Tenterden Folk Festival to welcome musicians and Morris dancers for another year of traditional folk fun
Published: 10:40, 02 October 2024
More than 50 Morris dancers are just days away from descending on a quiet Kent town for an annual festival.
This year’s Tenterden Folk Festival is celebrating its 31st year with four days of traditional music, dance and sing-alongs.
It all kicks off with an evening concert from Bob Kenward, John and Di Cullen, Julie and Gavin Atkin, and Sue Watson and Karen Scott. The event will introduce festival-goers to the history of Kent’s folk heritage.
Artists including The Wilson Family band member Ken Wilson, Irish ceilidh musicians Ceol Na Mara, blues duo DryWood and singer Graeme Knights are among the many names set to perform over the long weekend.
While these live concerts play a big part in the festival each year, there’s plenty more for visitors to see and do.
You can join in with the English barn dance, hosted by the Catsfield Steamers, and sing along to shanties at the Cinque Ports Sea Songs session.
There’s also a chance to say hello to the musicians at special meet-and-greets, watch jam sessions at the Squeezebox Showcase and learn how to play instruments at the workshops.
Some indoor concerts at official festival venues are ticketed, but there’s lots of free music on the outdoor stages and in pubs around the town.
One of these free stages can be found at the Recreation Ground, where there will also be a craft and artisan fair.
The marquee will be brimming with stalls selling musical instruments, CDs and vinyl records, artwork, fashion and memorabilia. There will also be local charities such as the Kent Wildlife Trust and the RSPB.
The fair also boasts real ale and cider from Romney Marsh Brewery and Tenterden’s Nightingale Cider and food stalls selling local produce and baked treats.
This year’s Tenterden Folk Festival takes place from Thursday, October 3 to Sunday, October 6 at various venues across town, including the Old Dairy Brewery, Tenterden Museum, St Mildred’s Church and Tenterden Club.
You can book tickets and find the full festival programme here.
A weekend ticket, which gives you access to all ticketed concerts, costs £95 for adults. You can also book a camping pass, starting from £36.