The Beverly Folk Festival was founded in 1983 by the White Horse Folk Club. What started as a small local event, has since grown to become one of the most popular folk festivals in the United Kingdom. The Beverley Folk Festival is a not-for-profit event run by volunteers.
While the festival’s primary focus is British folk music, both old and new, it also features other genres and styles including world music, Americana, punk, classic rock, blues, acoustic performances, and more. The unofficial motto of the Beverly Folk Festival is “If the music is good, we will embrace it.”
The festival gives a chance to see and hear both established acts and up-and-coming performers. Past line-ups have featured Eliza Carthy, Bellowhead, Seth Lakeman, Billy Brag, The Proclaimers, Show of Hands, Oysterband, Steeleye Span, The Watersons, Joe Brown, Paul Carrack, Michael Morpurgo, Thea Gilmore, Lau, Andy Kershaw, Swan Hughes, New Model Army, Chas ’n’ Dave, Hayseed Dixie, The Bootleg Beatles, Home Service, Wizz Jones, Ralph McTell, Kate Rusby, and others.
Alongside music, the Beverly Folk Festival encompasses dance, comedy, poetry, literature and spoken word. The festival includes several venues, each offering an exciting set of activities. For example, the Main Stage Marquee with a capacity of 1,200 hosts the headlining acts and a variety of performers throughout the weekend. Smaller concerts, ceilidhs (traditional social gatherings with music and dance), poetry readings and other events are held in smaller marquees.
Along with the events we’ve already mentioned, the Beverly Folk Festival features workshops, special events for children, arts & crafts, fringe events at local pubs, open music sessions, improvised jamming, and more.
Photo: Cannedphoto
