for camping. Just turn up at the back (sea front) entrance and say you're a musician and you're in. Look out for the Foaotmad banner and camp behind it.
There are no acts, just lots of musicians and sessions, though we'll have some Appalachian dance teams appearing in the Orangery.
Can camp from now till Wed if necessary.
In th US NW Folklife in Seattle in May
ONE rhythm dance festival, 5th May 2008, Leicester
www.oneleicester.com/one-rhythm Humberstone Gate, Ceilidh 3pm til 4pm
short but it is free! Caller:- Me. Band:- The Bang On The Wall Band.
The annual Adams Avenue Roots and Folk Music Festival , May 3 and 4, in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood. Lou Curtiss, who is, among other things, an archivist for the Smithsonian and who has a huge collection of historic recordings, books people from far and wide for this event each year. It is a street fair with music, basically, with a lot of song-swapping, guitar and banjo workshops, etc.
Near Bridlington, Sewerby old time. "Friends of Old Time Music amd Dance".
Padstow: You can visit Padstow on Mayday or Helston on Furry day and it doesn't cost a bean! That's if you can get through the crowd. But it's worth it to see a real living tradition in action.
23 – 25 May Norwell Happening, near Newark, Nottinghamshire. http://homepage.ntlworld.com/brian.colley/NORWELL.html. Norwell is a lovely, completely free weekend - including camping. I've been the last two years and will be there again this year.   John
York Folk Weekend, 31st May – 1st June
Holmfirth festival May 9th – 11th, small charge for certain events. Most events at Holmfirth are free. There's a charge for camping and the concerts at the Picturedrome and Old Bridge but there's loads happening in all the pubs that's free.
Moor and coast festival, Whitby, 2nd – 4th May. The Ceilidh at the Moor & Coast Festival in Whitby is always a free event. There's loads do do in the pubs, and they have floor spots from many of the main artists appearing in the festival, all free...
In the US, the Washington Folk Festival is a phenomenal free festival. Events on from May 28th to June 29th
York - Black Swan Folk weekend, Peaseholme Green, 31st of May , 1st of June '(My Birthday)' 'Black Swan weekend I can certainly vouch for as a quality free festival having participated last year.' try looking here
West Virginia USA, The Vandalia Gathering, State Capitol Complex, Charleston WV
May 23-25 http://www.wvculture.org/vandalia/vansched.html
Foaotmad Spring Camp at Sacrewell Farm near Peterborough. The only fee is what you pay to camp(£5 members, £6 non-members per night). It's a good camp site with a daytime restaurant and an extensive farming museum. We usually get around 70 people, mostly musicians and just hold loads of spontaneous sessions, with a campfire in the evenings, or an excellent barn if it's wet. There's a couple of videos on the above website showing some of the activities.
It's the most relaxing place I know....as well as the most fun./
Beverley Beckside Shanty festival. May 24th 25th. Fantastic. Camping £8 a tent/van at the Leisure centre.
Heading back along the M62 from the Beverley Beck Shanty Festival on the Bank Holiday Monday you might like to drop in on a free event at Goole's Yorkshire Waterways Museum. Musicians/singers/listeners welcome. The museum itself is free entry and there are trips round the docks on Tom Pudding tug Wheldale at three quid a go.

June
Leila is organising a free singing weekend at Kelk, just north of Beverley, East Yorks. England, starting the weekend of Friday 13th June - she'll be posting a thread about it soon or PM me for further details (Carol)
Straweberry Fair in Cambridge on Saturday June 7th. Not a folk festival as such, but plenty of free music, including folk. And a great day out. Especially if it doesn't rain.
Cottingham Springboard June 6, 7 and 8 - taking place in 4 venues in Cottingham with more than 100 performers.
Wimborne festival (13-15 June) has free music sessions and singarounds in the Conservative Club.
Durham Traditional Music festival, 27-29 June   www.efdss.org/festivals.htm
West Virginia USA, The West Virginia State Folk Festival, Glenville, WV
June 19-22 http://www.wvfolkfestival.org/
Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall (June 13 to 15th inclusive) is relatively free in that there are no tickets to purchase, but the aim of the festival is to raise money for the RNLI lifeboats, so there are willing volunteers wandering around with buckets hoping for your kind and generous donations, and one can also purchase a booklet containing a large collection of shanty lyrics from both the collectors or from many of the local shops, at a cost of a mere £3, and the money for this also goes towards the lifeboats. Its a most enjoyable and fun weekend, listening to the fine singing of both local and visiting shanty crews, including some from other countries. Not to be missed ! Check out :http://www.falmouthshout.com/festival.html
For further information contact:[e-mail]
Leigh-on-Sea, Southend. A great festival, 26th - 29th June. Sadly, it's the only festival I've come across, free or paying, where they don't have any local camp site at all, since a couple of years back. so I'll give it a miss. I hope some day they get this sorted out, because I used to love going there for a good number of years.

July
In the US: New Bedford Summerfest - very cheap - something like $5 or $10 - July
July 12th , 13th. Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th Is actually in Middlesbrough bordering on Redcar & Cleveland district!
Durham folk party, last weekend of July each year. Durham Folk Party is free, the only charges are for camping because we have to hire the Rowing Club and the ceilidh because we have to hire a band.
25th to 27th July are the dates
Staithes folk weekend, July 19th – 22nd
25th-27th July(?). Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend is free. Apart from your accommodation and meals of course. Guests singers include Len Graham, Roisín White, Mae Hernon, Moya Ní Choilm, John Moulden, Tim Dennehy and mant many other great singers. Singing sessions lectures and lots lots more. Keep an eye on Sligo Traditional Singers Circle
Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th is free...with lot's of wonderful acts to be announced soon. Not sure about camping, I know there is hard standing for vans.
July 26th - 27th 2008 Sea Swansea Festival IS FREE! National Waterfront Museum & The Marina, Swansea. Vagrant's Crew, The Foundlings, Baggyrinkle, Inner State & more.
Staithes Acoustic Music Event 2008. has been extended to five days starting Wednesday 16th July to Sunday 20th July. Camp site will now be open noon Wednesday 16th to noon Monday 21st July 2008. This year we have the use of two sing around rooms on the camp site with at least three rooms in the Captain Cook Inn, serving hand pulled beers for less than £2.00 per pint. Entry to all events is FREE.
Trigpoint 49 Camping , have discounted their prices for this event to £ 27.00 per caravan, camper van, or tent ( up to four people) for five nights., or £6.00 per night for those staying 1,2,3,or 4 nights. Single occupants will get £1.00 per night reduction on these prices. This includes use of the showers and flush toilets. For B&B ring the Captain Cook 01947 840200. For camping Tel Wendy at Trigpoint 49 on    01947   840888   Thanks Tony Leonard
Lowell Folk Festival in Massachusetts on the last weekend of July. It is 100% traditional music, free (donations requested but not mandatory), and a splendid place to be. See   http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/
Johnstown PA folk festival 4th of july weekend.
Lossiemouth Folk festival Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July. At the Beach Bar , Lossiemouth Camping available    www.lossiemouthfolkclub.co.uk

August
August 15th 16th 17th music on the marsh, it all free and for charity.20 artists playing over the weekend, singarounds and kids entertainment. http://www.musiconthemarsh.com
Baggeridge park Wolverhampton, late August-Early September
Whitby, Just a comment that Whitby has quite a lot of free fringe sessions but you need to buy a season ticket to camp - places to stay in Whitby are expensive!
In US, August 2nd, Portlend Maritime Festival in ME
Music on the marsh, it all free and for charity.20 artists playing over the weekend, singarounds and kids entertainment. http://www.musiconthemarsh.com/
White Horse Festival this year - I know it's not free but the weekend ticket prices are reasonable at £20 including camping and £15 for OAPs.
Princeton Traditional Music Festival, Princeton BC Canada, 16/17 August 2008. Princeton is a small ex-mining town 300 km E of Vancouver. We can promise you a fine old time!
Folk Fest 2008 Burnham on Sea, Somerset August 29-31st www.folkfest.co.uk
September
in us, September 27, 28.   Portsmouth Maritime Festival in NH
Songwriters Festival on Sat Sept 6th at The Taybank , Dunkeld. More details from Dogsden music.co.uk

October
Friday 17th Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October 2008
   MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS, TOP OF COOM, IRELANDS HIGHEST PUB
'High in the Kerry mountains on the Cork/Kerry Border
A warm welcome from Eileen & Tim Your hosts.
And in our opinion the best Guinness you will taste anywhere!
A fun filled weekend of Sessions, Concerts and Storytelling.
With Fabulous Local Musicians and Singers, Special Guest Appearances .Irish
Dancing and young Local Musicians. Storytelling, and general fun and
frivolity!
Contact John & Marie at       [e-mail]
There are no Paid artists at the festival , and people come from all over the world to take part and participate. Everyone comes at their own expense and pays their own way. I'ts a great place to meet and play with other musicians, very hectic but lots of fun. The craic is brilliant, and many very talented local Irish musicians and singers come along as well. We make a point of encouraging local young people to take part , and it's great to see the next generation of singers, musicians and dancers performing and growing in confidence.'
lots of free concerts at The Perthshire Amber festival Late October. Held at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry.

November
Decemmber

January
Whittlesea straw bear in January, north Cambridgeshire, www.srawbear.org.uk

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: kimsky
Date: 28 May 08 - 04:18 AM

Folk Fest 2008 Burnham on Sea, Somerset August 29-31st

www.folkfest.co.uk

maybe see some of you there!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 27 May 08 - 10:46 AM

Lots of info on this site: www.efdss.org/festivals.htm
Some of it is free, and some of it has free fringe events.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Oldnickilby
Date: 27 May 08 - 08:23 AM

Jacky and I have been running a Second saturday singing do for the last 30 months and really pleasant evenings they have been,around 20 friends,invitation only,well it is our house.Once invited, stay invited.
We reckon that this is the way forward, pubs are often grotty and un welcoming and only tolerate us at best. Yes I know there are exceptions but I ran a Folk Club for 12 years
We went to a super sing around session near Newark on Trent at the week end,10/10 and you can go in the sweetie box for running this one!!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 27 May 08 - 04:04 AM

This is definately the way to go. More and more festivals are much to expensive. What goes around comes around. Isn't this where festival land came from in the first place and some clever clogs started cashing in on it all?

Go for it. Back garden fests, I say. Oh and house concerts too.

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 26 May 08 - 06:07 AM

Leila is organising a free singing weekend at Kelk, just north of Beverley, East Yorks. England, starting the weekend of Friday 13th June - she'll be posting a thread about it soon or PM me for further details

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Steve Gardham
Date: 20 May 08 - 05:22 PM

If you're heading back along the M62 from the Beverley Beck Shanty Festival on the Bank Holiday Monday you might like to drop in on a free event at Goole's Yorkshire Waterways Museum. Musicians/singers/listeners welcome. The museum itself is free entry and there are trips round the docks on Tom Pudding tug Wheldale at three quid a go.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 20 May 08 - 04:15 PM

Staithes North Yorks coastal village lovely place and got music too.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: jojofolkagogo
Date: 20 May 08 - 04:00 PM

Hello there !!!

G R E A T   thread !!! especially for us with little cash (ME !!!)

Thanks to you McGrath, for mentioning the Leigh F/Fest, (which is in ESSEX) and I am sorry I have not seen you for SO VERY LONG, I have even forgotten your first name, (for the time being anyway, it will come back to me - at 2 in the morning !!) but I have NOT forgotten your lovely white beard - and your songs, of course.

                            * * * * *


HOWEVER, as I have said many many times on mudcat, PLEASE PLEASE say WHERE the festivals are (or give a web site) as there are many many places in the UK which have identical names, e.g. Winsford, which is in somerset AND Cheshire. just because you live there, does not mean everybody else knows where you are talking about !!!


thanks again for a great thread Graham and Jo


Jo-Jo

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Mad Jock
Date: 20 May 08 - 08:34 AM

Songwriters Festival on Sat Sept 6th at The Taybank , Dunkeld.
More details from Dogsden music.co.uk

Lossiemouth Folk festival Friday 18th to Sunday 20th July.
At the Beach Bar , Lossiemouth Camping available.

www.lossiemouthfolkclub.co.uk

Also lots of free concerts at The Perthshire Amber festival Late October. Held at Pitlochry Festival Theatre, Pitlochry.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Jon Bartlett
Date: 19 May 08 - 06:57 PM

Free festival? Princeton Traditional Music Festival, Princeton BC Canada, 16/17 August 2008. Princeton is a small ex-mining town 300 km E of Vancouver. We can promise you a fine old time!

Jon Bartlett

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 19 May 08 - 08:22 AM

Ray,

Great videos!

I'll be at Chester FF but maybe me & the fiends can get to one've your do's sometime - looks fab!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 18 May 08 - 07:47 PM

And don't forget Straweberry Fair in Cambridge on Saturday June 7th.

Not a folk festival as such, but plenty of free music, including folk. And a great day out. Especially if it doesn't rain.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: BanjoRay
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:54 PM

Next weekend sees the Foaotmad Spring Camp at Sacrewell Farm near Peterborough. The only fee is what you pay to camp(£5 members, £6 non-members per night). It's a good camp site with a daytime restaurant and an extensive farming museum. We usually get around 70 people, mostly musicians and just hold loads of spontaneous sessions, with a campfire in the evenings, or an excellent barn if it's wet. There's a couple of videos on the above website showing some of the activities.
It's the most relaxing place I know....as well as the most fun./
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 17 May 08 - 08:19 PM

No one has mentioned Leigh-on-Sea, Southend. A great festival, 26th - 29th June.

Sadly, it's the only festival I've come across, free or paying, where they don't have any local camp site at all, since a couple of years back. so I'll give it a miss. I hope some day they get this sorted out, because I used to love going there for a good number of years.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Clekywhike
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:22 PM

Yes the top of coom is a grate place for a session once did it had a grate time pity we come home on that same day as you start drop me a line Jhon

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Rich
Date: 17 May 08 - 01:39 PM

Alaskan folk festival every april

Johnstown PA folk festival 4th of july weekend.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Tom Nelligan
Date: 17 May 08 - 01:18 PM

On the left side of the Atlantic, no one seems to have mentioned the excellent Lowell Folk Festival in Massachusetts on the last weekend of July. It is 100% traditional music, free (donations requested but not mandatory), and a splendid place to be. See

http://www.lowellfolkfestival.org/

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: oombanjo
Date: 17 May 08 - 07:54 AM

sewerby was great, I wish I could put up some pictures, but being a Compdunce there's no chance

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SussexCarole
Date: 17 May 08 - 06:30 AM

Hi Carol

We're hoping to get to White Horse this year - see you there

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 17 May 08 - 05:04 AM

Hi Carole
Hope to see you both at the White Horse Festival this year - I know it's not free but the weekend ticket prices are reasonable at £20 including camping and £15 for OAPs.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,kerry and mandy
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:55 AM

still havin trouble with the blue clicky thingy.

http://www.musiconthemarsh.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,kerrry and mandy
Date: 17 May 08 - 03:53 AM

dont forget music on the marsh, it all free and for charity.20 artists playing over the weekend, singarounds and kids entertainment.
http://www.musiconthemarsh.com

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Tim Leaning
Date: 16 May 08 - 10:43 PM

Staithes Acoustic Music Event 2008. has been extended to five days starting Wednesday 16th July to Sunday 20th July. Camp site will now be open noon Wednesday 16th to noon Monday 21st July 2008. This year we have the use of two sing around rooms on the camp site with at least three rooms in the Captain Cook Inn, serving hand pulled beers for less than £2.00 per pint. Entry to all events is FREE.
Trigpoint 49 Camping , have discounted their prices for this event to £ 27.00 per caravan, camper van, or tent ( up to four people) for five nights., or £6.00 per night for those staying 1,2,3,or 4 nights. Single occupants will get £1.00 per night reduction on these prices
This includes use of the showers and flush toilets.
For B&B ring the Captain Cook 01947 840200.
For camping Tel Wendy at Trigpoint 49 on    01947   840888
Thanks Tony Leonard

We enjoyed it.
give it a go.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Gweltas1
Date: 16 May 08 - 09:34 PM

Falmouth Sea Shanty Festival in Cornwall (June 13 to 15th inclusive) is relatively free in that there are no tickets to purchase, but the aim of the festival is to raise money for the RNLI lifeboats, so there are willing volunteers wandering around with buckets hoping for your kind and generous donations, and one can also purchase a booklet containing a large collection of shanty lyrics from both the collectors or from many of the local shops, at a cost of a mere £3, and the money for this also goes towards the lifeboats. Its a most enjoyable and fun weekend, listening to the fine singing of both local and visiting shanty crews, including some from other countries. Not to be missed !!!!
Check out their website at : http://www.falmouthshout.com/festival.html
For further information contact:[e-mail]

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 16 May 08 - 04:01 PM

It's great that so much is happening.
Thanks for all the info.
Lets keep it going!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 May 08 - 09:24 AM

Ray,

I'll consult with the Fiends - hope we can make it!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: BanjoRay
Date: 01 May 08 - 09:02 AM

Mr Happy - the Sewerby Old Time weekend is totally free this weekend - you don't even have to pay for camping. Just turn up at the back (sea front) entrance and say you're a musician and you're in. Look out for the Foaotmad banner and camp behind it.
There are no acts, just lots of musicians and sessions, though we'll have some Appalachian dance teams appearing in the Orangery.
I'm leaving for it NOW - we can camp from now till Wed if necessary.
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:42 AM

Sea Swansea Festival IS FREE!

National Waterfront Museum & The Marina, Swansea.

Vagrant's Crew, The Foundlings, Baggyrinkle, Inner State & more.

July 26th - 27th 2008.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: melodeonboy
Date: 01 May 08 - 08:18 AM

Come to Sweeps (see above). Then you'll be even happier!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Mr Happy
Date: 01 May 08 - 07:17 AM

Anything on this coming Bank Hol w/end?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Susan of DT
Date: 01 May 08 - 07:04 AM

In US
NJ Folk Festival at Rutgers U - last Saturday
New Bedford Summerfest - very cheap - something like $5 or $10 - July
NW Folklife in Seattle in May (assuming Dan S meant the Wash DC festival above, I did not list that one)

The problem with free folk festivals, in my opinion, is that they try to appeal to the masses and therefore are not very traditional,

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Ian McC
Date: 01 May 08 - 06:51 AM

Durham Folk Party is free, the only charges are for camping because we have to hire the Rowing Club and the ceilidh because we have to hire a band.
25th to 27th July are the dates
Ian

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: John J
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 08:36 AM

The Norwell Happening, mentioned earlier, is on the same weekend as the Beverley Beck Shanty do.

Norwell is a lovely, completely free weekend - including camping. I've been the last two years and will be there again this year.

John

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 05:11 AM

ONE rhythm dance festival
5th May 2008
Leicester

www.oneleicester.com/one-rhythm


Humberstone Gate, Ceilidh
3pm til 4pm
short but it is free!
Caller:- Me.
Band:-
The Bang On The Wall Band.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC
Date: 30 Apr 08 - 03:17 AM

Re. Nature's World Festival in Middlesbrough July 12th & 13th

Sorry Paul,

I live about 3 miles away so have no need to camp.
I have never noticed any tents etc. but campervans may be allowed.

I shall post if I discover more info.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Kent Davis
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 09:59 PM

In West Virginia, U.S.A., two excellent free festivals are:

The Vandalia Gathering, State Capitol Complex, Charleston, WV
May 23-25 http://www.wvculture.org/vandalia/vansched.html


The West Virginia State Folk Festival, Glenville, WV
June 19-22 http://www.wvfolkfestival.org/

Kent

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: growler
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 04:33 PM

Just to underline The Input's input, Rochester Sweeps this weekend, loads or Folk and Morris Teams and Singarounds with good beer. Free, apart from the concerts

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,TJ in San Diego
Date: 29 Apr 08 - 04:02 PM

If you happen to be in the vicinity, the annual Adams Avenue Roots and Folk Music Festival is this coming weekend, May 3 and 4, in San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood. Lou Curtiss, who is, among other things, an archivist for the Smithsonian and who has a huge collection of historic recordings, books people from far and wide for this event each year. It is a street fair with music, basically, with a lot of song-swapping, guitar and banjo workshops, etc.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 04:00 PM

Wimborne festival (13-15 June) has free music sessions and singarounds in the Conservative Club.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: oombanjo
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:41 PM

Sewerby old time. "Friends of Old Time Music amd Dance". FOAOTMAD

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:39 PM

especially in the west mids UK!

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 01:19 PM

US:
Portsmouth Maritime Festival in NH
Portland Maritime Festival in ME

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 12:53 PM

If you know of any more, especially in the west mids, I'll come along with my lemonade and pay a percentage to the organisers. These festivals need loads of support. Way to go, man!

Sal

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 12:46 PM

Thanks Black Hawk, it's all just Teeside to me!......at least I got the dates right!!!

It doesn't actually say where it is on the flyer......Just Nature's World at the Botanic Centre.

Can you answer Carol's question about camping?

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,freespiritceol
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 11:31 AM

It might help to give you the dates!
Music in the Mountains
Top Of Coom
Irelands Highest Pub
Friday 17th Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th October 2008

All the Best

John

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Freespiritceol
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 11:29 AM

MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
TOP OF COOM
IRELANDS HIGHEST PUB
High in the Kerry mountains on the Cork/Kerry Border
A warm welcome from Eileen & Tim Your hosts.
And in our opinion the best Guinness you will taste anywhere!
A fun filled weekend of Sessions, Concerts and Storytelling.
With Fabulous Local Musicians and Singers, Special Guest Appearances .Irish
Dancing and young Local Musicians. Storytelling, and general fun and
frivolity!
Contact John & Marie at
[e-mail]
There are no Paid artists at the festival , and people come from all over the world to take part and participate. Everyone comes at their own expense and pays their own way. I'ts a great place to meet and play with other musicians, very hectic but lots of fun. The craic is brilliant, and many very talented local Irish musicians and singers come along as well. We make a point of encouraging local young people to take part , and it's great to see the next generation of singers, musicians and dancers performing and growing in confidence.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Black Hawk on works PC
Date: 28 Apr 08 - 06:58 AM

Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th

Is actually in Middlesbrough bordering on Redcar & Cleveland district!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Gene Burton
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 11:35 AM

Black Swan weekend I can certainly vouch for as a quality free festival having participated last year. Can't make it this time as I'm gigging in South Wales that weekend, but 'ave a good one if you're there...

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:56 AM

Carol (nice to hear from you!),

Indeed it is, I'm not sure about camping, I know there is hard standing for vans. I'll find out and post info here.

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:21 AM

That's Trevor's weekend isn't it Paul, we've never managed to get there is there any camping?

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Banjiman
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 07:04 AM

Nature's World Festival in Stockton on Tees July 12th & 13th is free...with lot's of wonderful acts to be announced soon.

Paul

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 27 Apr 08 - 06:45 AM

Just a comment that Whitby has quite a lot of free fringe sessions but you need to buy a season ticket to camp - places to stay in Whitby are expensive!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Frank_Finn
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:44 PM

Sligo Traditional Singing Weekend is free. Apart from your accommodation and meals of course. Guests singers include Len Graham, Roisín White, Mae Hernon, Moya Ní Choilm, John Moulden, Tim Dennehy and mant many other great singers. Singing sessions lectures and lots lots more. Keep an eye on Sligo Traditional Singers Circle

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: stallion
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:11 PM

that was I with a duff cookie

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:09 PM

York - Black Swan, Peaseholme Green, 31st of May , 1st of June (My Birthday)
try looking here

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Little Robyn
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 07:26 PM

You can visit Padstow on Mayday or Helston on Furry day and it doesn't cost a bean!
That's if you can get through the crowd. But it's worth it to see a real living tradition in action.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: SussexCarole
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:52 PM

We've put the Norwell sing weekend in our diary for next year. Thanks for this thread...keep 'em coming......

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: collierlad
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:42 PM

Norwell Happening (near Newark Nottinghamshire) 23/24/25th May

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 05:30 PM

In the US, the Washington Folk Festival is a phenomenal free festival.

Dan

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: growler
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:52 PM

Just to underline the previous comments on Sweeps Festival Rochester Kent. Loads of free gigs and singarounds in the local Pubs

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,M&C
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 04:14 PM

The Ceilidh at the Moor & Coast Festival in Whitby is always a free event. There's loads do do in the pubs, and they have floor spots from many of the main artists appearing in the festival, all free...

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Cath
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 03:46 PM

Most events at Holmfirth are free.
There's a charge for camping and the concerts at the Picturedrome and Old Bridge but there's loads happening in all the pubs that's free.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 03:38 PM

Try whittlesea straw bear in January, north Cambridgeshire
www.srawbear.org.uk

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Carol
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 02:39 PM

Almost free, i.e. about £10 - £15 for the weekend including camping
Are Durham Trad. Festival at Croxdale, ran by Fred Brierly, Durham Folk Party, Staithes, York Folk Days and a 'few others' that are so well attended they can't/don't take any more people!

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Silas
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 01:07 PM

Baggeridge Park wolverhampton is small but quite good.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: Blowzabella
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 12:58 PM

Lancaster Maritime Festival was always mostly free - you just paid £2 daily admission to the Maritime Museum (ticket re-useable throughout the day) and there was a charge for the Last Night concert - but that was modest. All the other venues were free admission. Last year, at Glasson, it was all free, apart from the Last Night concert. This year the Saturday night concert had a £3 charge and the Last Night concert was a tenner. Everything else free.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,The Input
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 09:42 AM

Rochester Sweeps Festival is massive and free. Again, you only pay for concerts but there's plenty of free ones in the pubs too. A fab weekend but it's always chilly! I think it's probably to do with the narrow streets. I miss it lots.

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: nutty
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 09:31 AM

Darlington Spring Thing is mostly free - you just pay for concerts. It is a very enjoyable weekend,

Subject: RE: Free festivals
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 09:18 AM

Cottingham Springboard June 6, 7 and 8 - taking place in 4 venues in Cottingham with more than 100 performers.

Subject: Free festivals
From: Graham and Jo
Date: 26 Apr 08 - 08:52 AM

Beverley Beck Shanty Festival (Yorkshire, UK) is a free festival. There is just a fee for camping at the leisure centre. What other free festivals do people know of?