Folklife's Updates ~ Keeping Folk In Touch
www.folklife.uk/updates for Folklife Traditions Journal & Folklife West magazines, & for our online Directory
Mainly Wales, West Country & West Midlands. All areas, UK & International, are most welcome!
➡️ To Send Your Updates : go to our SEND UPDATES ! webpage ⬅️
That webpage has forms (so we can quickly copy to this page)
Or simply email your update, with Subject: Updates (that may take longer to edit/process)
Updates arranged (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) Folklife members' news
➡️ (1) Folklife Traditions Journal ~ Updates: research, inc. societies & publications. Open to all.
➡️ (2) Online Directory ~ Updates. Open to all.
➡️ (3) Folklife Members' folk news ~ Updates. All from our Folklife members (subscribers)
➡️ (2) Online Directory ~ Updates. Open to all.
➡️ (3) Folklife Members' folk news ~ Updates. All from our Folklife members (subscribers)
~ cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ for Folklife West print & online, and for your news in email Updates
(2) Directory: arranged by category: Venues (areas); Performers (areas); Media; Services. Within each category, area order as below for folk news.
Cymru; Kernow; England West Country; W. Midlands; E. Midlands; East; S-E; London; N-W, N-E; Yorkshire; Scotland; Ireland; USA.
Festivals and Workshops 12-month Diary.
Note: lengthy material may refer to this Updates webpage rather than be quoted in full.
To speed up placing Updates, you can use our new UPDATES FORM, or head up email UPDATES
• For Journal, & for Members' folk news, on www.folklife.uk/send-updates
• For Directory, for new entries & for Updates, on www.folklife.uk/get-listed
You can continue to send by email eg mailing lists — but emails take longer to process into our online format.
Inbetween these occasional emails, do check out Updates webpage https://www.folklife.uk/updates
• For Directory, for new entries & for Updates, on www.folklife.uk/get-listed
You can continue to send by email eg mailing lists — but emails take longer to process into our online format.
Inbetween these occasional emails, do check out Updates webpage https://www.folklife.uk/updates
The latest Updates = since the Updates email 12/09/26
Deadlines: Journal 1 Oct for Nov. Folklife West 20 Nov for Jan.
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
EDITORIAL
I never have enough time to contact all the folk I'd like to, but when contacted I usually add along the lines of ~ if you would like to contribute to the Journal, that would be most welcome (articles or research news); if involved with any folk activity you'd like listing in our online Directory (musical gathering or as performer), that would be most welcome, I can draft something from your online information for your approval.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
Venues, live and free Zoom sessions listings, world-wide, welcome, contact sam@folklife.uk
ENGLAND: WEST COUNTRY
Gloucestershire
🅄 Wednesdays, weekly Glos GLOUCESTER GLOUCESTER FOLK CHOIR www.singyourselfin.co.uk
→ Gloucester Friends meeting house, Greyfriars. 7-9pm weekly.
⇒ Sorrel Wilde, 07583168902
⊕ Friendly inclusive community choir singing traditional and contemporary folk songs, songs from near and far and nature connection songs. We sing for pleasure and perform occasionally at local community events. Sorrel is an experienced and playful voice and song facilitator. [added 2026 Sept]
→ Gloucester Friends meeting house, Greyfriars. 7-9pm weekly.
⇒ Sorrel Wilde, 07583168902
⊕ Friendly inclusive community choir singing traditional and contemporary folk songs, songs from near and far and nature connection songs. We sing for pleasure and perform occasionally at local community events. Sorrel is an experienced and playful voice and song facilitator. [added 2026 Sept]
Gloucestershire
🄵 Thursdays, 3rd Glos GLOUCESTER THE FOLK MUSIC & SONG SESSION https://gloucestercivictrust.org/folk-events/
→ The Folk of Gloucester, 99-101 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2PG. 12 noon till 3 p.m.
⇒ info<at>thefolkofgloucester.co.uk; Bill Taylor 07787 713758, b111t<at>aol
⊕ Open to all singers and players. Informal sing around and music session. [Sept 2026, webpage changed]
→ The Folk of Gloucester, 99-101 Westgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 2PG. 12 noon till 3 p.m.
⇒ info<at>thefolkofgloucester.co.uk; Bill Taylor 07787 713758, b111t<at>aol
⊕ Open to all singers and players. Informal sing around and music session. [Sept 2026, webpage changed]
ENGLAND: LONDON
🄵 Saturday, 3rd London CAMDEN THE HARRISON SINGAROUND www.facebook.com/groups/harrisonsingaround/
⊕ Join us downstairs (air-conditioned) for this free and friendly singaround. Folk, blues, sea shanties, music hall or anything else you feel like singing. Bring a song, poem, tune or story, sing along or just come and listen. Instruments welcome. [August 2026, new listing]
- Sam's mistake: put "most", not "3rd" Sat, on previous update.
ENGLAND: NORTH-EAST, and also YORKSHIRE
local magazine & listings
ONLINE 🅄 Durham, Northumberland, Yorkshire ~ FOLK ROUNDABOUT www.folkroundabout.com
⇒ Contacts: Webmaster & Everything Else ~ sammi<at>folkroundabout.com
⊕ Folk music, song, dance and customs. What's On ~ Articles ~ Interviews & Music Videos ~ Club and Performer Promoting ~ and much, much more. (Sept 2027: Sammi now contact for everything)
⇒ Contacts: Webmaster & Everything Else ~ sammi<at>folkroundabout.com
⊕ Folk music, song, dance and customs. What's On ~ Articles ~ Interviews & Music Videos ~ Club and Performer Promoting ~ and much, much more. (Sept 2027: Sammi now contact for everything)
Performers, Media, Services
SERVICES
S.6 SHOPS and other live/online SALES
ENGLAND WEST MIDLANDS
🄵 Birmingham HOBGOBLIN BIRMINGHAM https://hobgoblin.com/branches/birmingham
⇒ Shop 0121 212 9010. Hobgoblin Music, 4 Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 6BS. birmingham<at>hobgoblinbirmingham.co.uk
⇒ Shop 0121 212 9010. Hobgoblin Music, 4 Priory Queensway, Birmingham B4 6BS. birmingham<at>hobgoblinbirmingham.co.uk
www.facebook.com/hobgoblinbrum , www.instagram.com/hobgoblinbirmingham/
⊕ Hobgoblin Birmingham - Britain’s leading Folk and Traditional musical instrument shop based in the heart of Birmingham. Open 10am - 6pm, Monday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm Sunday. [new address, Sept 2026]
⊕ Hobgoblin Birmingham - Britain’s leading Folk and Traditional musical instrument shop based in the heart of Birmingham. Open 10am - 6pm, Monday - Saturday, 11am - 4pm Sunday. [new address, Sept 2026]
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
KERNOW / CORNWALL-based
SARAH McQUAID 🄵 Here’s a list of gigs for Nov through Jan:
NOV 2026, JAN-FEB 2027 – UK Nov 19 OTTRINGHAM (HULL): The Beggar’s Folk Club. Nov 20 LLANIDLOES: The Hanging Gardens. Nov 21 LLANGOED Village Hall. Nov 22 MATLOCK: The Grand Pavilion Matlock Bath. Nov 25 BIDDULPH Up In Arms. Nov 26 ILKLEY Manor House, Jan 22 PENZANCE: The Acorn. Jan 23 CALSTOCK Arts. Jan 24 AXBRIDGE: Axe Vale Arts. Jan 27 SWINDON Arts Centre. Jan 28 ABERTILLERY: The MetJan . 29 LLANWRTYD & District Heritage and Arts Centre via Noson Allan/Night Out. Jan 30 SMETHWICK: Thimblemill Library. Feb 1 LYTHAM ST ANNES: The Lowther Pavilion (Chapman Studio). Feb 3 TOPSHAM: The Bridge Inn. Sarah x https://sarahmcquaid.com
GLOUCESTERSHIRE
FOREST FOLK CLUB 🄵, Sunday 20th September, Paul Walker and Karen Pfeiffer
With glowing reviews from Edinburgh Fringe and beyond, Paul & Karen bring a unique Anglo-German flair to the folk scene. Their new show Cheaper Than Therapy blends wit, warmth, harmony, entertainment and deeply engaging songs that connect with audiences from start to finish. With just two voices, guitar and Irish flute/recorders, Paul and Karen let their folk-inspired arrangements and imaginative song-writing sparkle and combined with their playful cultural banter (Stoke-on-Trent meets Stuttgart), an unforgettable experience blending musical excellence with theatrical presence emerges. They’ve performed across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, and are known for captivating performances that draw people in – and leave them singing after.
This cultural fusion brings not just songs and stories full of humour and depth – but connection, laughter, and those little moments that turn a good evening into a highlight. www.paulwalkermusic.co.uk
Doors open in the Orepool Inn Sling near Coleford at 7.30. Admission £8 cash on door only please. forestfolkclub.com
With glowing reviews from Edinburgh Fringe and beyond, Paul & Karen bring a unique Anglo-German flair to the folk scene. Their new show Cheaper Than Therapy blends wit, warmth, harmony, entertainment and deeply engaging songs that connect with audiences from start to finish. With just two voices, guitar and Irish flute/recorders, Paul and Karen let their folk-inspired arrangements and imaginative song-writing sparkle and combined with their playful cultural banter (Stoke-on-Trent meets Stuttgart), an unforgettable experience blending musical excellence with theatrical presence emerges. They’ve performed across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Australia and New Zealand, and are known for captivating performances that draw people in – and leave them singing after.
This cultural fusion brings not just songs and stories full of humour and depth – but connection, laughter, and those little moments that turn a good evening into a highlight. www.paulwalkermusic.co.uk
Doors open in the Orepool Inn Sling near Coleford at 7.30. Admission £8 cash on door only please. forestfolkclub.com
Updates email 12/09/26
Deadlines: Journal 1 Oct for Nov.; Folklife West 20 Nov for Jan 2027
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
EDITORIAL
NEXT DEADLINE is 1 October for the 1 November FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL.
Researched articles, also news researchers & societies, and about appropriate publications
Not for folk news for Folklife West ! - but Members are welcome to send Updates for these emails.
** A note for new readers: both FW pages, & our online Directory webpages, are arranged by area, & sometimes also by county.
A list, with links, are on the "FW this issue" introductory page
Perhaps see some of you at Bromyard Folk Festival this Sunday - I'll be waving folk magazines around as usual!
As ever, Updates for (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) Folklife West folk news.
Your Updates welcome for (1) and (2), and, if you're a paid-up Member, for (3). Up to 150 words. Best to allow 3 weeks for me to process.
Researched articles, also news researchers & societies, and about appropriate publications
Not for folk news for Folklife West ! - but Members are welcome to send Updates for these emails.
** A note for new readers: both FW pages, & our online Directory webpages, are arranged by area, & sometimes also by county.
A list, with links, are on the "FW this issue" introductory page
Perhaps see some of you at Bromyard Folk Festival this Sunday - I'll be waving folk magazines around as usual!
As ever, Updates for (1) Journal, (2) Directory, (3) Folklife West folk news.
Your Updates welcome for (1) and (2), and, if you're a paid-up Member, for (3). Up to 150 words. Best to allow 3 weeks for me to process.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our July 2026 Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
Next Journal deadline 1 Oct. for Nov. Also, we welcome Updates news, from researchers & research organisations, and about appropriate publications.
Folklore Society
Tuesday 15 September: Presidential Address 2026: The Passion of the Flax, Continued, by Professor David Hopkin. 17:30-18:30 at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT and online.
Thursday 15 October: When Loud Rumour Speaks’: Informal communication in the modern online world. The 10th Folklore Society–Royal Anthropological Institute Joint Seminar. 10:00-17:00, at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT and online, Online zoom talks, all on Tuesdays, 19:00: 22 Sept: Julian Goodare: Scottish Peasants in the Magical Landscape • 6 Oct: Jane Bonsall: The Seven Sages of Rome Database • 20 Oct: Ann Schmiesing: The Brothers Grimm: A Biography. Booking via https://www.folklore-society.com/events/
More details for above on https://www.folklore-society.com/ The Folklore Society, 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT 0203 915 3034.
From 🄵 Steve Roud: our next Broadside Day conference will be on Saturday 20th February 2027 at Cecil Sharp House in London. Details tba.
🄵 The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. 020 7485 2206 ext.229 / 020 7241 8959, vwml.org, Instagram @thevwml.
Reminder: Sat. 24 Oct: Folk Arts as Intangible Cultural Heritage Conference, see previous Updates, and https://www.efdss.org/about-us/what-we-do/news/1616
🄵 Traditional Song Forum.
An organisation for those interested in researching and discussing traditional folk songs. We meet regularly, both in person and online, to present and discuss topics related to folk song, song collectors, singers and many other aspects of folk song research. See https://tradsong.org for details.
An organisation for those interested in researching and discussing traditional folk songs. We meet regularly, both in person and online, to present and discuss topics related to folk song, song collectors, singers and many other aspects of folk song research. See https://tradsong.org for details.
TSF Newsletter 145 - September 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary).
- 13th September: TSF Online meeting, will consist of two papers: David Stenton – The Forth Valley Songster; Ben Lang – The Rose in June. Details & joining the meeting, see https://tradsong.org/tsf-online-meetings-using-zoom
- 10th October: Autumn Conference - Folk Song in the North of England, as noted in earlier Updates, details in our latest issue of our FT Journal, p22. Updated details see https://tradsong.org/autumn-conference-2026
- 20th March 2027: Spring Conference 2027, Lincoln. One of our regular ‘no theme’ conferences in which we welcome papers on any aspect of traditional song – including the songs themselves, the tunes, singers, collectors, and social contexts, as well as allied folk fields and other vernacular musics which influenced traditional repertoires and styles. The conference is not concerned with revivals or artistic reinterpretations of traditional song. Britain and Ireland and the countries with close cultural ties with them will be our focus, but we would consider relevant contributions from elsewhere. We will send out the call for papers later in the year, but in the meantime get your thinking caps on!
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
Venues, live and free Zoom sessions listings, world-wide, welcome, contact sam@folklife.uk
CYMRU / WALES
Gwent
Ø Friday, 1st Caerphilly borough CWMCARN. CWMCARN FOLK SINGAROUND. https://www.facebook.com/events/4470895479790664/
Ø Friday, 1st Caerphilly borough CWMCARN. CWMCARN FOLK SINGAROUND. https://www.facebook.com/events/4470895479790664/
→ Cwmcarn Village Hall and Institute, 128 Newport Road, Cwmcarn, NP11 7LZ. 7-9pm
⊕ Whether you play an instrument, want to sing, or simply want to listen, everyone is welcome! A casual acoustic singaround, and no one is required to be an expert. Tea & coffee provided or bring your own drinks. £2 requested donation. [Sept 2026, new listing]
⊕ Whether you play an instrument, want to sing, or simply want to listen, everyone is welcome! A casual acoustic singaround, and no one is required to be an expert. Tea & coffee provided or bring your own drinks. £2 requested donation. [Sept 2026, new listing]
ENGLAND: WEST COUNTRY (South-West)
Kernow • Cornwall
→ Veryan Sports & Social Club (with club bar), Elerkey Lane, Veryan TR2 5QS. Gigs 7.30pm, for 8 or 9 months of the year.
⇒ Call Dave Shepperson on 07736 065406 or by e-mail folkinveryan<at>btinternet.com. Tickets see https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on or call 01872 274555
⇒ Call Dave Shepperson on 07736 065406 or by e-mail folkinveryan<at>btinternet.com. Tickets see https://www.visittruro.org.uk/whats-on or call 01872 274555
⊕ Great little club. Guest plus club singers: our aim is to bring the finest local/national folk musicians to the Roseland, a lovely part of Cornwall. Enthusiastic amateurs and artists welcome, get in touch, we have a very welcoming audience. [Sept 2026, club name changed (was Philleigh Folk) & other details changed]
Somerset
🄵 Saturday, 3rd (Sep-May) Somerset HUISH EPISCOPI ELI’S (ROSE & CROWN) TRADITIONAL SINGAROUND (no website)
→ Eli’s (The Rose & Crown), Huish Episcopi (near Langport) TA10 9QT, on the A372. September to May inclusive, 8.30pm.
⇒ Rod Harrington, 01823 481253, 07495702075, harrington.rod<at>gmail.com
⊕ “And on the 8th Day, He created Eli’s, and Lo! there was singing” - John Waltham. [Sept 2026, mobile number added]
🄵 Saturday, 3rd (Sep-May) Somerset HUISH EPISCOPI ELI’S (ROSE & CROWN) TRADITIONAL SINGAROUND (no website)
→ Eli’s (The Rose & Crown), Huish Episcopi (near Langport) TA10 9QT, on the A372. September to May inclusive, 8.30pm.
⇒ Rod Harrington, 01823 481253, 07495702075, harrington.rod<at>gmail.com
⊕ “And on the 8th Day, He created Eli’s, and Lo! there was singing” - John Waltham. [Sept 2026, mobile number added]
Wiltshire
Ø Tuesdays, weekly Wilts BRADFORD ON AVON BRADFORD ON AVON FOLK CLUB Facebook - Bradford on Avon Folk Club
→ The Function Room above the Stumble Inn, 29 Market St, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1LL. 7:30pm – 10:30pm every Tuesday).
⇒ Contact: Chris Arnold email: chrisatbradfordonavonfolkclub<at>talktalk.net
⇒ Contact: Chris Arnold email: chrisatbradfordonavonfolkclub<at>talktalk.net
⊕ The folk club has an admission fee of £3 to pay for our hire of the room, and a whip round on guest nights for thanking our guest performers for sharing their music
Guest performers once a month on the second Tuesday, except for Christmas. Facebook - Bradford on Avon Folk Club (Aug 2026, new listing)
Gloucestershire
🄵 Monday, 1st & 3rd Glos CHURCHDOWN FOLK AT THE CLUB http://liamtho.com/FolkAtTheClub
→ The Churchdown Club (http://churchdownclub.co.uk), Church Road, Churchdown, Gloucester, GL3 2ER]. 8pm, all year
→ The Churchdown Club (http://churchdownclub.co.uk), Church Road, Churchdown, Gloucester, GL3 2ER]. 8pm, all year
⇒ For more info please contact Will Craswell 07740 248785 – william.craswell<at>gmail.com
⊕ Although primarily a singers night, tunes and poetry are both welcome. The atmosphere is very relaxed – an ideal place to try a new song or even sing in public for the first time. Entry is free, so do join us. New: wheelchair ramp to entrance [2026 Sept., now back at usual venue, + ramp]
⊕ Although primarily a singers night, tunes and poetry are both welcome. The atmosphere is very relaxed – an ideal place to try a new song or even sing in public for the first time. Entry is free, so do join us. New: wheelchair ramp to entrance [2026 Sept., now back at usual venue, + ramp]
ENGLAND: WEST MIDLANDS
Coventry & Warwickshire
Mondays, most *** Warks WARWICK WARWICK FOLK CLUB www.warwickfolkclub.co.uk
→ *** Guest Nights monthly. Performers Nights Monthly, and Singarounds Monthly, with one week off per month.
→ Singarounds: The Ale Hub, 4 Chase Meadow Square, off Narrow Hall Meadow, Warwick CV34 6BT. 7pm - 9pm.
→ Performers' Nights: The Old Fourpenny Shop, 27-29 Crompton Street, Warwick CV34 6HJ. 7.30pm – 10pm (doors open 7.15pm).
→ Guest Nights: The Old Fourpenny Shop, as above, or The Racehorse, 34 Stratford Road, Warwick CV34 6AS. 7.30pm – 10pm (doors open 7.15pm).
⇒ For any questions about our programme or coming to visit, please send an email to folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com
⊕ Just come along and enjoy all kinds of acoustic music, details see www.warwickfolkclub.co.uk Singarounds: free, no need to book. Performers' Nights, £3, advisable to reserve your performance, folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com. Guest Nights, folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com to reserve. [2026 Sept., new listing]
→ *** Guest Nights monthly. Performers Nights Monthly, and Singarounds Monthly, with one week off per month.
→ Singarounds: The Ale Hub, 4 Chase Meadow Square, off Narrow Hall Meadow, Warwick CV34 6BT. 7pm - 9pm.
→ Performers' Nights: The Old Fourpenny Shop, 27-29 Crompton Street, Warwick CV34 6HJ. 7.30pm – 10pm (doors open 7.15pm).
→ Guest Nights: The Old Fourpenny Shop, as above, or The Racehorse, 34 Stratford Road, Warwick CV34 6AS. 7.30pm – 10pm (doors open 7.15pm).
⇒ For any questions about our programme or coming to visit, please send an email to folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com
⊕ Just come along and enjoy all kinds of acoustic music, details see www.warwickfolkclub.co.uk Singarounds: free, no need to book. Performers' Nights, £3, advisable to reserve your performance, folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com. Guest Nights, folkclub.warwick<at>gmail.com to reserve. [2026 Sept., new listing]
Herefordshire
🄵 Tuesday, 3rd [most months] Herefs LEDBURY A FISTFUL OF FOLKIES singaround & session (no website)
→ Ledbury Community Hub www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk, 8 New St, Ledbury HR8 2DX.Starts 7.30pm.
→ Ledbury Community Hub www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk, 8 New St, Ledbury HR8 2DX.Starts 7.30pm.
⇒ Contact: Bernie on bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
⊕ Singaround & music session for folk and rural roots. Singers, poets, storytellers, and all types of acoustic instruments welcome. Free entry. Please check before coming, as not every month. [2026 Sept: venue change from Upton Bishop]
⊕ Singaround & music session for folk and rural roots. Singers, poets, storytellers, and all types of acoustic instruments welcome. Free entry. Please check before coming, as not every month. [2026 Sept: venue change from Upton Bishop]
ENGLAND: LONDON
🄵 Saturday, 3rd London CAMDEN THE HARRISON SINGAROUND www.facebook.com/groups/harrisonsingaround/
⊕ Join us downstairs (air-conditioned) for this free and friendly singaround. Folk, blues, sea shanties, music hall or anything else you feel like singing. Bring a song, poem, tune or story, sing along or just come and listen. Instruments welcome. [August 2026, new listing]
IRELAND
All-Ireland
🄵 SINGING CIRCLES IRELAND, a list of 120+ singing circles, by county.
Brendan Kennedy is kindly sending Folklife his list of singing circles, monthly. The September edition has been copied to Venues: Ireland
ZOOMS
Saturday
🄵 Saturday, most weeks. ~ England. London. SATURDAY SEA SONGS zoom
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️frequency updated by organiser 9/2026.
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️frequency updated by organiser 9/2026.
Performers, Media, Services
Pf.1 FOLK MUSIC & SONG: Pf.1a Bands/Groups (including Choirs, Quires, Community Bands),
ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS
⇒ Contact Peter Barnard, peter.barnard<at>me.com, 07919627270. www.demowbray.info, https://www.facebook.com/demowbray.info
⊕ de Mowbray's Musicke are a specialist group of musicians who work extensively throughout the country. They blend knowledge and musical abilities with a great sense of fun and entertainment. You’ll not find a better chance to immerse yourself back in the Middle Ages. (Sept. 2026, new listing)
MEDIA
M.4 Print & online folk magazine & listings.
M.4 Print & online folk magazine & listings.
⇒ Derby-based. Contact Kain Alden, Hello<at>trendng.com https://trendng.com/ , https://www.instagram.com/trendng_official/
⊕ Independent music and culture platform, covering emerging UK artists, releases, gigs, festivals, in all genres, including folk, roots, acoustic music, through interviews, reviews, previews, photography and original features. We welcome submissions for editorial coverage from artists, promoters, venues, festivals, publicists. [Sep 2026, new listing]
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Wiltshire
SALISBURY FOLK CLUB 🄵, Harnham Community Sports and Social Club, Parsonage Green, Salisbury SP2 8LA.2nd Wednesdays, 7.30pm
October at Salisbury Folk Club sees us welcome two brilliant local groups. Nadder Folk consists of Sean (Guitar), Reg (Harp and flute) and Sarah (Northumbrian pipes). The range of beautiful sounds is wide and deep and they’ll bring both songs and tunes. Catch of the Day is a female shanty group. They’ve performed at a range of festivals and varied venues and it’s great to welcome them to their home town folk club on 14 October. On 11 November we welcome Daria Kulesh and on 9 December it's ‘open floor’. Please book a slot beforehand if you’d like to play. Look out for news of Wassailing in January including a visit from Jim Causley!
Contact salisburyfolkclub<at>hotmail.com. Facebook: Salisbury Folk Club
October at Salisbury Folk Club sees us welcome two brilliant local groups. Nadder Folk consists of Sean (Guitar), Reg (Harp and flute) and Sarah (Northumbrian pipes). The range of beautiful sounds is wide and deep and they’ll bring both songs and tunes. Catch of the Day is a female shanty group. They’ve performed at a range of festivals and varied venues and it’s great to welcome them to their home town folk club on 14 October. On 11 November we welcome Daria Kulesh and on 9 December it's ‘open floor’. Please book a slot beforehand if you’d like to play. Look out for news of Wassailing in January including a visit from Jim Causley!
Contact salisburyfolkclub<at>hotmail.com. Facebook: Salisbury Folk Club
Gloucestershire
CHELTENHAM FOLK CLUB 🄵,-- next Sunday and autumn programme
We have an exciting programme this autumn, starting with MICK HOLDITCH next Sunday!
13 September -- Mick Holditch, 27 September -- Blackthorn Buskers
11 October -- Richard Whitehouse
8 November -- Si Barron, 22 November -- Cobbler's Child, 13 December -- Seasonal night
There is always time for floor spots. All evenings are at the Stanton Room, Church St, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8AR. To find this on Google maps, type in 'Stanton Suite'. You can then see where the car park and streets for parking are. Cash donations appreciated. Sorry, no dogs. Snacks, drinks etc from Coop opposite. See you soon! Judith
We have an exciting programme this autumn, starting with MICK HOLDITCH next Sunday!
13 September -- Mick Holditch, 27 September -- Blackthorn Buskers
11 October -- Richard Whitehouse
8 November -- Si Barron, 22 November -- Cobbler's Child, 13 December -- Seasonal night
There is always time for floor spots. All evenings are at the Stanton Room, Church St, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham GL53 8AR. To find this on Google maps, type in 'Stanton Suite'. You can then see where the car park and streets for parking are. Cash donations appreciated. Sorry, no dogs. Snacks, drinks etc from Coop opposite. See you soon! Judith
FOLK AT THE CLUB 🄵, Churchdown Monday, 1st & 3rd. Following the fire at the venue, the club moved out temporarily, but has now moved back. Access has been greatly improved by a ramp to the entrance, which is suitable for wheelchairs. Club details see Directory entry above.
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Herefordshire
A FISTFUL OF FOLKIES 🄵, Ledbury
Hello everyone, We hope you had a good summer and have enjoyed the recent rain! Our singaround and session, now known as a Fistful of Folkies, will be back on Tuesday September 15th.We will be meeting at the Ledbury Community Hub in New Street, Ledbury. As before, we will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30. There is street parking available and council car parking is free after 6pm.Bring your own refreshments - alcoholic or otherwise - if you wish, although you will be able to make tea or coffee at the venue.They are not charging us for use of the space, but would be grateful for donations. As before.....We are hoping to run a friendly and supportive evening of folk - mainly songs with some tunes. No electrical gizmos. Happy for people to just listen. Bernie and Annie will attempt to keep some kind of order! We hope to see familiar faces returning, but if you have friends who you think would enjoy the evening, please invite them along
Hope to see you on the 15th, Bernie and Annie
CONQUEST THEATRE, Bromyard
Next one in Bromyard (after this weekend's Folk Festival!) is at the end of November:
Friday 27 November, 7.30. £10.00.
CONQUEST THEATRE, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard HR7 4LL. Folk in the Foyer: FiddleBop plays Jazz-Folk
Hot Club Gypsy swing, jigs'n'reels, traditional folk songs, and jazz of all flavours... on violin, Spanish guitar, cello, and fretless bass. They sing too, with four passionate voices in harmony.
https://conquest-theatre.co.uk/ticketsource/, 01885 488575
Chris Barltop 🄵
Birmingham
Friday 27 November, 7.30. £10.00.
CONQUEST THEATRE, Tenbury Rd, Bromyard HR7 4LL. Folk in the Foyer: FiddleBop plays Jazz-Folk
Hot Club Gypsy swing, jigs'n'reels, traditional folk songs, and jazz of all flavours... on violin, Spanish guitar, cello, and fretless bass. They sing too, with four passionate voices in harmony.
https://conquest-theatre.co.uk/ticketsource/, 01885 488575
Chris Barltop 🄵
Birmingham
BALFOLK comes to Birmingham: Helen Gentile & Lewis Wood
Join us at The Hub Hazelwell on Wednesday 28 October for an evening of Balfolk dancing with live music from Helen Gentile & Lewis Wood, one of the UK’s leading Balfolk duos.
Balfolk brings together social folk dances from France and across Europe, from flowing mazurkas and waltzes to lively bourrées and Breton dances. Helen and Lewis bring fiddle and clarinet to the dance floor, combining traditional tunes, contemporary compositions and their own music. Their 2024 album Violet Sky was described by Songlines as “folk dance at its finest”.
Never danced Balfolk before? No problem. The evening begins with a friendly introductory workshop from 7–8pm, followed by the bal from 8–10pm. No previous experience or partner needed.
Tickets are £8 / £12 / £16, with a pay-less/pay-more system.
Join us at The Hub Hazelwell on Wednesday 28 October for an evening of Balfolk dancing with live music from Helen Gentile & Lewis Wood, one of the UK’s leading Balfolk duos.
Balfolk brings together social folk dances from France and across Europe, from flowing mazurkas and waltzes to lively bourrées and Breton dances. Helen and Lewis bring fiddle and clarinet to the dance floor, combining traditional tunes, contemporary compositions and their own music. Their 2024 album Violet Sky was described by Songlines as “folk dance at its finest”.
Never danced Balfolk before? No problem. The evening begins with a friendly introductory workshop from 7–8pm, followed by the bal from 8–10pm. No previous experience or partner needed.
Tickets are £8 / £12 / £16, with a pay-less/pay-more system.
Tickets and full details available at https://wegottickets.com/f/25644 and https://www.facebook.com/events/1059667699804869/
Cheers
Jim Durdin 🄵
Cheers
Jim Durdin 🄵
Birmingham
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. REVIEW: Sept. 4th: PETE GRASSBY
Black Diamond Folk Club kicked off their 63rd season with Pete Grassby as their guest. Pete entertained the audience with a lovely mixture of softly sung ballads, rousing chorus songs, tunes on the melodeon and tales highlighting his long connections in the Folk world not just locally but world wide. A very nice, relaxed evening spent in good company. Val Comery.
ENGLAND ~ EAST MIDLANDS
Derbyshire
Thanks to our reader Paul Mansfield for notes on this club in Spondon (eastern edge of Derby):
The Vernon Arms Folk and Acoustic Club - Spondon www.facebook.com/vernonfolkandacoustic/
The Vernon Arms Folk and Acoustic Club, The Vernon Arms, Locko Road, Spondon, Derby DE21 7AL. Weekly in the back room, Tuesdays at 7.30. The last week of the month is always a singaround; the other weeks are usually open mic style with amplification. Mixed contemporary/traditional repertoire, mainly songs but the occasional tune or poem. Best wishes, Paul
ENGLAND ~ GREATER LONDON
🄵 Saturday, most weeks London CAMDEN THE HARRISON SINGAROUND www.facebook.com/groups/harrisonsingaround/
⊕ Join us downstairs (air-conditioned) for this free and friendly singaround. Folk, blues, sea shanties, music hall or anything else you feel like singing. Bring a song, poem, tune or story, sing along or just come and listen. Instruments welcome. [August 2026, new listing]
ZOOM: USA 🇺🇸
🄵 Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list.
Forthcoming Zoom sessions, Ballad Sings Live From the Mermaid's Tavern.
Note change from as printed in Sept FW, "No Zoom in October" -- there is one now. Revised schedule:
Saturday 19 September: (live & online) Pirate and Robber Ballads for Talk Like a Pirate Day. Pity the fate! A.J. Wright
Sunday October 4: Online Chanty Sing 2-4pm Come join a chantey sing with a special guest host while Lynn is at the Getaway! Save the Date
Sunday November 1: Online Ballad Sing 2-4pm
Sunday December 6: Online Mermaid's Wassail 2-4pm
Plus live events (day varies) as announced on https://digitalheritageconsulting.com/tavern/ Join the mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com
DO JOIN US ~ what can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife . . .
- For just £9 a year world-wide, become a Folklife member & download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
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FOLKLIFE WEST: NEW MEMBERS' NEWS ITEMS, & NEW ADVERTISERS
~ added as inserts on webpages below; included (possibly revised) in Jan 2027 issue
• KERNOW / CORNWALL FOLK AT VERYAN 🄵
• LONDON SATURDAY SEA SONGS zoom 🄵; THE HARRISON SINGAROUND 🄵.
FOLKLIFE WEST: MEMBERS' NEW NEWS ITEMS, & NEW ADVERTISERS
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in Jan 2027 issue
added as inserts on webpages as below; to be included (possibly revised) in Jan 2027 issue
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE
Folklife West ENGLAND: WEST MIDLANDS webpage
Folklife West ENGLAND: EAST MIDLANDS & EAST webpage
THIS LIST IS INCOMPLETE
West Country ~ Somerset
Forthcoming advert for Phil Beer,
appearing on Fri 25 Sept, at the Ilminster Arts Centre
(colour adverts for next issue usually appear on this Updates webpage)
From next (Sept) issue of Folklife West,
Cymru/Wales pages,
we've split De-Ddwyrain • South-East (Gwent; Glamorgan • Morgannwg)
into
Gwent (Blaenau Gwent, Caerphilly, Monmouthshire, Newport, Torfaen)
and
Glamorgan • Morgannwg (former West Glamorgan, Mid Glamorgan, & South Glamorgan).
Updates email 30/8/26
Deadlines: Journal 1 Oct for Nov. Folklife West 20 Nov for Jan.
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
EDITORIAL
After publication ....
new members' news/dates (up to 150 words) can be added as inserts to this issue's online Folklife West area pages.
- 21-23 August: FW was posted to Folklife UK postal members.
- 24 August: Emailed Folklife Members, sending PDF password for all Folklife members (PDF-only or print subscriber; FW only or Journal only or both publications): to read / download free (non-Members can download free Folklife's Adverts to see how PDF is better to read onscreen than is possible with website images). Contents: gave details of 14 new news items, plus 4 new Folk Days/Festivals, and a new Shropshire Correspondent.
24 August: Emailed non-members with content details, & that free online about 1 September - 29 August: 🄵🅆 Folklife West, September 2026, now out ~ you can read online, free.
The magazine is growing slowly but steadily, 48 pages at a season when only 1 festival ad! So may be reaching our maximum possible size with the 2027 May (Festivals) issue! So admin volunteers most welcome ...
** A note for new readers:
both FW pages, & our online Directory webpages, are arranged by area, & sometimes also by county.
A list, with links, are on the "FW this issue" introductory page
And we have a new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley (and from January, Yorkshire news from Tony Charnock)
AI warning ! A suggestion for Festival organisers ... put next year's date as well as this one on your site, otherwise ..... When checking dates for 1 festival, Google automatically used AI, & gave 2027 with 2026 dates! and (based on that no doubt), so did "Visit ---shire", "----Hospital Radio" !
** A note for new readers:
both FW pages, & our online Directory webpages, are arranged by area, & sometimes also by county.
A list, with links, are on the "FW this issue" introductory page
And we have a new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley (and from January, Yorkshire news from Tony Charnock)
AI warning ! A suggestion for Festival organisers ... put next year's date as well as this one on your site, otherwise ..... When checking dates for 1 festival, Google automatically used AI, & gave 2027 with 2026 dates! and (based on that no doubt), so did "Visit ---shire", "----Hospital Radio" !
And we have a new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley (and from January, Yorkshire news from Tony Charnock)
After publication ....
new members' news/dates (up to 150 words) can be added as inserts to this issue's online Folklife West area pages.
And new advertisers likewise - just send your advert now!
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our July 2026 Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
Next Journal deadline 1 Oct. for Nov., meanwhile we welcome research & organisations news for Updates.
Folklore Society
Online zoom talks, all on Tuesdays, 19:00: • 8 Sept: Tabitha Stanmore: Storytelling in the Fens • 22 Sept: Julian Goodare: Scottish Peasants in the Magical Landscape • 6 Oct: Jane Bonsall: The Seven Sages of Rome Database • 20 Oct: Ann Schmiesing: The Brothers Grimm: A Biography. Booking via https://www.folklore-society.com/events/
When Loud Rumour Speaks’: Informal communication in the modern online world. The 10th Folklore Society–Royal Anthropological Institute Joint Seminar. Thursday 15 October, 10:00-17:00, at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT and online,
Presidential Address 2026: The Passion of the Flax, Continued, by Professor David Hopkin, Tuesday 15 September, 17:30-18:30 at 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT and online.
More details for above on https://www.folklore-society.com/ The Folklore Society, 50 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 5BT 0203 915 3034.
From 🄵 Steve Roud: our next Broadside Day conference will be on Saturday 20th February 2027 at Cecil Sharp House in London.
🄵 The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. 020 7485 2206 ext.229 / 020 7241 8959, vwml.org, Instagram @thevwml.
Folk Arts as Intangible Cultural Heritage Conference, Sat. 24 Oct., at Cecil Sharp House. This one-day conference explores the current place of folk arts in England in relation to the UK-wide implementation of the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It will be an inspiring day for practitioners, educators, arts organisations and academics who are engaging, or want to engage, with Intangible Cultural Heritage/Living Heritage discussions in England. Details: https://www.efdss.org/about-us/what-we-do/news/1616
🄵 Traditional Song Forum.
TSF Newsletter 144 - August 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
TSF Newsletter 144 - August 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
- Autumn Conference - Folk Song in the North of England, as noted in earlier Updates, details in our latest issue of our FT Journal, p22. Updated details see https://tradsong.org/autumn-conference-2026
- TSF Online meeting – 13th September, will consist of two papers: David Stenton – The Forth Valley Songster; Ben Lang – The Rose in June. Details &
joining the meeting, see https://tradsong.org/tsf-online-meetings-using-zoom - An organisation for those interested in researching and discussing traditional folk songs. We meet regularly, both in person and online, to present and discuss topics related to folk song, song collectors, singers and many other aspects of folk song research. See https://tradsong.org for details.
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
Venues, Zoom, Performers, Media, Services listings welcome, contact sam@folklife.uk
Birmingham
→ The Red Lion (upstairs function room), Vicarage Road, King’s Heath, Birmingham B14 7LY. Weekly from September to May, door time 7:30pm, start time 8:00pm.
⇒ Contact & media: redlionfolkclub<at>gmail.com, subscribe to our mailing list, form on www.redlionfolkclub.uk Facebook Red Lion Folk Club Birmingham, www.facebook.com/redlionfolkclub; WeGotTickets https://wegottickets.com/RedLionFolkClub, Instagram www.instagram.com/redlionfolkclub
⇒ Contact & media: redlionfolkclub<at>gmail.com, subscribe to our mailing list, form on www.redlionfolkclub.uk Facebook Red Lion Folk Club Birmingham, www.facebook.com/redlionfolkclub; WeGotTickets https://wegottickets.com/RedLionFolkClub, Instagram www.instagram.com/redlionfolkclub
Dudley
Ø Saturday, Monthly Stourbridge NEXT LEVEL FOLK www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/
→ Singers' nights: Duke William, 25 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP.
→ Singers' nights: Duke William, 25 Coventry Street, Stourbridge, DY8 1EP.
Guest nights: generally at Duke William as above, or Garibaldi Inn, 19 Cross St, Stourbridge DY8 3XE.
Doors 7pm, 7.30pm start.
⇒ For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/ Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk
⊕ Our aim is to promote live performances that further the folk tradition and support touring and local artists. Monthly singers' nights, £3 spectators; £2 performers. Quarterly guest nights, £12 on the door or £10 in advance. (new listing, August 2026)
⇒ For more information, visit www.facebook.com/groups/nextlevelfolk/ Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk
⊕ Our aim is to promote live performances that further the folk tradition and support touring and local artists. Monthly singers' nights, £3 spectators; £2 performers. Quarterly guest nights, £12 on the door or £10 in advance. (new listing, August 2026)
Sussex
Ø Monday, weekly Sussex CHICHESTER CHICHESTER FOLK SONG CLUB www.chifolksongclub.co.uk
→ The Chichester Inn, 38 West Street, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 1RP. 8:15pm to 11:00pm, music session 7:45pm until club starts
⇒ Contact: 01243 781866 or email via website form on www.chifolksongclub.co.uk/contactus.html Facebook: Chichester Folk Song Club
⊕ Over sixty years and still going strong, and the fun continues with guests, themes and singarounds to come. Singarounds £2, guest nights £5. (new listing, August 2026)
West Yorkshire
🄵 Thursday, weekly West Yorkshire BRADFORD THE TOPIC FOLK CLUB http://www.topic-folk-club.org.uk/
→ The Castle Pub, 20 Grattan Road, Bradford BD1 2LU. Doors open 7pm; start 7.30pm; finish approx. 10pm
⇒ Publicity and Club Newsletter, Tony Charnock, email tocharn<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/647289061950797/
⊕ Bradford-based weekly live music club. Roughly alternating Guest nights and Singers' and Musicians' night - about 25 of each over the year. S/M sessions are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and through most of August. [2026 Aug, new venue, & now a member-club]
⇒ Publicity and Club Newsletter, Tony Charnock, email tocharn<at>gmail.com www.facebook.com/groups/647289061950797/
⊕ Bradford-based weekly live music club. Roughly alternating Guest nights and Singers' and Musicians' night - about 25 of each over the year. S/M sessions are held on the first and third Thursday of each month, and through most of August. [2026 Aug, new venue, & now a member-club]
🏴 ZOOMS ~ ENGLAND
🏴 🄵 Saturday, weekly, except 3rd. ~ England. London. SATURDAY SEA SONGS
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️updated by organiser 8/2026.
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️updated by organiser 8/2026.
Performers
WEST COUNTRY ~ Pf.2c Ceremonial & Display (Clog, Morris, Sword)
Devon-based → Practice night every Wednesday in Exeter area. 7pm - 9pm
⇒ Contact Richard 07900 588713. Email firestoneexeter<at>gmail.com Social media: https://www.facebook.com/FireStoneDance/
⊕ Modern Appalachian dance with line dance, Canadian, African, Irish stepping, tap. Regular classes for people of all ages and abilities. Absolute beginners welcome, no previous experience required. You just need a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new. [July 2026, new listing]
⇒ Contact Richard 07900 588713. Email firestoneexeter<at>gmail.com Social media: https://www.facebook.com/FireStoneDance/
⊕ Modern Appalachian dance with line dance, Canadian, African, Irish stepping, tap. Regular classes for people of all ages and abilities. Absolute beginners welcome, no previous experience required. You just need a positive attitude and a willingness to try something new. [July 2026, new listing]
WEST MIDLANDS ~ Pf.1a Music & Song - groups/bands
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefs ONEACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peterwarner77<at>gmail.com, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ New line up: Nick on drums, Tony on accordion, & Jenny on whistle and tenor sax join Sue on fiddle, Glynn on bass and Peter on guitar and vocals. (updated email Aug 2026)
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peterwarner77<at>gmail.com, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ New line up: Nick on drums, Tony on accordion, & Jenny on whistle and tenor sax join Sue on fiddle, Glynn on bass and Peter on guitar and vocals. (updated email Aug 2026)
WEST MIDLANDS ~ Pf.1b Music & Song - duos
Herefordshire-based
🄵 Herefs DIMINISHEDACHORD www.oneachord.co.uk
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peterwarner77<at>gmail.com, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Peter and Sue from OneAchord often perform as a duo 'DiminishedAchord'; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Sue, Fiddle.
(updated email Aug 2026)
⇒ Please contact Peter by: email: peterwarner77<at>gmail.com, phone or text: 07811 953480
⊕ Peter and Sue from OneAchord often perform as a duo 'DiminishedAchord'; Peter, Acoustic guitar, mandolin and vocals; Sue, Fiddle.
(updated email Aug 2026)
WEST MIDLANDS ~ Pf.1c Music & Song - solo
Dudley-based
🅄 Dudley CHRISTOPHER COMPTON https://christophercrompton.com
⇒ For all enquiries, please email enquiries<AT>christophercrompton.com
https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCromptonWordsandMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@christophercrompton
https://www.instagram.com/christophercromptonmusic
⊕ Singer-songwriter, musician and poet based near Birmingham, UK. Organiser of Next Level Folk, Stourbridge [see Venues listings] . Presenter of The Acoustic Guitar Show on Black Country Radio Xtra. One half of duos Mountain Hares and Disney-Crompton. (new listing, August 2026)
🅄 Dudley CHRISTOPHER COMPTON https://christophercrompton.com
⇒ For all enquiries, please email enquiries<AT>christophercrompton.com
https://www.facebook.com/ChristopherCromptonWordsandMusic/
https://www.youtube.com/@christophercrompton
https://www.instagram.com/christophercromptonmusic
⊕ Singer-songwriter, musician and poet based near Birmingham, UK. Organiser of Next Level Folk, Stourbridge [see Venues listings] . Presenter of The Acoustic Guitar Show on Black Country Radio Xtra. One half of duos Mountain Hares and Disney-Crompton. (new listing, August 2026)
GREATER LONDON ~ Pf.1a Music & Song - groups/bands
⇒ Ross Robertson, 07786722820, https://linktr.ee/rossandthehailstones, https://www.instagram.com/hailstonesandross/, ross.robertson88<AT>gmail.com
⊕ Ross and the Hailstones are a south London-based trio blending folk with elements of Americana, alternative, and classical music. The band write original songs rich in harmony, exploring nature, folklore and a changing world. This year they released their EP, 'All Hail, The Land', available digitally on all platforms. (new listing, August 2026)
⊕ Ross and the Hailstones are a south London-based trio blending folk with elements of Americana, alternative, and classical music. The band write original songs rich in harmony, exploring nature, folklore and a changing world. This year they released their EP, 'All Hail, The Land', available digitally on all platforms. (new listing, August 2026)
USA ~ Pf.1a Music & Song - groups/bands
Massachusetts-based
⇒ Contact: floydsrow<at>gmail.com, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floyds.row/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0B7Q1lpfoNlhu2PxSITbF4
Feature: https://www.popularhustle.com/an-oxford-collective-is-rethinking-what-happens-when-genres-collide/
⊕ Folk collective exploring the connections among early, classical, folk, newgrass, and world genres. The ensemble has performed throughout the UK and the US.
New album, The Carlisle Sessions (Big Round Records/PARMA Recordings), released 21 August 2026. (2027 August, new listing)
Feature: https://www.popularhustle.com/an-oxford-collective-is-rethinking-what-happens-when-genres-collide/
⊕ Folk collective exploring the connections among early, classical, folk, newgrass, and world genres. The ensemble has performed throughout the UK and the US.
New album, The Carlisle Sessions (Big Round Records/PARMA Recordings), released 21 August 2026. (2027 August, new listing)
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
CYMRU•WALES, t.6/p.6
🄵 Gwynedd NEVER MIND THE BOCS acoustic band https://www.neilandmeg.com/NMTB.shtml, and BAND Y BRAICHMELYN, ceilidh/twmpath band, https://www.neilandmeg.com/BYB.htm: Neil & Meg Browning's contact email is neilbrowning26<at>gmail.com, and not as stated in print. The Directory entries are correct.
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY
Wiltshire
WHITE HORSE FOLK CLUB 🄵, p11.
Next on Wednesday 2nd September, we welcome Mansfield Smith, a great duo offering americana, country and folk. We will give a money back guarantee if you don't find yourself foot tapping along to their music. Plenty of floorspots too. It's in the Main Church again, 7.30 start. £2 with usual tea and coffee provided. If it's your first time, the venue is St Michael's Church in the High Street with a walkway through or via the footpath in Sheep Street thro the churchyard. Use post code SN6 7NA. Note: the Club is currently trialing the Main Church as a venue. Details see https://www.facebook.com/whitehorsefolkclub/
Next on Wednesday 2nd September, we welcome Mansfield Smith, a great duo offering americana, country and folk. We will give a money back guarantee if you don't find yourself foot tapping along to their music. Plenty of floorspots too. It's in the Main Church again, 7.30 start. £2 with usual tea and coffee provided. If it's your first time, the venue is St Michael's Church in the High Street with a walkway through or via the footpath in Sheep Street thro the churchyard. Use post code SN6 7NA. Note: the Club is currently trialing the Main Church as a venue. Details see https://www.facebook.com/whitehorsefolkclub/
From ROSIE UPTON 🄵 p12
Crowd funding for a CD album of The Innocent - the story of ThomasHelliker
White Horse Trades Council is currently undertaking a project to raise funds for a CD album recording of the critically acclaimed "The Innocent" - the tragic story of Thomas Hellliker's unjust death told in words and song. We aim to raise £2,000 to cover the recording and production costs. We want to ensure that his story is told and that he is remembered in this poignant tale.
Any amount people can afford whether it is £5 or £50 will help to bring this project to fruition. Those who donate £40 or more will receive a free CD.
The Trowbridge Martyr, Thomas Helliker was unjustly hanged in Salisbury on his 19th birthday, 22 March 1803, for a crime he did not commit during the industrial unrest that followed the introduction of machines in the wool industry. His story is told in words and song written by well respected and popular musicians Mick Ryan and Steven Faux and they are joined by folk singers Bob and Gill Berry, Dave Bordeway, Bryony McGinty, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, and Rosie Upton.
The link to the Crowdfunding page is https://tinyurl.com/4jaky53e
Best regards, Rosie
White Horse Trades Council is currently undertaking a project to raise funds for a CD album recording of the critically acclaimed "The Innocent" - the tragic story of Thomas Hellliker's unjust death told in words and song. We aim to raise £2,000 to cover the recording and production costs. We want to ensure that his story is told and that he is remembered in this poignant tale.
Any amount people can afford whether it is £5 or £50 will help to bring this project to fruition. Those who donate £40 or more will receive a free CD.
The Trowbridge Martyr, Thomas Helliker was unjustly hanged in Salisbury on his 19th birthday, 22 March 1803, for a crime he did not commit during the industrial unrest that followed the introduction of machines in the wool industry. His story is told in words and song written by well respected and popular musicians Mick Ryan and Steven Faux and they are joined by folk singers Bob and Gill Berry, Dave Bordeway, Bryony McGinty, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman, and Rosie Upton.
The link to the Crowdfunding page is https://tinyurl.com/4jaky53e
Best regards, Rosie
WEST MIDLANDS
Birmingham
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. REVIEW by Val Comery. [summary in Sept FW, p22]
BLACK DIAMOND FOLK SONG CLUB 🄵. REVIEW by Val Comery. [summary in Sept FW, p22]
July 3rd 2026. Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom.
Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom opened the evening with a version of "Roll the Old Chariot Along", the chorus being picked up enthusiastically by the audience as were all the other "joining in songs" which followed. Many of the songs came from the fishing villages on the East Coast, Mossy and Megan briefly explained the stories about them and who had collected them. The first set Mossy and Megan gave individual renditions of songs ( a bonus I think) - the second set they worked well together as a duo, singing lovely harmonies, and playing a series of tunes. A great night at the Black Diamond and well worth the wait.
Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom opened the evening with a version of "Roll the Old Chariot Along", the chorus being picked up enthusiastically by the audience as were all the other "joining in songs" which followed. Many of the songs came from the fishing villages on the East Coast, Mossy and Megan briefly explained the stories about them and who had collected them. The first set Mossy and Megan gave individual renditions of songs ( a bonus I think) - the second set they worked well together as a duo, singing lovely harmonies, and playing a series of tunes. A great night at the Black Diamond and well worth the wait.
Herefordshire
ONEACHORD group and DIMINISHEDACHORD duo 🄵 , www.oneachord.co.uk (p.26, & Directory update above) have a new email: peterwarner77<at>gmail.com
HOMEND POETS & MUSICIANS 🄵 Ledbury Tuesday, last www.folklife.uk/homend-poets [so webpage is on this site], p.27.
Tuesday 29th September, Theme for 1st round “Limits” (boundaries, hedges, frontiers, ….)
At the Ledbury Community Hub www.ledburycommunityhub.org.uk, 8 New St, Ledbury HR8 2DX. 6.30pm to 8pm.
Nick Halligan 01684 563281 Email nickh2009<at>btinternet.com, but phone preferred.
Nick Halligan 01684 563281 Email nickh2009<at>btinternet.com, but phone preferred.
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AUSTRALIA
🅄 BRUCE WATSON is in the middle of his UK tour. Clubs in bold underlined are Folklife members, see Folklife West for more details of club.
- SEPTEMBER: 3 Orpington FC Kent. 5 Cranfest Cranbrook Kent. 6 Bluebell Roots Arlington (E Sussex). 8 Focsle FC S’hampton. 10 Bideford FC. 11 Bodmin FC. 12 Veryan Folk, Truro. 13 Dreamers FC Redruth. 14 Brunny FC Wimborne.
- Details on www.brucewatsonmusic.com, see also blog brucewatsonmusic.wordpress.com, and www.facebook.com/brucewatsonmusic
about Folklife West emails 24/8/26
24/8/26 EMAIL to MEMBERS, sending password for September's Folklife West to read as Pdf and/or download.
24/8/26 EMAIL to NON-MEMBERS - notified that around 1 Sept, we'll upload (free) September's Folklife West to this website.
Notified in both Members & Non-Members emails that in this issue, we have ~
a new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley; 4 folk days / festivals added to our Festivals list, - and - lots of new contributors :
CYMRU/WALES pages Powys • FIDDLEBOP
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY pages Kernow/Cornwall • LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB, Cornwall & Devon • WRECKERS RADIO listings, Somerset • EMBOROUGH SINGAROUND, Wiltshire • SALISBURY FOLK CLUB
WEST MIDLANDS pages Birmingham • RED LION FOLK CLUB, Worcs • VITAL SPARK; DUBLIN JACKS; THE POACHERS
SOUTH-EAST & GREATER LONDON pages Oxfordshire • FRIDAY FOLK, Kidlington, London • SIWAN CATRIN; FOLK LONDON’s CD SHOP
NORTH OF ENGLAND pages Yorkshire • THE TOPIC FOLK CLUB
INTERNATIONAL pages Ireland • THE SESSION Irish trad. music site
FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS 12-months DIARY Sept: Crantock Free Music Festival, Sept: Compass Folk Festival, Oct.: Apple Day at the Folk of Gloucester, Jan: Wassail at the Folk of Gloucester
a new Shropshire Correspondent, Matt Woolley; 4 folk days / festivals added to our Festivals list, - and - lots of new contributors :
CYMRU/WALES pages Powys • FIDDLEBOP
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY pages Kernow/Cornwall • LAUNCESTON FOLK CLUB, Cornwall & Devon • WRECKERS RADIO listings, Somerset • EMBOROUGH SINGAROUND, Wiltshire • SALISBURY FOLK CLUB
WEST MIDLANDS pages Birmingham • RED LION FOLK CLUB, Worcs • VITAL SPARK; DUBLIN JACKS; THE POACHERS
SOUTH-EAST & GREATER LONDON pages Oxfordshire • FRIDAY FOLK, Kidlington, London • SIWAN CATRIN; FOLK LONDON’s CD SHOP
NORTH OF ENGLAND pages Yorkshire • THE TOPIC FOLK CLUB
INTERNATIONAL pages Ireland • THE SESSION Irish trad. music site
FESTIVALS & WORKSHOPS 12-months DIARY Sept: Crantock Free Music Festival, Sept: Compass Folk Festival, Oct.: Apple Day at the Folk of Gloucester, Jan: Wassail at the Folk of Gloucester
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DEADLINES for your Diary FOLKLIFE WEST
• 1 January 2027 (to April) ~ Deadline 20 November
• 1 May 2027 (to August) ~ Deadline 20 March
• 1 September 2027 (to December) ~ Deadline 20 July
Extracts from earlier Updates
Most have been deleted. A few Updates below, greatly edited to remove past-dated events.
( some items are just for the Editor's benefit, to follow up later! )
Updates email 12/7/26
Deadlines: Folklife West 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Next Updates email will include items below, if still timely.
🏴 ZOOMS ~ ENGLAND
🏴 🄵 Saturday, most weeks. ~ England. London. SATURDAY SEA SONGS
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️frequency updated by organiser 9/2026.
→ 7 - 9pm UK time
⇒ Contact via email shanties<at>zohomail.eu to join. ✔️frequency updated by organiser 9/2026.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Ø IN THE ROUD - A Folk Song Podcast, produced by Matt Quinn and looks at folk songs (with the help of historians, folklorists and singers) from both an historical and modern perspective - see previous Update & note in latest Journal. Season 7.
S7/E3 – Roud 63: JOHNNY SCOTT. Historical Guest: Sheena Wellington. Singer guest: Emily Smith.
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud Main podcast available from loads of podcast places but primarily: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759;
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA Thanks, Matt Q.
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
ENGLAND ~ WEST MIDLANDS
Dudley
⚽️ MARKONICA 🄵 Mark Miskowicz and Monica Shepherd
⚽️ MARKONICA 🄵 Mark Miskowicz and Monica Shepherd
The event previously announced for Saturday 11th July has been postponed due to numerous clashes including the England match.
The event is now on Saturday 26th September, in the Garibaldi Inn (Function Room), 19 Cross Street, Stourbridge DY8 3XE,
'Next Level Folk' presents Steve and Julie Wigley, plus Dan Hadley + Ali Bann, and Markonica.
Advance tickets can be obtained at £10 through https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk/
Advance tickets can be obtained at £10 through https://www.ticketsource.com/nextlevelfolk/
------------- "Overseas Readers" below here means non-Member, non-UK/non-EU readers of our Updates mailing list who aren't Folklife members -------------
News is from our members - those who support us world-wide by volunteering or by paying subscriptions.
Exceptionally, we may include in Updates (not in FW) overseas readers (1) who kindly kept us going with their Zooms during Covid; or (2) touring UK.
• We're happy to list venues & performers, free, world-wide in our online Directory https://folklife.uk/directory - contact sam@folklife.uk
USA
• FSGW Getaway, Oct 2 – Oct 5. West River, MD. Guests include Janie Meneely and Rob Van Sante, Bill Destler, Lynn Noel, George and Kathy Stephens, and Kevin Elam. https://www.fsgw.org/getaway
AUSTRALIA
🅄 BRUCE WATSON is touring UK. Clubs in bold underlined are Folklife members, see Folklife West for more details of club.
- JULY: 15 Atherstone FC. 16 Godiva Sessions Coventry. 17 Tamworth FC. 18 Glossop Labour Club Derbyshire. 20 Tonbridge FC Kent. 22 Romford Haverfolk. 24-6 July Herne Bay FF Kent.
- AUGUST: 1-2 Melton FF. 6 Crookes FC Sheffield. 7 First Friday FC Sheffield. 9 Barney’s Stroud. 13 Milford FC. 20 Bishops Stortford Acc Club. 25 Bere Regis FC. 27 Lyceum FC Newport.
- SEPTEMBER: 3 Orpington FC Kent. 5 Cranfest Cranbrook Kent. 6 Bluebell Roots Arlington (E Sussex). 8 Focsle FC S’hampton. 10 Bideford FC. 11 Bodmin FC. 12 Philleigh Folk Truro/Veryan. 13 Dreamers FC Redruth. 14 Brunny FC Wimborne.
- Details on www.brucewatsonmusic.com, see also blog brucewatsonmusic.wordpress.com, and www.facebook.com/brucewatsonmusic
Updates email 5/7/26
Deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Download a Word copy of this Updates (folklifeupdates5july2026.docx)
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
Our Journal has a record 11 articles / 24 pages for July! Read or download on https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue
S7/E1 – Roud 61: THE GAY GOSHAWK. Historical Guest: Steve Roud. Singer guest: Nancy Kerr.
S7/E2 – Roud 62: BROWN ROBIN. History and Singer guest: Helen Lindley
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud
Main podcast availabe from loads of podcast places but primarily:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA
Please do support the podcast (if you can) and receive bonus episodes at www.patreon.com/InTheRoud
Main podcast availabe from loads of podcast places but primarily:
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-the-roud-a-folk-song-podcast/id1740614759
Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a1e79f0f-2b36-46af-b2cf-b1b8f4128038/in-the-roud---a-folk-song-podcast
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVElZTAyZuTyKzN6Hm72ejA
Thanks, Matt Q.
🄵 FOLKLORE SOCIETY Event details on https://www.folklore-society.com
Online talks on Zoom:
Online talks on Zoom:
- Jeremy Harte, 'Dragons and their Hoards' , Tuesday 7 July 2026, 19:00 BST
- James Wright, 'Historic Building Mythbusting – Uncovering Folklore, History & Archaeology', Tuesday 21 July 2026, 19:00 BST
🄵 TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM
TSF Newsletter 143 - July 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
TSF Newsletter 143 - July 2026, from Richard Spencer (TSF Secretary)
- We have no meetings now until September, but if you are going to Whitby Folk Week, don't forget the Roy Palmer Lecture on the 27th of August. Katie Howson will be giving a talk on “A Dove Among a Flock of Old Crows: Women Traditional Musicians in England”. Full details here: https://roypalmerlecture.org/new-2026/
- Autumn Conference - Folk Song in the North of England: see details in our Journal, p22
- News from The Ballad Partners: our latest two publications – Arthur Knevett’s history of the Folk Song Society, and Peter Snape’s biography of Anne Gilchrist, are both selling well, and are available on our website, https://theballadpartners.co.uk/new-store/ . We have several others in the pipeline, and the next to see the light of day will be Anna Guigne’s account of Maud Karpeles’ song collecting in Newfoundland in 1929 and 1930. Another book already in the system is Derek Schofield’s book on the folk dance revival between the wars. Books will also be available from Veteran at major festivals, and Peter and Barbara Snape will also be taking some to events. We have also gathered sufficient content to publish another in our series of Folk Song Studies (No.6), probably in the autumn. But there is room for more content, so if anyone out there has a paper they would like to submit, now would be an excellent moment. Steve Roud (steveroud<at>gmail.com) ~ List of BP books & general info in our Journal, p17.
- The Newsletter contains other interesting material - Blues in the Mississippi Night, landmark recordings by Alan Lomax; The Song Collector: Writings of Tom Munnelly (Irish Traditional Music Archive); Irish language TV archive - TG4 Cartlann; and more. Why not join the TSF - it's free, https://tradsong.org/joining-the-tsf
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
🄵 = Folklife Members, see Folklife West for news. Ø = other readers on our free Updates mailing list.
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Data Protection: for those listed, your email is so we can keep in touch (for our use; not passed on unless you want to add to Directory listing).
Your Directory listing contact details are optional (eg email, phone, via webpage - or indeed leaving out contact details!)
Venues (starting with any local media updates)
IRELAND
All-Ireland
🄵 SINGING CIRCLES IRELAND, a list of 120+ singing circles, by county.
Brendan Kennedy is kindly sending Folklife his list of singing circles, monthly. The July edition has just been copied to Venues: Ireland
--------------------------------------
USA ~ ZOOM
🇺🇸 Ø Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list.
🇺🇸 Ø Sundays, usually 1st but varies. ~ USA. Boston, Mass. LIVE FROM THE MERMAID'S TAVERN 2-4 EDT [= UK 7pm-9pm].
Ballad sings and tavern/chantey sings, often 1st Sunday, but varies for seasonal themes and concerts - join the mailing list.
Forthcoming Zoom sessions, Ballad Sings Live From the Mermaid's Tavern (no August session)
Sunday 6 September, Online Ballad Sing; Saturday 19 September: Talk Like a Pirate Day! (hybrid event in the works).
Plus live events (day varies) as announced on https://digitalheritageconsulting.com/tavern/ Join the mailing list at http://mailinglist.mermaidstavern.com
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers) ** sub includes cheap publicity ~ from just £9 a year! ~ in Folklife West print & online, and in email Updates
West Midlands ~ Herefordshire
SINGAROUND & MUSIC SESSION, was in Bishops Frome 🄵, 3rd Tuesdays
Tuesday, 3rd [most months] The venue has just become not available, so a new venue is being sought. Updates on this page when known or contact Bernie on bernieuptonfolk<at>gmail.com
Updates email: 1 July 2026
Next deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Details of Journal just out, and of the FW deadline.
Updates follow in a day or two (so as to keep our emails short enough for Gmail not to cut them).
Also, a plug to support us by joining - bigger magazine, post & print rises, so we need more Members!
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL, free to view or download
FTJ this issue https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue You can read online, or download an A4-size or US Letter size.
We're pleased to announce 2026 July, FTJ 80, the biggest yet, 24 A4 pages, a record 11 articles. FTJ was March & Nov., now 3x a year, this is the1st July FTJ
24 A4 print pages, all mono. Print cover (pp1,2,19,20) cream paper; rest white paper.
11 Researched Articles
FOLKLIFE WEST, folk news from our Folklife members The deadline is JULY 20, for FW Sept (to Dec) 2026
DO JOIN US What can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife....
For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
and download Folklife West free from 🄵🅆 Prepaid PDF: https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf
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If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
For £25, all this plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK,
We publish our 2 magazines alternatively: 6 issues a year, each covers 4 months.
Updates follow in a day or two (so as to keep our emails short enough for Gmail not to cut them).
Also, a plug to support us by joining - bigger magazine, post & print rises, so we need more Members!
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL, free to view or download
FTJ this issue https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue You can read online, or download an A4-size or US Letter size.
We're pleased to announce 2026 July, FTJ 80, the biggest yet, 24 A4 pages, a record 11 articles. FTJ was March & Nov., now 3x a year, this is the1st July FTJ
24 A4 print pages, all mono. Print cover (pp1,2,19,20) cream paper; rest white paper.
11 Researched Articles
- There were three Ravens; a song of sublime love, by Ian Pittaway, p2-4
- Baring-Gould’s People 4 – The Uglow Sisters, by Martin Graebe, p5-7. Includes song The Squire of Tamworth
- The Withy Tree Carol, a version from Evesham, by Charles Menteith, p8
- The Suicide Arms, by Charles Menteith, p9
- The Seeds of Love, Two versions in GlosTrad, Henry Thomas and Willian 'Daddy' Shepherd, by Veronica Lowe, p10-11
- Camborne’s Trevithick Day, by Lamorna Spry, pp12-13. Includes song Camborne Hill
- Of Folk and Fishing — Part 1 of 2: The Tunes, by Keith Gregson, p14-15
- No Bread and No Roses, by Rosie Upton, p16-17
- Press Gangs on the Tyne — Part 1 of 2, by Jim Mageean, including various songs, p18-19
- The Seven Wonders (Y Saith Rhyfeddod) by Mick Tems, p20
- Tunes from the Isle of Man: Three Tunes recorded from Thomas Kermode by Dr John Clague, by Stephen Miller, p21
- Pedlars Pack, p6 • Saydisc, p7 • Access Folk, p9
- The Folklore Society; The Archivist, a film about Doc Rowe; The Ballad Partners; all on p17
- The Mick Tems Archive, p20 • Cornish National Music Archive; Folk Legacy Books [Annie Jones], both p21
- and all on p22: EFDSS & Vaughan Williams Memorial Library; Trac Cymru; [Editorial] Renaming EFDSS; In The Roud podcasts; Traditional Song Forum
FOLKLIFE WEST, folk news from our Folklife members The deadline is JULY 20, for FW Sept (to Dec) 2026
DO JOIN US What can you get for £9 ? two beers or two or three coffees or a whole year of Folklife....
For just £9 a year world-wide , you can become a Folklife member
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The prepaid pdf is available to all Members (PDF-only or print subscriber, FW only or Journal only or both publications). This gives you a better print-quality to read than reading online on the web; and you can also print it. Available as A4, or US/CAN letter-size. (for print-quality, see the 🄵🅆 Folklife's Adverts PDF download).
If you're a Member, you can send in your news for FW and for these Updates. (https://www.folklife.uk/updates) and as emailed (word limits apply).
For £25, all this plus 3 printed issues Folklife West and 3 printed issues of the Journal posted to the UK,
We publish our 2 magazines alternatively: 6 issues a year, each covers 4 months.
- FOLKLIFE WEST (FW) Folk news magazine. Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/fw Next FOLKLIFE WEST out 1st Sept: deadline 20 July.
- FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL (FTJ) Researched articles, research news Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/ftj-this-issue Next FTJ out 1st November: deadline 1st October.
- DIRECTORY Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/directory. Free entries, available to all, UK & international
- UPDATES for Directory, FW, FTJ, Read online at https://www.folklife.uk/updates Plus: free occasional UPDATES EMAILS
Updates email: 18 June 2026
Next deadlines: Folklife 20 July for Sept.; Journal 1 Oct for Nov.
Download a Word copy of this Updates (folklifeupdates18june2026.docx)
EDITORIAL (17/6/2026) GOOD NEWS !
Journal. - I am delighted that we've 11 articles (a record) for July - now grown to 24 pages! This may be our limit so as to keep under 100g for postage.
Journal. - I am delighted that we've 11 articles (a record) for July - now grown to 24 pages! This may be our limit so as to keep under 100g for postage.
Folklife West. - and also delighted that we've a Shropshire correspondent, Matt Woolley; and that as of mid-June, we already have 7 new news items to appear regularly in FW, starting September — and before that as inserts on the Folklife West online pages, from: FiddleBop (Powys), Salisbury Folk Club (Wiltshire), Severn Folk Club (Shrewsbury), Dublin Jacks, The Poachers (both Worcs), Friday Folk (Oxfordshire), and Siwan Catrin (London). Also we'll have some notes on Derbyshire folk from Paul Mansfield.
And - just joined Launceston Folk Club and Wreckers Radio (both Cornwall), details to follow!
And also (groans), we've a 10% increase in print costs, and the now-usual semi-annual post increases .... but hey, the magazines are doing well!
ADMIN
'East & South' Webpages (for Venues; Performers; Folklife West), each page is now replaced by 2 pages, 'East Midlands & East' and 'South-East & London'.
To keep our emails short enough for Gmail (who clip email text over 102kb), lengthy material may refer back to this Updates webpage rather than quoting in full.
(1) Folklife Traditions Journal: Updates (research, societies, publications) ~ your contributions welcome
IN THE ROUD - A Folk Song Podcast is produced by Matt Quinn and looks at folk songs (with the help of historians, folklorists and singers) from both an historical and modern perspective. History guests so far include Steve Roud, Vic Gammon and Sandra Kerr); singer guests so far include Jon Boden, Maddy Prior and Emily Portman. In the Roud is available wherever you listen to podcasts (Apple, Amazon, Youtube, Castbox, Pocket Casts etc).
Some links availabe at: https://linktr.ee/intheroud
TRADITIONAL SONG FORUM 🄵 https://tradsong.org
10 October - Autumn Conference, Leeds Central Library. Traditional Folk Song in the North of England - Call for Papers
Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the explosion of interest in traditional song and music in late Victorian and Edwardian England, and his pioneering book Traditional Tunes (1891) was one of the three founding works of what became the first Folk Song Revival. As well as collecting songs in the field, he amassed a huge collection of printed and manuscript material, and his knowledge of the history of traditional and popular tunes was unrivalled, and always available to others through the Folk-Song Society and other organisations. He was one of the few researchers who concentrated on the northern counties, and was particularly associated with his home-town of Leeds, so it is most fitting that this meeting, which commemorates the centenary of his death, and celebrates his legacy, is organised jointly by the Traditional Song Forum and Leeds Libraries. The conference will also form a small part in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Leeds as a city.
Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited. This will be an in-person event, but pre-recorded remote papers will be considered. Please send title / short abstract / short biography to Richard Spencer, towerofsark<at>gmail.com, by 1st July.
The TSF offers a limited number of bursaries towards travel costs to enable younger people (under 30 and not in full-time work) to attend this conference.
Frank Kidson (1855-1926) was a key player in the explosion of interest in traditional song and music in late Victorian and Edwardian England, and his pioneering book Traditional Tunes (1891) was one of the three founding works of what became the first Folk Song Revival. As well as collecting songs in the field, he amassed a huge collection of printed and manuscript material, and his knowledge of the history of traditional and popular tunes was unrivalled, and always available to others through the Folk-Song Society and other organisations. He was one of the few researchers who concentrated on the northern counties, and was particularly associated with his home-town of Leeds, so it is most fitting that this meeting, which commemorates the centenary of his death, and celebrates his legacy, is organised jointly by the Traditional Song Forum and Leeds Libraries. The conference will also form a small part in the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Leeds as a city.
Proposals for 20-minute papers are invited. This will be an in-person event, but pre-recorded remote papers will be considered. Please send title / short abstract / short biography to Richard Spencer, towerofsark<at>gmail.com, by 1st July.
The TSF offers a limited number of bursaries towards travel costs to enable younger people (under 30 and not in full-time work) to attend this conference.
For conference details see https://tradsong.org/autumn-conference-2026
Rod Stradling's Musical Traditions Website: the TSF has, with permission from Rod's family, taken steps to reinstate Rod Stradling's remarkable website, which had disappeared from the internet shortly after his sad demise last year. The website is a collection of 25 years' worth of articles and reviews, and is an absolute mine of information. We have given it a (hopefully) temporary address of https://www.mustrad.co.uk. However, we are planning to acquire the previous address of www.mustrad.org.uk in the autumn when the domain name becomes available, so if you have references or links to the old website, please don't change them. We are currently discussing the possibility of opening the site up again as a repository for short papers and reviews.
Updates email: 14 May 2026
Next Journal deadline: 1 June for 1 July
Next Folklife West deadline: 20 July for 1 September
(2) Online Directory: Updates (your listings welcome, listings are free entry; no dates)
Venues & local media
WALES - VENUES
Gogledd-Orllewin • North-West
Ø GWYNEDD MUSIC SESSIONS: a list was compiled by The Travelling Sessions, formerly on their website, and copied each issue to Folklife West.
Ø GWYNEDD MUSIC SESSIONS: a list was compiled by The Travelling Sessions, formerly on their website, and copied each issue to Folklife West.
However, some sessions didn’t update The Travelling Sessions when there were changes, causing inconvenience, so they’ve stopped listings.
As of March 2026, we've included this list, for a while, on Directory/Venues: Wales on www.folklife.uk/v-cymru, but you will need to check.
A volunteer to contact these sessions would be most welcome, we don't have contact details for most.Otherwise, we may contact those who publicise an email address, and offer to list them here in our free-entry online Directory/Venues: Wales on www.folklife.uk/v-cymru (and also paid-for publicity in Folklife West).
(3) Folk News Updates: all from our Folklife members (subscribers)
ENGLAND ~ WEST COUNTRY VENUES
🄵 Thursdays, weekly Devon BIDEFORD BIDEFORD FOLK CLUB www.bidefordfolkclub.com
→ The Joiners Arms, 6 Market Street, Bideford, Devon EX39 2DR.
→ The Joiners Arms, 6 Market Street, Bideford, Devon EX39 2DR.
Tunes & Singaround Nights. Summer (BST): tunes 7:30pm, singaround from 8 to about 10:30pm. Winter (GMT): open at 7pm; tunes & sing 7:30 until 10.
Guest Nights all year 7:30 for 8pm unless otherwise stated on the website.
⇒ Contact: John Purser – email: bidefolk<at>gmail.com or by telephone 01237 424286
⊕ Friendly singaround club welcoming all acoustic musicians, poets and storytellers. Occasional guests. [May 2026, revised Tunes & Singaround Nights times]
⊕ Friendly singaround club welcoming all acoustic musicians, poets and storytellers. Occasional guests. [May 2026, revised Tunes & Singaround Nights times]
Updates email: emailed Fri 13 March 2026
Text Editor needed If you can spare a few days, every 4 months, to extract dates & news for Folklife West from several folk club or workshop websites, to copy over and edit to word limits (150 words non-advertisers, 1/8 ads 200 words): you get free Folklife membership (posted UK, PDF non-UK).
NEW: Online forms set up, to speed things up. Existing form to opt-in to our email updates on our Home, Opt-In page.
New forms, for your Journal & Members' folk news Updates on SEND UPDATES ! page, & for Online Directory entries (new & updates) on GET LISTED ! page.
Updates email: emailed Tuesday 20 Jan 2026
FOLKLIFE TRADITIONS JOURNAL (FTJ), 1st MARCH
Your researched articles, and research news from societies etc is most welcome.
For folk club etc news - Updates, and the next Folklife West out in May, deadline 20 March.
Zooms updated, see (2) Directory updates below.
MORE MAGAZINES (continued) ~ as mentioned last time, will be 3 Journals a year!
To achieve this - prioritising FTJ - I need to save some admin time & reduce our costs, so in future:
As most subscriptions are for both magazines by post, we now call that "standard membership".
All who pay subs are Members - whether standard (both magazines), FW only, or Journal only.
✅ added 2026 Membership benefits -
✔️ ALL Members can send in news for Folklife West, and for the Updates' folk news. So (new) this includes "Journal-only" Members who can send in news for FW (but don't get it by post).
✔️ ALL Members can now access https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf the PDF download of Folklife West.
Your researched articles, and research news from societies etc is most welcome.
For folk club etc news - Updates, and the next Folklife West out in May, deadline 20 March.
Zooms updated, see (2) Directory updates below.
MORE MAGAZINES (continued) ~ as mentioned last time, will be 3 Journals a year!
To achieve this - prioritising FTJ - I need to save some admin time & reduce our costs, so in future:
- annual subscriptions only - stopping single copies (posted, PDF), as time-consuming, costly
- BACS-only for subscriptions & adverts under £9 - card & cheques charges costly for under £9
- we'll post only to UK (other than existing non-UK sales) - due to customs 'sales' admin/costs+time
- International complimentary print copies to Journal contributors continue (as "gifts", not "sales")
- Updates & Folklife West folk news only from UK & International Members
- no longer including free news items from International non-members due to cost
- International non-members are welcome to support us by joining - only £9/year for PDFs
- no longer including free news items from International non-members due to cost
- We are committed to free Journal pdfs & free Directory entries for all, Membership not required
As most subscriptions are for both magazines by post, we now call that "standard membership".
All who pay subs are Members - whether standard (both magazines), FW only, or Journal only.
✅ added 2026 Membership benefits -
✔️ ALL Members can send in news for Folklife West, and for the Updates' folk news. So (new) this includes "Journal-only" Members who can send in news for FW (but don't get it by post).
✔️ ALL Members can now access https://folklife.uk/fw-prepaid-pdf the PDF download of Folklife West.
(2) Online Directory: Updates
ZOOM PAGE ALL UPDATED. We emailed all organisers with details earlier than Nov. 2025, most replied to confirm/amend their listings.
Paul Clarke, who used to run FOCSLE Music, compiled a list of 125+ active Zooms, which he passed on to the FolkLife team in April 2025..
Knowledgeable volunteers could make this perhaps the most comprehensive Zoom directory on the Net !
In the meantime, Paul has updated some, and David Kidman has confirmed others, as noted on the Zoom page.
Additionally, Jan. 2026, Storm has just kindly volunteered to go through Paul's list, and will gradually check out some more Zooms, from time to time.
Other volunteers welcome, you would receive free PDF membership: PDF download of Folklife West + your Member's news published in FW, & in Updates.
Updates email: 20 November 2025
David Harley; next FW; data protection; Updates
This email comes via EmailOctopus, so we've amended our Data Protection Policy on www.folklife.uk/data-page
— we've changed references to "MailChimp" & "MailerLite" to "Email Service Providers" or "ESPs", as we may need to change ESPs. MailChimp cut their free-up-to-X subscribers limit; so we moved to MailerLite 'up to 1000 subscribers'— now 'up to 500'. Today we reached 500! So today we trial EmailOctopus. Next email, we'll include here your details that we hold (meanwhile see last email for those details).
Updates email: 31 October 2025
A splendid new Folklife Traditions Journal (9 articles) was posted out Fri 24/10/2025. It is now also available online
Folklife West 1st January: deadline 20th November. For folk news / publicity in FW and in Updates, it's only £9 a year (that's just 75p a month!) and you can download a PDF for the current issue; or FW posted to you, along with the Journal, £21 UK. Bargain!
Thanks to Matt of Reforest Hosting (and Miserden Morris!) - now hosting all our behind-the-scenes domains & redirects from former websites (so if you type in folklife-traditions.uk, it now goes to folklife.uk/traditions, etc), at about half the previous webhost's costs (and thanks to Martin Graebe for suggesting Matt!). https://www.reforesthosting.com, details previous Update below.
The "donate" button on this site now links directly to PayPal, but all Ko-Fi links for payments remain as before.
I'm sorry that circumstances meant I had to stop sending Updates emails for a while - trying to sort out the incompetence of our bank and separately our landline / broadband (non-)provider. All fixed now after weeks on the phone / in branch.
1) Poor broadband since 3 Sept, then no landline as well.
2) So changed contact phone from landline on PayPal (card payments); technical problem; had to close account and reapply.
3) Santander bank threatened to block account access; sent a letter giving us 5 days to confirm (Folklife Chairman) Eric's ID at Malvern branch ~ just closed! Several phone calls (each with wait time of 40+ minutes). Even Worcester branch couldn't get through on the phone; they scanned the details. I rang Identity team ~ they didn't have Eric's details. They rang Eric (whose details they said they didn't have!), Eric back to to branch …
Updates email: emailed Saturday 20 September
We've now moved over half the old site to folklife.uk; it looks much better!
The initial page is FT Journal & Directory, and our old web-address "www.folklife-traditions.uk" now redirects to that page.
"Index to FT Journal webpages" on that page gives links to remaining material on the old site (now https://folklife-traditions.weebly.com)
Subpages: FTJ this issue, FTJ: contribute (and later, the FTJ Directory * will be copied from old site).
FT Archive, www.folklife.uk/ft-archive, is a separate header, with subpages including Articles Index, and (eventually *) all previous issues.
* The rest of the site will gradually be copied over (unless you'd like to volunteer, to speed things up....).
MailerLite have announced 'free up to 1000' subscribers will become 'free up to 500'. Therefore, we will use MailChimp as well, next time. Probably for all non-members not in UK, plus some others UK if MailerLite delivery problems.
From 23/7/2025 onwards: several virgin.net emails: not delivered "'mailbox unknown" (message from MailerLite, and when I sent directly).
Updates email: Wednesday 23 July 2025
Read online, as emailed https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/497993/emails/160574952340194375
MailChimp bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.
MailChimp bounced emails are not immediately notified, so if you miss one, please check this page to see what's been sent.
Yippee - just bought and installed a new MacMini & wonderful Apple display, updating software, etc, and busy learning that.
Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.
On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson.
Only trying to help, they say ...
(1) Santander Bank "Not-for-profit organisations play a crucial role in society, which is why we’re dedicated to helping them prosper" , they say, when announcing the non-profits' free banking goes up to £5/month - & 70p per cheque!
(2) The Post Office: "more reliable and sustainable service", they say, when announcing delivery will be only alternate days! and only Mon-Fri!
~ For September issue, no change to our charges; nor to our deadlines; but may change after that.
On a more positive note, I'm delighted we have more new Members, so more news / info for you in our Sept Folklife West. In particular, our first North-East report by Eileen Richardson.
SPECIAL EMAIL (not an Update)
about the future of the Folklife Traditions website Tuesday 1 July 2025
Folklife Traditions Journal will move websites
Why?
'Weebly' webhost stopped updating (+ large price increase)! Site still works / is readable, but problems editing old or new material - major layout problems (type size changes, unwanted bold, underline, italic, etc). We've already moved www.folklife.uk (Folklife West folk news site) from 'Weebly' to webhost 'WebMate". We could do the same with Folklife Traditions, but that's costly.
PLAN A.
Ideally... anyone like to volunteer, by Wednesday 16 July, ...as webmaster to manage the new WebMate-hosted site ?or as web designer / webmaster to set up a site on a different platform (not WebMate) ?We realise this is unlikely, but thought we'd ask, just in case...
PLAN B.
Otherwise ...
We'll copy over most* other webpages, including pdf downloads for all issues.
* Since we don't have the time, we'll omit the individual-issue webpages (the entire issue's print pages copied online).
Advice welcome from those more web-knowledgable than me (probably most of you).
Existing site has:
Existing site has:
- Archive of Journals, for all issues, now 2 Journals per year, so updated twice yearly.
- Each issue has: contents list; picture of the cover; PDF download link. We consider this is fine as it is.
- An index of Journal articles. Simply a list by author.
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to simple spreadsheet (Excel?) or small database
- A small directory see https://www.folklife-traditions.uk/ft-directory.html
- Volunteer welcome, to convert to small database
- Excellent support by phone and email, small team whom I know quite well.
- My limited webskills. I find WebMate far easier (and much better supported) than Wix, Wordpress, blogging, etc
- But if we had a webmaster, we'd consider any platform they could run.
Donations
A non-profit group, our folk magazines promoting folk music and folk traditions run at a healthy loss.
Additionally, we maintain this website for you ~ free-to-read, plus extensive resources.
So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate say just £3 as a 1-off, or once a year.
So if you find this free website useful . . . you may wish to donate say just £3 as a 1-off, or once a year.
For card donations, just click this link: Donations by card Thank you!
Or ⎯ you're welcome to subscribe: details foot of page (UK BACS or cheque; or world-wide by card).