23 - 26 May 2025
23 - 26
May
2025
May
2025
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Event changes since the programme went to print
| Events that have changed on Friday 23rd May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | Change(s) | With and/or Description | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18:00 - 21:00 | Music Session hosted by Will Allen | Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar) | Will Allen needs no introduction to folkies . He is a sought after melodeon & fiddle player and a familiar beard in sessions all over the country! According to his biography he can transform the simplest of tunes into roaring beasts so beware Will Allen (musician) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:00 - 23:45 | Welcome Ceilidh | Olympiad: Sports Hall | Changed Performers | Join us for the festival's Welcome Ceilidh with The Canny Band and caller Phil Bassindale! A fun night of music, dance, and community—no experience needed! All ages and abilities are welcome! (P) The Canny Band, Phil Bassindale (Ceilidh Caller), Northgate Rapper (Rapper) | Weekend or Event tickets Only (£15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events that have changed on Saturday 24th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | Change(s) | With and/or Description | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:30 - 13:30 | Dance Displays | The Buttercross | Changed Performers | A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Ellington (Cotswold), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), The Tattered Court (Border), Bourne River Morris (Cotswold), Old Speckled Hen (North West), Sweet Rapper (Rapper), Sutton Masque (Border), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold) | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:30 - 13:30 | Dance Displays | High St Bridge | Changed Performers | A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), Black Adder Morris (North West), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Steampunk morris (Border), The Tattered Court (Border), Ellington (Cotswold), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border) | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Coffee with: | The Cause: The Cause Cafe | Changed Performers | Join Fred and Norma for a coffee in conversation with Dave Webber, to learn all about the Cause's buildings history and the work of the many projects that call the venue home. Fred and Norma Guscott, Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman (Duo) | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:00 - 17:30 | Ballad Session | The Cause: The Cause Cafe | Join host Rosie Upton with special guest Discovery in a lovely ballad session . This is your chance to share songs so please join in! Rosie Upton (solo), Discovery (Duo: Song) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:50 - 17:20 | Let us Dance | Island Park: Community Stage | Changed Performers | Let us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies. Let Us Dance! (Children's festival Artist and Workshop Lead), Judith Proctor | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Shooting Roots: Folky games evening activity | Masonic Centre | Changed Name | A selection of fun youth games on a folk theme, with Shooting Roots at the Festival's YOUTH HUB. Access for youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local youth (£3 on the door) Shooting Roots | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:00 - 24:00 | Ceilidh | Olympiad: Sports Hall | Changed Performers | Join us for a Saturday night ceilidh with Banter and caller Fee Lock! Enjoy lively music, fun dances, and great company. (P) Banter (Band), Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold) | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events that have changed on Sunday 25th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | Change(s) | With and/or Description | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 10:50 | Let us Dance | Island Park: Community Stage | Changed Performers | Let us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies. Let Us Dance! (Children's festival Artist and Workshop Lead), Judith Proctor | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 11:30 | Barry Goodman - “A Folk Polymath” | The Cause: The Cause Auditorium | The presentation contains lots of songs and tunes reflecting all aspects of Barry’s involvement with the folk scene over the past 55 years - plenty of choruses too! Barry Goodman (Solo) | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13:15 - 14:15 | Mastering Audience Interaction with Keith Donnelly | Angel Function Room | Changed Times | Keith shares his tricks for captivating any crowd. Whether your an MC, Morris Fool or a Tommy you'll learn how to command attention, foster genuine connections, and create unforgettable experiences. Keith Donnelly (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian) | Weekend or Day tickets Only | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:45 - 17:00 | Aqueilidh | Olympiad: Swimming Pool | Ceilidh, but in a swimming pool! Come to join in dances like Drip the Willow, Splashing White Sergeant, Ducky Seven, Bridge of A Flume, Nottingham Sink, The Old Swan Splash, The Cornish Six Hand Eel, The New Mrs Arrowsmith's Armbands, Chlorinated Bridge, Waterfall Waltz, and the Circassian Snorkel...(P)
Important: Numbers are limited, please collect (free to season ticket holders) tickets from the box office on a first-come first-served basis to secure your space to splash! | Event Tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:00 - 17:30 | Ballad Session | The Cause: The Cause Cafe | Join host Rosie Upton with special guest Jon Loomes in a lovely ballad session . This is your chance to share songs so please join in! Rosie Upton (solo), Jon Loomes (solo) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 18:00 - 21:00 | Music Session hosted by ex-members of NYFTE | Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar) | Changed Performers | We are delighted to welcome back to Chippenham some of the amazing musicians who have passed through the ranks of NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England). Returning to Chippenham for the first time in years; Russ Hitchcock and Pete Ashmore will lead some of their favourite session tunes. To be honest, we don’t know exactly who else will turn up but you can be sure it will be a fabulous gathering and something very special Russell Hitchcock, Pete Ashmore | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:00 - 20:00 | Shooting Roots: Open Mic evening activity | Masonic Centre | Got a song? A tune? A story you want to share? Or simply want come to chill and listen? Then join us for a relaxed friendly evening of the folk arts. Sign ups will be available at the Masonic Centre at the end of our workshops. With Shooting Roots at the Festival's YOUTH HUB. Access for youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local youth (£3 on the door) Shooting Roots | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:00 - 23:45 | Ceilidh | Olympiad: Sports Hall | Changed Performers | Get ready to dance at a vibrant ceilidh with Out of Hand and caller AERYN! Expect fantastic tunes, lively steps, and a night full of fun, energy, and great vibes. Don't miss it!(P) Out of Hand (Ceilidh Band), AERYN, NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth) | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events that have changed on Monday 26th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | Change(s) | With and/or Description | Price | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 10:50 | Let us Dance | Island Park: Community Stage | Changed Performers | Let us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies. Let Us Dance! (Children's festival Artist and Workshop Lead), Judith Proctor | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:40 - 12:10 | The Magician’s Nephew | Island Park: Community Stage | Changed Times | A young and lively ceilidh band, made up of members from The Bristol Folk House Choir, performing their concert set with ceilidh tune as well as 4 part harmony singing. The Magician’s Nephew | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:00 - 12:30 | Shooting Roots: Showcase Rehearsal | Masonic Centre | A final rehearsal for the Shooting Roots song and theatre workshops, ahead of Monday afternoon's showcase performance at 3pm on the Community Stage in Island Park. Shooting Roots | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:45 - 13:30 | Dance Displays | Rose and Crown | Changed Performers | Steampunk morris (Border), Bell's Angels (Cotswold) | Donation | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13:15 - 14:15 | Sing Together | Angel Function Room | Changed Times | Come and join Liz in exploring your voice by singing some well known songs with simple harmonies, and create a beautiful sound. After a vocal warm up, we will sing rounds, simple part songs and explore our own creativity through improvisation. It is light hearted and fun!
Blissful Dragon (Workshop Lead) | Weekend or Day tickets Only | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 17:00 | Monday afternoon St Andrews | The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church | Changed Performers | A spellbinding matinee with the finest talents on the folk scene. Award Winning fiddle and singer Seth Lakeman supported by mesmerising multi instrumentalist Aeryn. A fantastic treat for a monday. AERYN, Seth Lakeman (Solo) | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||