Folklife's online Directory ~ we're working on it 16/1/2025
Still to do: 1st line of entries in colour
category headings;
buttons at top of page to link to sections
Still to do: 1st line of entries in colour
category headings;
buttons at top of page to link to sections
ENGLAND, by region (other than West Country & West Midlands)
Performers: English regions (other than West Country, and West Midlands) www.folklife.uk/p-england
Many performers travel across the country, but we give the home area for information. Sorted by first name, within each category.
Performers: English regions (other than West Country, and West Midlands) www.folklife.uk/p-england
Many performers travel across the country, but we give the home area for information. Sorted by first name, within each category.
Pf.1 Folk Music & Song - sorted by first name within county
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups (incl. Choirs, Quires, Community Bands)
Pf.1b Music/Song - Duos
Pf.1c Music/Song - Solo
Pf.1d Shanty (Groups, Duos, & Solo)
Pf.1a Music/Song - Bands/Groups (incl. Choirs, Quires, Community Bands)
Pf.1b Music/Song - Duos
Pf.1c Music/Song - Solo
Pf.1d Shanty (Groups, Duos, & Solo)
Pf.2 Folk Dance (Social / Country / Display / Ceremonial)
Pf.2a Folk Dance Callers
Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword) arranged by county
Pf.3 Spoken Word
Pf.3a Folk Shows, Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b Poetry & Monologuists
Pf.3c Storytellers
Pf.4 Workshop-Providers
Pf.2a Folk Dance Callers
Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword) arranged by county
Pf.3 Spoken Word
Pf.3a Folk Shows, Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b Poetry & Monologuists
Pf.3c Storytellers
Pf.4 Workshop-Providers
England regions, other than West Country & West Midlands:
🄵 Folklife members, Ø Associates; see their Folk News on Folklife West magazine's English regions pages
We also list, free, in this Directory, 🅄 UK Updates-signups (other than above), and 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal subscriber/contributor.
We also list, free, in this Directory, 🅄 UK Updates-signups (other than above), and 🄹 Folklife Traditions Journal subscriber/contributor.
Pf.1a Folk Music & Song - Bands / Groups - sorted by first name within county
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS, and EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
🄵 Sussex BLACKTHORN BAND www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Fergus McClelland 01273 455202. pete<at>blackthornband.org
⊕ Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Bodhran, Vocals; Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo; Alex Percy - Guitar, Fiddle; Sarah Mooney - Flute, Low Whistle, Guitar; Philippe Barnes - Flute, Whistle, Guitar.
Ø Kent HOOK LINE & SINKER (no website)
⇒ Sue Watson 01304-360877
🄵 Oxfordshire MOONRAKERS www.moonrakers.net
⇒ Jon Bennett 01865 769206. moonrakerscelticmusic<at>gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/MoonrakersBand/ , https://twitter.com/moonrakersband ,
https://www.instagram.com/moonrakersofficial/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgNff2A8tp5dvcU0via1C4g
⊕ Four Oxford-based musicians who have brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals. With careful arrangements and selections of tunes and songs, “just OOZES quality” (Living Tradition); “exquisite music” (BBC). [New member: added May 2022]
ENGLAND: LONDON
entries welcome
ENGLAND: NORTH WEST ENGLAND
🄵 Cumbria CLOSE QUARTERS www.facebook.com/songsinharmony
⇒ Contact Sandra & Steve 07813403808 or 07502454001, email lakedistrictfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ The line up is flexible, but the repertoire stays the same, a varied mix with lots of chorus opportunities delivered acapella. Songs from the tradition & gospel alongside others from highly regarded contemporary writers. Steve has added more songs too. (Oct 2022, new Member)
ENGLAND: NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear THE SUNDAY TRIO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
ENGLAND: YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER
entries welcome
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ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS, and EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
🄵 Sussex BLACKTHORN BAND www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Fergus McClelland 01273 455202. pete<at>blackthornband.org
⊕ Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Bodhran, Vocals; Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo; Alex Percy - Guitar, Fiddle; Sarah Mooney - Flute, Low Whistle, Guitar; Philippe Barnes - Flute, Whistle, Guitar.
Ø Kent HOOK LINE & SINKER (no website)
⇒ Sue Watson 01304-360877
🄵 Oxfordshire MOONRAKERS www.moonrakers.net
⇒ Jon Bennett 01865 769206. moonrakerscelticmusic<at>gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/MoonrakersBand/ , https://twitter.com/moonrakersband ,
https://www.instagram.com/moonrakersofficial/, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgNff2A8tp5dvcU0via1C4g
⊕ Four Oxford-based musicians who have brought traditional and contemporary folk music to new audiences in village halls, churches, arts centres and festivals. With careful arrangements and selections of tunes and songs, “just OOZES quality” (Living Tradition); “exquisite music” (BBC). [New member: added May 2022]
ENGLAND: LONDON
entries welcome
ENGLAND: NORTH WEST ENGLAND
🄵 Cumbria CLOSE QUARTERS www.facebook.com/songsinharmony
⇒ Contact Sandra & Steve 07813403808 or 07502454001, email lakedistrictfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ The line up is flexible, but the repertoire stays the same, a varied mix with lots of chorus opportunities delivered acapella. Songs from the tradition & gospel alongside others from highly regarded contemporary writers. Steve has added more songs too. (Oct 2022, new Member)
ENGLAND: NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear THE SUNDAY TRIO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
ENGLAND: YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER
entries welcome
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Pf.1b Folk Music & Song - Duo
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS, & EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST, & LONDON
🄵 Oxon SUE BROWN & LORRAINE IRWING www.sueandlorraine.com
⇒ Sue Brown 01869 351281. Brackley House, Heyford Road, KIRTLINGTON, Oxon OX5 3HL.
⊕ English and Scottish traditional song, a cappella, and with guitar/dulcimer. “If you like a cappella traditional, you’ll love these two” - Dave Webber
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear ANOTHER PENNY DUO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Ø Tyne & Wear MIGGINS FIDDLE DUO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS, & EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST, & LONDON
🄵 Oxon SUE BROWN & LORRAINE IRWING www.sueandlorraine.com
⇒ Sue Brown 01869 351281. Brackley House, Heyford Road, KIRTLINGTON, Oxon OX5 3HL.
⊕ English and Scottish traditional song, a cappella, and with guitar/dulcimer. “If you like a cappella traditional, you’ll love these two” - Dave Webber
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear ANOTHER PENNY DUO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Ø Tyne & Wear MIGGINS FIDDLE DUO https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER
🄵 N E Lincs JAN & PAUL RAMSEY https://janandpaulramsey.com/
⇒ Jan on 07984 643921 or email: jprfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Our sets include a combination of traditional, contemporary and self-penned folk music with an occasional Americana song. (new member 5/2022)
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Pf.1c Folk Music & Song - Solo - sorted by first name
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS
🄵 Notts STEVE TURNER www.steve-turner.co.uk
⇒ Steve Turner 0115 9430333. mobile 07831-265272. info<at>steve-turner.co.uk
ENGLAND: EAST
entries welcome
🄵 N E Lincs JAN & PAUL RAMSEY https://janandpaulramsey.com/
⇒ Jan on 07984 643921 or email: jprfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Our sets include a combination of traditional, contemporary and self-penned folk music with an occasional Americana song. (new member 5/2022)
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Pf.1c Folk Music & Song - Solo - sorted by first name
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS
🄵 Notts STEVE TURNER www.steve-turner.co.uk
⇒ Steve Turner 0115 9430333. mobile 07831-265272. info<at>steve-turner.co.uk
ENGLAND: EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
🄵 Hampshire MARTYN WYNDHAM-READ https://dandadesign.co.uk
⇒ Mobile 07787 504814, Telephone: 01252 719556, Email: wyndham.read<at>ntlworld.com Access Martyn’s YouTube Channel from website.
⊕ Martyn has been involved with folk music for over forty years, with a deep knowledge of, Australian Folk songs. He started the ‘Maypoles to Mistletoe’ concerts, portraying the seasons of the year, and instigated the well known Song Links Project.
Ø Kent GAVIN ATKIN Julieandhersqueeze.com
⇒ Gavin Atkin 07985 522734. gmatkin<at>gmail.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/gavinatkin Bandcamp: https://gavinatkin.bandcamp.com/ Singdanceandplay.net
⊕ Trad leaning singer and musician focusing on English style fiddle and melodeon, also plays guitar, tenor banjo. Particularly enjoys sea story songs. Also plays mainly Tin Pan Alley on Jeffries duet concertina. [New listing: added Nov 2023]
ENGLAND: LONDON
entries welcome
NORTH WEST ENGLAND
Ø Lancs MARK DOWDING www.markdowding.co.uk
⇒ Mark Dowding 01257 464215
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear MAURICE CONDIE https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Ø Tyne & Wear ADAM HOLDEN https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
🄵 Tyne & Wear KEITH GREGSON www.keithgregson.com
⇒ Keith Gregson. e-mail keith.gregson<at>talk21.com, 0191 5109206. YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCcUZECZxt5OBL29_cxVzZWQ
⊕ BBC TV’s ‘Barn Dance’ dancer (1960s); North-East folk clubs organiser / semi-professional performer (1970s); folk-related schools material with Roy Palmer. Benfieldside dance team; Folk Camp Society (leader and musician). Singer/songwriter. Author articles and books on traditional song, dance and music. (May 2021, new Member)
🅄 Tyne and Wear JIM MAGEEAN www.jimmageean.co.uk
⇒ shanty_jim<at>hotmail.com
⊕ A folk singer from the North East of England specialising in Sea Songs and Shanties from the Great Days of Sail. He is internationally renowned for his powerful singing and has performed all over the world. Biography and discography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mageean [New listing, Nov 2023]
🄵 Hampshire MARTYN WYNDHAM-READ https://dandadesign.co.uk
⇒ Mobile 07787 504814, Telephone: 01252 719556, Email: wyndham.read<at>ntlworld.com Access Martyn’s YouTube Channel from website.
⊕ Martyn has been involved with folk music for over forty years, with a deep knowledge of, Australian Folk songs. He started the ‘Maypoles to Mistletoe’ concerts, portraying the seasons of the year, and instigated the well known Song Links Project.
Ø Kent GAVIN ATKIN Julieandhersqueeze.com
⇒ Gavin Atkin 07985 522734. gmatkin<at>gmail.com
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/gavinatkin Bandcamp: https://gavinatkin.bandcamp.com/ Singdanceandplay.net
⊕ Trad leaning singer and musician focusing on English style fiddle and melodeon, also plays guitar, tenor banjo. Particularly enjoys sea story songs. Also plays mainly Tin Pan Alley on Jeffries duet concertina. [New listing: added Nov 2023]
ENGLAND: LONDON
entries welcome
NORTH WEST ENGLAND
Ø Lancs MARK DOWDING www.markdowding.co.uk
⇒ Mark Dowding 01257 464215
NORTH EAST ENGLAND
Ø Tyne & Wear MAURICE CONDIE https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Ø Tyne & Wear ADAM HOLDEN https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
🄵 Tyne & Wear KEITH GREGSON www.keithgregson.com
⇒ Keith Gregson. e-mail keith.gregson<at>talk21.com, 0191 5109206. YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCcUZECZxt5OBL29_cxVzZWQ
⊕ BBC TV’s ‘Barn Dance’ dancer (1960s); North-East folk clubs organiser / semi-professional performer (1970s); folk-related schools material with Roy Palmer. Benfieldside dance team; Folk Camp Society (leader and musician). Singer/songwriter. Author articles and books on traditional song, dance and music. (May 2021, new Member)
🅄 Tyne and Wear JIM MAGEEAN www.jimmageean.co.uk
⇒ shanty_jim<at>hotmail.com
⊕ A folk singer from the North East of England specialising in Sea Songs and Shanties from the Great Days of Sail. He is internationally renowned for his powerful singing and has performed all over the world. Biography and discography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mageean [New listing, Nov 2023]
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Pf.1d Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: LONDON
Ø London THE HOGEYE MEN https://www.facebook.com/HogEyeMen
⇒ hogeyemen<at>mail.com [2022]
ENGLAND: NORTH WEST
🄵 Cumbria ALL@SEA www.facebook.com/iseenoships
⇒ Contact Sandra & Steve 07813403808 or 07502454001, email lakedistrictfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Sandra & Steve Harrison, Maggie & John Stockdale, and Jen Wilson. They love to sing shanties and songs of the sea in harmony but most of all they love to hear their audience singing back at them. (Oct 2022, new Member)
🅄 Lancashire THE MIZZEN CREW https://www.TheMizzenCrew.org
⇒ John Metcalfe 07971817651. TheMizzenCrew<at>gmail.com;
⊕ Keeping traditions alive through entertainment and education. Hailing from Lancashire & South Cumbria our crew bring a variety of vocal styles and material to sing traditional shanties and songs of working life on the water. The Mizzen Crew are proud to support the Morecambe RNLI Lifeboat Station. (revised Mar 2023)
ENGLAND: NORTH EAST
🅄 Tyne and Wear JIM MAGEEAN www.jimmageean.co.uk
⇒ shanty_jim<at>hotmail.com
⊕ A folk singer from the North East of England specialising in Sea Songs and Shanties from the Great Days of Sail. He is internationally renowned for his powerful singing and has performed all over the world. Biography and discography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mageean [New listing, Nov 2023]
Pf.1d Shanty Groups, Duos, & Solo
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
entries welcome
ENGLAND: LONDON
Ø London THE HOGEYE MEN https://www.facebook.com/HogEyeMen
⇒ hogeyemen<at>mail.com [2022]
ENGLAND: NORTH WEST
🄵 Cumbria ALL@SEA www.facebook.com/iseenoships
⇒ Contact Sandra & Steve 07813403808 or 07502454001, email lakedistrictfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Sandra & Steve Harrison, Maggie & John Stockdale, and Jen Wilson. They love to sing shanties and songs of the sea in harmony but most of all they love to hear their audience singing back at them. (Oct 2022, new Member)
🅄 Lancashire THE MIZZEN CREW https://www.TheMizzenCrew.org
⇒ John Metcalfe 07971817651. TheMizzenCrew<at>gmail.com;
⊕ Keeping traditions alive through entertainment and education. Hailing from Lancashire & South Cumbria our crew bring a variety of vocal styles and material to sing traditional shanties and songs of working life on the water. The Mizzen Crew are proud to support the Morecambe RNLI Lifeboat Station. (revised Mar 2023)
ENGLAND: NORTH EAST
🅄 Tyne and Wear JIM MAGEEAN www.jimmageean.co.uk
⇒ shanty_jim<at>hotmail.com
⊕ A folk singer from the North East of England specialising in Sea Songs and Shanties from the Great Days of Sail. He is internationally renowned for his powerful singing and has performed all over the world. Biography and discography: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Mageean [New listing, Nov 2023]
ENGLAND: YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
Ø Yorks DAVID KIDMAN www.davidkidman.co.uk [2023 June, new listing]
Ø Yorks DAVID KIDMAN www.davidkidman.co.uk [2023 June, new listing]
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Pf.2 FOLK DANCE (Social / Country / Display / Ceremonial)
Many callers & bands travel across the country; so we give the home area just for information
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Pf.2a Folk Dance Callers
ENGLAND : YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
🅄 Yorks & The Humber JANET PORTER www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Janet Porter, Janetporter789<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dance caller, also play and call with The Polka Dots Barn Dance Band and Les Rustiques French music.
Based near Goole UK. (Sept 2024: new entry)
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Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
🄵 Sussex BLACKTHORN BAND www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Fergus McClelland 01273 455202 pete<at>blackthornband.org
⊕ Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Bodhran, Vocals; Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo; Alex Percy - Guitar, Fiddle; Sarah Mooney - Flute, Low Whistle, Guitar; Philippe Barnes - Flute, Whistle, Guitar.
ENGLAND : NORTH-EAST
Ø Tyne & Wear MIGGINS FIDDLE CEILIDH BAND https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Entries from other English regions most welcome.
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Pf.2 FOLK DANCE (Social / Country / Display / Ceremonial)
Many callers & bands travel across the country; so we give the home area just for information
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Pf.2a Folk Dance Callers
ENGLAND : YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER
🅄 Yorks & The Humber JANET PORTER www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Janet Porter, Janetporter789<at>gmail.com
⊕ Dance caller, also play and call with The Polka Dots Barn Dance Band and Les Rustiques French music.
Based near Goole UK. (Sept 2024: new entry)
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Pf.2b Folk Dance Bands
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
🄵 Sussex BLACKTHORN BAND www.blackthornband.org
⇒ Fergus McClelland 01273 455202 pete<at>blackthornband.org
⊕ Mannie McClelland - Concertina, Bodhran, Vocals; Fergus McClelland - Vocals, Bouzouki, Fiddle, Mandolin, Banjo; Alex Percy - Guitar, Fiddle; Sarah Mooney - Flute, Low Whistle, Guitar; Philippe Barnes - Flute, Whistle, Guitar.
ENGLAND : NORTH-EAST
Ø Tyne & Wear MIGGINS FIDDLE CEILIDH BAND https://phoenixfolk.co.uk/artists
Entries from other English regions most welcome.
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Pf.2c Ceremonial & Dance Display (including Clog, Morris, Sword)
entries welcome
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Pf.3 SPOKEN WORD PERFORMERS
Pf.3a Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b Poets & Monologuists
Pf.3c Storytellers
your entries welcome
entries welcome
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Pf.3 SPOKEN WORD PERFORMERS
Pf.3a Folk Shows & Theatre, Mummers
Pf.3b Poets & Monologuists
Pf.3c Storytellers
your entries welcome
Pf. 4 WORKSHOP-PROVIDERS:
Study Centres, Folk Teachers, Tutors, Development Workers, Workshop Organisers
- See also Folklife Traditions Directory, Folklife Studies & Institutions: Fs.2, Lecturers & Speakers
- For long-term workshop series, and for tune clubs, see Venues: England regions
- For occasional workshops (whether 1 day or 1 week), see our Folklife Members'Festivals & Workshops Diary
ENGLAND: SOUTH-EAST
[New member: added May 2022]
🅄 Kent GOUDHURST u3a tunes group Singdanceandplay.net
⇒ Gavin Atkin 07985 522734 gmatkin<at>gmail.com
⊕ The Goudhurst u3a tunes group meets twice monthly to practice traditional English country dance tunes, under the leadership of Gavin Atkin, an experienced multi-instrumentalist folk musician who helps the group progress. [New listing: added Nov 2023]
ENGLAND: LONDON
🄵 London ENGLISH FOLK SONG & DANCE SOCIETY (EFDSS) www.efdss.org
⇒ Office 020 7485 2206. Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, LONDON, NW1 7AY. [New member: added August 2017]
🄵 Oxfordshire MOONRAKERS www.moonrakers.net
⇒ Jon Bennett 01865 769206
⌂ moonrakerscelticmusic<at>gmail.com, https://www.facebook.com/MoonrakersBand/, https://twitter.com/moonrakersband , https://www.instagram.com/moonrakersofficial/ , https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgNff2A8tp5dvcU0via1C4g
⊕ Moonrakers run Folk Orchestra and Ukulele & Singing residential weekends, plus annual day events, at Halsway Manor (Somerset), Benslow Music (Hertfordshire), Oxford, and several festivals. For players and singers of all standards: tuition, multi-instrumental arrangements, performing and recording the results.[New member: added May 2022]
🅄 Kent GOUDHURST u3a tunes group Singdanceandplay.net
⇒ Gavin Atkin 07985 522734 gmatkin<at>gmail.com
⊕ The Goudhurst u3a tunes group meets twice monthly to practice traditional English country dance tunes, under the leadership of Gavin Atkin, an experienced multi-instrumentalist folk musician who helps the group progress. [New listing: added Nov 2023]
ENGLAND: LONDON
🄵 London ENGLISH FOLK SONG & DANCE SOCIETY (EFDSS) www.efdss.org
⇒ Office 020 7485 2206. Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, LONDON, NW1 7AY. [New member: added August 2017]
Entries from other English regions most welcome.
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