STAGE Chippenham Folk Festival

Whats on When

Click on a Day to expand

Events on Friday 23rd May 2025
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
10:00 - 12:30	Schools' Day workshops	Olympiad: Sports Hall	A by-invite-only event for local schools Shooting Roots	Event Tickets Only
11:30 - 11:55	The Ramshackle Orchestra Sound Check	Island Park: Community Stage	Ramshackle Orchestra (Community Orchestra)	Donation
12:00 - 12:40	The Ramshackle Orchestra	Island Park: Community Stage	Ramshackle plays an eclectic mix of world folk music including Celtic folk, passionate gypsy tunes, Klezmer laments and mysterious airs from the wilder reaches of Hungary and Transylvania. Ramshackle Orchestra (Community Orchestra)	Donation
12:00 - 15:00	Music session hosted by Sarah Matthews & Doug Eunson	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Sarah & Doug will be kicking off a fabulous weekend of tunes in the Moongazing Hare Bar. Both brilliant musicians, they have a huge repertoire of tunes and play with groove and with grace Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews	Donation
12:15 - 12:45	Schools' Day Ceilidh sound check	Olympiad: Sports Hall	A by-invite-only event for local schools The Downfielders (Band), Shooting Roots	Donation
12:40 - 13:00	Becky Syson Soundcheck	Island Park: Community Stage	Becky Syson (Singer Songwriter Acoustic Folk-Rock)	Donation
12:45 - 14:30	Schools' Day Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	A by-invite-only event for local schools The Downfielders (Band), Shooting Roots	Event Tickets Only
13:00 - 13:45	Becky Syson	Island Park: Community Stage	Uplifting positive songs for the soul with Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter Becky Syson. Becky Syson (Singer Songwriter Acoustic Folk-Rock)	Donation
13:45 - 14:05	The Good Afternoon Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir + West Wilts Good Afternoon Choir (Choir)	Donation
14:05 - 14:35	The Good Afternoon Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	The Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (one of 23 FUN community choirs that sing in the afternoons) led by the wonderful Matt Finch. Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir + West Wilts Good Afternoon Choir (Choir)	Donation
14:40 - 14:55	Hot Club of Folk Town Sound check	Island Park: Community Stage	Hot Club of Folk Town (Duo)	Donation
15:00 - 15:45	Hot Club of Folk Town	Island Park: Community Stage	Regulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing. Hot Club of Folk Town (Duo)	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Music Session hosted by Sussex Junction Morris musicians	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	This year, as well as having sessions hosted by festival artists we also have a few led by some of our amazing Morris musicians. The first of these is Sussex Junction. You will recognise Chris & Bryony from countrywide sessions but you might be surprised that some other dancers are musos too. This is NOT specifically a Morris tune session, though I'm sure there will be some fabulous Morris tunes played at this and other sessions over the weekend Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
15:45 - 16:05	The Downfielders sound	Island Park: Community Stage	The Downfielders (Band)	Donation
16:10 - 16:45	The Downfielders	Island Park: Community Stage	A band of school age young people from Gloucestershire The Downfielders (Band)	Donation
16:45 - 17:10	Wiltshire Police Band sound check	Island Park: Community Stage	Wiltshire Police Band	Donation
17:10 - 18:25	The Wiltshire Police Band	Island Park: Community Stage	with woodwind, brass and percussion sections, the band repertoire is vast and ranges from traditional marches to big band classics, popular musical shows and arrangements of classical music. Wiltshire Police Band	Donation
18:00 - 19:30	Soundcheck	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Seth Lakeman (Solo), AERYN	Donation
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
18:30 - 19:30	A Chance to Meet:	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A special treat to the start of the festival. A lovely chance to meet former festival directors of both Chippenham and Chester folk festivals and hear their fantastic harmonies. Bob and Gill Berry (Duo), The Waite Collective	Weekend tickets Only
19:00 - 20:00	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck	Olympiad: Sports Hall	The Canny Band, Phil Bassindale (Ceilidh Caller)	Weekend tickets Only
19:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	Come and start the festival in style with a fun evening of contras and squares! (A) Sue Rosen (US), Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	English Dance	Town Hall	A selection of Brooke’s favorite modern dances from across the pond (including some of her own), with a sprinkling of older dances for contrast. (P) Brooke Friendly (US), Pair of Shears	Weekend tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	St Paul's Church	A varied mix of interesting and fun dances, including some American-style and some English-style, to start off the festival! (G) Andrew Swaine, Double Dichotomy	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Bal	Olympiad: Riverside	An evening of dances ranging from exquisite mazurkas to joyful bourrées. (A) Sawney White Bird	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 23:45	Welcome Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	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)
20:00 - 23:00	A Traditional Start	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A Traditional Start: enjoy an evening of Traditional song. A unique round robin experience where all performers are on stage together sharing songs giving it that extra special togetherness feeling. Bill Crawford (MC & Traditional Singer), Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman (Duo), Jon Loomes (solo), Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom, Rosie Upton (solo), Nigel Smith	Weekend tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Opening Concert	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	An unforgettable night in the beautiful setting of St Andrew’s Church music by acclaimed musicians MacLaine Colston and Saul Rose and Jack Rutter expect to be blown away on a fabulous musical journey. Maclaine Colston and Saul Rose (Duo), Jack Rutter (Singer), Andy Fawthrop (MC and Poetry)	Weekend or Event tickets Only (£25)
20:00 - 23:00	Friday Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Bring your voices and join our fabulous hosts Mike Gibson and George Dale for a night of folk songs from far and wide. The bar will be open George Dale and Mike Gibson (Session Leads: Singers)	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	Crazy goat	The Three Crowns	Come and enjoy a pint or 2 and join the party at the Three Crowns.Energetic family band play foot stomping traditional music. from Crazy Goat Crazy Goat	Donation
20:00 - 24:00	Fringe Event - Rory McLeod	Old Road Tavern Barn	Living legend and Troubadour returns with his incredible back catalogue of mind blowing story telling through music. Multi-instrumental and all round lovely human will be playing on old road this Saturday, 8pm, and its free. tell all your mates. Unmissable. Details to follow	Donation
21:00 - 23:00	Singing Session hosted by Shady Tann-Watson & Prue Reilly	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Shady has been part of the English folk scene since before she was born, and first sang in public aged five. Prue also started singing at 5 years old but laughs that at that point Shady wouldn't have been born yet! Nowadays Prue is gigging as a ceilidh caller around the country. They can both be found leading rousing, late night chorus songs with tankard in hand.. Prue and Shady met many years ago at Sidmouth Folk Festival and have been revelling in the joys of singing together ever since. They've been known to roam the streets of Sidmouth singing shanties for charity, but are more commonly found leading rousing, bawdy sessions in beer tents across the country Shady Tann-Watson and Prue Reilly	Donation
22:35 - 23:45	Post-Bal Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverside	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend tickets Only

Events on Saturday 24th May 2025
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
08:45 - 09:45	The Festival Stretch	Island Park: Community Stage	Bring your yoga mat to join Kyla, local Yoga instructor in a festival morning stretch. What better way to get ready for the weekend of dancing ahead! Yoga with Kyla (workshop lead)	Donation
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop: Waves	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Sail the high contra seas with a selection of dances featuring waves. (A) Charlie Turner, Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	English Dance Workshop: Creating Dance Magic	Town Hall	Every so often, the dancers align, and a bit of magic happens. In this workshop, we'll focus on creating those moments by working together as a set, syncing our movements for the perfect flow. (P) Bernie Culkin, Pair of Shears	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Folk Dance Basics and Beyond	Olympiad: Riverside	A workshop for beginners and refreshers, with an emphasis on contra and Playford-style dancing, and covering all you need to know to get you dancing this weekend. (P) Bob Morgan, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop: Dancing with Each Other	Town Hall: Neeld	In this workshop we'll dance a varied selection of dances (including some American-style and some English-style) and explore what we can do as dancers to enhance everyone's dance experience. (G) Mark Elvins, Momentum	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:30	Madder Mill Molly's Bonkers Bingo Bonanza!	Masonic Centre	As the title say's it'll be bonkers, a bingo session and more....! Madder Mill Molly (Molly)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:30	Cotswold Workshop	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	If you are up for a challenge, come and have a go at Crooked Mile – a dance in the Lewes tradition where all the rules are thrown out of the window. Morris experience essential. Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:45 - 10:00	Hot Club of Folk Town sound check	Island Park: Community Stage	Hot Club of Folk Town (Duo)	Donation
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Scrap Attack: Beaded Bonanza	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Make your own keychains, bag charms, bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories out of beads, ribbons, leather etc. All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill. The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Testing Testing Testing	Olympiad: Swimming Pool	Clausentum (Cotswold)	Donation
10:00 - 11:00	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 10:40	Hot Club of Folk Town	Island Park: Community Stage	Regulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing. Hot Club of Folk Town (Duo)	Donation
10:00 - 11:00	Absolute Beginners Melodeon	Angel Function Room	3 days, progressive. Accessible workshop taught step-by-step using an intuitive tab system with no music reading required. Loan insturments availiable for participants. Squeezebox from Scratch (Melodeon workshops)	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Town Hall: Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable on request. Spare Parts (English trad on concertinas)	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Harmony Singing with The Waite Collective	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	If you’re interested in singing in harmony, join the Waite family for this workshop. They’ll teach everything by ear, though there’ll be dots for those who prefer them. All are welcome. Whether beginner or experienced harmony singer, we look forward to singing with you. The Waite Collective	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Moonlight Morris (Border), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Pennyroyal Garland Dancers (Garland), Old Meg Morris (North West), Black Adder Morris (North West), Old Speckled Hen (North West), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Wild Thyme (Border), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Bourne River Morris (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border), Sweet Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	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	Rose and Crown	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Old Meg Morris (North West), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Temporary Measured (North West), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Temporary Measured (North West), Whitethorn Morris (North West), Blackrock School of Irish Dance (International, Irish), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	High St Bridge	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
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Dancing Academy (Global (National)), First Class Stamp (Appalachian), Applejacks (Appalachian), Blackrock School of Irish Dance (International, Irish), City Clickers (Clog step dance), Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	St Andrews (Outside)	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Englands Glory (Cotswold), Sutton Masque (Border), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Whitethorn Morris (North West), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Pennyroyal Garland Dancers (Garland)	Donation
10:30 - 11:30	Mr Jackson's Delight: Traditional dance music from Lincolnshire	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Traditional tunes from manuscript sources. Workshop taught by ear, with notation provided to take home. Suitable for instruments playing in the keys of G and D. Led by Mossy Christian. Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 12:30	Community song writing workshop: The other Sister Josephine	Chippenham Museum	A collaborative song writing workshop exploring the story of Chippenham's alternative Sister Josephine, led by musician Louise Jordan and local women's history specialist Lucy Whitfield. Louise Jordan , Lucy Whitfield	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance), Tappalachian (Appalachian), Applejacks (Appalachian)	Donation
11:00 - 11:45	NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles	Island Park: Community Stage	The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 12:00	Cotswold Morris Workshop	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Pecsaetan will teach Ethelling Jig, a triangular dance of their own devising in the Fieldtown tradition. Suitable for all abilities; please bring hankies if you have them. Pecsaetan (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 13:00	Music session hosted by Jon Loomes	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Jon Loomes is a musician, singer, producer, instrument maker and all round good guy. We are very pleased he agreed to lead a session for us Jon Loomes (solo)	Donation
11:15 - 12:40	American Dance Workshop: Heys Every Which Way	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Since we stole heys from English Country Dance, they've gone haywire! In this workshop we’ll explore American-style dances with a variety of hey formations. (A) Sue Rosen (US), Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop: Unusual Formations	Town Hall	Come play with dances with structures and formations that are a bit out of the ordinary: duple minors with oddities, set dances in unusual formations, dances for odd numbers of people, and more. (P) Brooke Friendly (US), Pair of Shears	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	American Dance Workshop: Southern Appalachian Squares	Olympiad: Riverside	Immerse yourself in the fun and fast style of Appalachian square and circle dances, its different regional ‘dance dialects’, plus maybe a singing square or two. All levels welcome. (P) Emily Bidgood (US), Bluejay	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	English Dance Workshop: Dancing in the Moonlight	Town Hall: Neeld	Who says you can’t dance with the moon in daylight? A Playford-style workshop featuring a mix of elegant dances with a few unexpected figures. (G) Bernie Culkin, Momentum	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Bodhran Workshop: Session 1	Old Road Tavern Barn	Join Bruce for an introduction to playing the Bodhran. This is a two part series, with the second workshop on Sunday at 3:45pm. Some instruments will be provided. Bruce Lowe	Donation
11:30 - 12:30	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music)	Donation
11:45 - 12:00	I am a Clown set up	Island Park: Community Stage	Volodymyr Smotritel	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	A Chance to Meet: Phil Beer	Angel Function Room	A fantastic opportunity to meet one half of Phil Beer and Paul Downes, Phil Beer will be joining us for a special chance to me. Come and hear songs and stories of his musical career. Phil Beer and Paul Downes	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 13:00	Beginner's Folk-Guitar Accompaniment Workshop	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	'Less is More': How to play guitar simple guitar accompaniments that enhance the song (and don't get in the way of it!) Suitable for beginners (but with ideas that work at any level of ability). Discovery (Duo: Song)	Donation
12:00 - 13:30	Soundcheck	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church		Donation
12:00 - 12:25	I am a Clown	Island Park: Community Stage	Volodymyr Smotritel presents " I am a Clown". a unique clowning masterclass unfolds. Volodymyr Smotritel	Donation
12:30 - 12:50	May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary	Island Park: Community Stage	May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary (Maypole)	Donation
12:30 - 14:30	Lunchtime Special	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A lunchtime special featuring three fairly new bands but all no strangers to the folk scene. Expect a lunchtime of new and vibrant music all with traditional roots and still in the tradition Sheaf, Vocella (Band), Brown Boots, Bill Crawford (MC & Traditional Singer)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
12:30 - 13:30	A Chance to Meet:	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A chance to meet Singer Songwriter Mark Dowding and incredible harmony group The Medlars . Enjoy an hour of songs to make you smile. Mark Dowding, The Medlars (Band)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:30 - 13:00	Shooting Roots workshop set up	Masonic Centre	Shooting Roots	Donation
12:50 - 13:15	Folk On Sound Check	Island Park: Community Stage	Folk On (Band)	Donation
13:00 - 13:30	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 1	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Banter (Band), Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 13:40	Callers' Round	Olympiad: Riverside	An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Rhianwen Davies. Rhianwen Davies	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 14:30	Shooting Roots: Song Workshop	Masonic Centre	Both Youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local young people (£3 on the door) have the opportunity to attend Shooting Roots’ exciting singing workshops, at the Masonic Hall on Emery Lane - our YOUTH HUB for the weekend. The experienced Shooting Roots team of tutors will be here to teach you traditional songs and wonderful harmonies to accompany them. Bring your friends for a relaxed time singing together, for all abilities, on the Saturday and Sunday. 🎪With the opportunity to perform in the Showcase on Monday📣 Shooting Roots	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3)
13:00 - 14:30	Soundcheck	Angel Function Room		Donation
13:00 - 15:00	Music Session hosted by Culverake	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Culverake are not only amazing singers, they play some awesome tunes too. Join Seb Stone, Matt Quinn & Lizzy Hardingham for a session including some of their best loved tunes from the British Isles. Hopefully they will sing some songs too if it isn't too loud in the beer tent Culverake (Harmony Trio)	Donation
13:20 - 14:10	Nursery Rhyme Time with Folk On	Island Park: Community Stage	Playing the Nursery Rhymes you know and love, as you’ve never heard them before. For children of all ages! Folk On (Band)	Donation
13:30 - 14:00	Soundcheck for next folk dance band	Olympiad: Sports Hall		Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 14:30	Folktales from the canal side	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Canals shaped industry but hide a dark past. Storyteller and narrow boat dweller Ian, salvaged tales of murder, mystery, heroes, love and oatcakes. you’ll never see the towpath the same way! Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 15:00	Family Bodhran Drop In Session	Old Road Tavern Barn	A session for all the family to come and have a go at playing the Bodhran. Bruce Lowe	Donation
13:30 - 15:15	Knitted Critters with the Natty Knitters	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Join the knitters behind the fantastic knitted creations around the town. Make your own knitted critter. Beginners or experienced. Any age welcome. Chippenham Knatty Knitters (Workshop Lead)	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	Mixed Dance Workshop: Now And Later	Town Hall: Neeld	Thinking ahead to help dances flow, some challenging patterns to make you think. Medium to difficult workshop. (G) Frances Oates, Double Dichotomy	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
14:00 - 15:30	Balfolk Dance Workshop: Couple Dancing in Balfolk	Olympiad: Riverside	How to enjoy the basic couple dances of balfolk, as well as some improvisation techniques and tools to enjoy dances you don't know! (A) Andrew Swaine, Sawney White Bird	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	American Dance Workshop: Yankee Dutch Crossing	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Get ready for a challenge! Arrive promptly for this 16 person (8 couples) set dance in the American style. This complex dance can be disorienting but great fun. (A) Sue Rosen (US), Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Parade	The Buttercross, Island Park: Island Park Stage, Middle High Street	Parade of Morris teams Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Pecsaetan (Cotswold), Blackrock School of Irish Dance (International, Irish), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Ellington (Cotswold), Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Pennyroyal Garland Dancers (Garland), Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Sutton Masque (Border), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth), Old Speckled Hen (North West)	Donation
14:00 - 15:00	Coffee with:	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	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
14:10 - 14:30	Parade Passes the stage	Island Park: Community Stage	The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage Details to follow	Donation
14:30 - 15:00	Afternoon ceilidh band soundcheck	Island Park: Community Stage	This is dependent on parade timings and so will need to be flexible. Crowdy Kit, Gordon Potts (Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:30 - 15:15	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
14:30 - 16:45	Saturday Afternoon Concert	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A foot tapping concert with inspiring and insanely talented musicians from The Canny Band. Festival favourite Tom McConville and young traditional Scottish musician of the year 2021 Michael Biggins. Tom McConville and Michael Biggins, The Canny Band, Andy Fawthrop (MC and Poetry)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25)
14:30 - 16:30	Community song writing workshop: Margaret's Search & Rescue	Chippenham Museum	A collaborative song writing workshop exploring the story of Chippenham's search & rescue pioneer Margaret Griffin, led by musician Louise Jordan and local women's history specialist Lucy Whitfield. Louise Jordan , Lucy Whitfield	Donation
14:30 - 15:00	Shooting Roots workshop set up	Masonic Centre	Shooting Roots	Donation
15:00 - 16:45	The Afternoon Ceilidh	Island Park: Community Stage	To honour the previously held 'Buttercross Ceildhs' we are hosting one big Ceilidh at the community stage! Join us for a lively Ceilidh event with Crowdy Kit and Gordon Potts. Please note whilst this is a family friendly event it is not a children-focused session. (P) Crowdy Kit, Gordon Potts (Caller)	Donation
15:00 - 17:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
15:00 - 16:30	Shooting Roots: Theatre Workshop	Masonic Centre	Both Youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local young people (£3 on the door) have the opportunity to attend Shooting Roots’ exciting theatre workshops, at the Masonic Hall on Emery Lane, our YOUTH HUB for the weekend. Two great workshops, on Saturday and Sunday, for making new friends, gaining confidence and having a laugh while working together to create some high quality theatre! Expect games, larks, tableaus, devising, ridiculous plots, and much more! 🌟Also with the opportunity to perform in the showcase on Monday🌟 Shooting Roots	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3)
15:00 - 17:00	Cornish Showcase	Angel Function Room	A fablous showcase to show off some of Cornwalls finest musicians. We are very lucky to welcome such a variety of musical talents to Chippenham. Harry Kessell, Richard Trethewey, Bagas Fellyon (Duo), Salt & Sky	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Music Session hosted by Sheaf	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Sheaf are a vibrant new band; Penny Kempson, Will Sartin and Lewis Jones. Penny & Will will also be with their band Out of Hand over the weekend and will become familiar faces in our lovely Moongazing sessions. They will be hotfooting it from their gig at The Cause to host this session for us. Sheaf	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Northgate Rapper (Rapper), New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), Englands Glory (Cotswold), Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Sutton Masque (Border), Ellington (Cotswold), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire), Pennyroyal Garland Dancers (Garland)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold), The Tattered Court (Border), Whitethorn Morris (North West), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Icknield Way (Cotswold), Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold), Bourne River Morris (Cotswold), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Sweet Rapper (Rapper)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Pecsaetan (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border), Kittiwake Border Morris (Border), Cry Havoc (Cotswold), Black Adder Morris (North West), Moonlight Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	High St Bridge	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh), Heaps Morris (Cotswold), Winterbourn Down Border Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Firestone (Appalachian), City Clickers (Clog step dance), Applejacks (Appalachian), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	St Andrews (Outside)	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Old Meg Morris (North West), Temporary Measured (North West), Forest of Dean Morris (Cotswold), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Old Speckled Hen (North West), Blackrock School of Irish Dance (International, Irish)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Cousin Normans	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Tappalachian (Appalachian), First Class Stamp (Appalachian), Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance)	Donation
15:30 - 16:30	Sound Bath	Old Road Tavern Barn	Introducing our enchanting Sound Bath Experience – a symphony for your senses, a journey for your soul! Immerse yourself in the soothing waves of sound as Ben Matthews and friends guide you through a transformative sonic adventure Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Mixed Dance Workshop: Both Feet Unplugged	Town Hall: Neeld	A selection of Mark's own dances yet to be published. (G) Mark Elvins, Double Dichotomy	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
15:45 - 17:15	Balfolk Dance Workshop: Bonkers Bourrées	Olympiad: Riverside	Bourrées to great music are a lot of fun even if you just do the basic dance, but there's so much more you can do other than go forwards and backwards. Learn the basic bourrée before learning variations and multi-couple bourrées. (A) Andrew Swaine, Sawney White Bird	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:00	American Dance Workshop: Leaving the Set	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Grid squares, Exploding squares, Double contras, etc. Dances to move you around the dance floor. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 16:30	Drumming Circle for all the family with Blissfull Dragon	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Join the circle and get into your groove, and get the beat going! Join Liz to explore, improvise and have fun with drums and percussion, creating a joyful and uplifting sound. Blissful Dragon (Workshop Lead)	Donation
15:45 - 16:30	Toddle Bops : Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
16:00 - 18:00	Lingmara	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Lingmara: World Music Community Choir sing in a variety of musical genres they have performed in Lithuania, Germany and France. Lingmara: World Music Choir (Choir)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
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	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
16:50 - 17:25	Folk On Sound Check	Island Park: Community Stage	Folk On (Band)	Donation
17:00 - 17:30	Drumming Story Time	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Come and join Harry and his friends as he creates a new band in the woodland. There will be plenty of noisy drumming and lots of fun. Blissful Dragon (Workshop Lead)	Donation
17:30 - 19:25	Zesty Contra Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Lively contra dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. Bring your enthusiasm and stamina - be prepared to dance! (A) Charlie Turner, Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
17:30 - 18:30	Folk On	Island Park: Community Stage	A full-force folky fun family show for all with hits like ‘Dad, I’m in love with a Morris Dancer’ and ‘Advanced Country Dancing (for beginners) Folk On (Band)	Donation
18:00 - 19:00	A Chance to Meet: Tom McConville	Angel Function Room	A rare chance to meet one half of Tom McConville and Michael Biggins. Come and meet Tom McConville and hear music and stories from his musical career. Tom McConville and Michael Biggins	Weekend or Day tickets Only
18:00 - 21:00	Music Session hosted by Definitely Contraband	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Definitely Contraband are Martin Clarke, Nicky McConkey, Ben Filmer-Sankey & Tom Evans. We are delighted that some of them will be leading this session. They are in various bands over the festival weekend so we can't guarantee everyone's attendance but even one of them would be enough to keep the tunes buzzing Definitely Contraband	Donation
19:00 - 20:00	Shooting Roots: Folky games evening activity	Masonic Centre	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)
19:30 - 22:30	Irish Ceili	Town Hall	An evening ceili of Irish Set Dancing. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan, WillPower	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
19:30 - 22:30	Playford Ball	Town Hall: Neeld	A night of 17th and 18th-century Playford style dances, with a programme drawn from Playford, Neal, Kynaston, and a few other treasures. (G) Bernie Culkin, Pair of Shears	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 20:00	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 2	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Banter (Band), Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:50 - 22:30	American Contra Dance -- Sponsored by Halsway Manor	St Paul's Church	A fun evening of contras and squares. (A) Sue Rosen (US), Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Bal -- Sponsored by Halsway Manor	Olympiad: Riverside	An evening of dances ranging from exquisite mazurkas to joyful bourrées. (A) Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 24:00	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	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)
20:00 - 22:30	Saturday night at St Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	A rare opportunity to see the much loved duo Phil Beer and Paul Downes a combination of pure folk heaven. The evening will be opened by a stunning saxophone quartet Guinea Lane , outstanding musicians Phil Beer and Paul Downes, Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet (Band), Barry Goodman (Solo)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25)
20:00 - 23:00	Saturday Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Bring your voices and join our fabulous hosts Mike Gibson and George Dale for a night of folk songs from far and wide. The bar will be open George Dale and Mike Gibson (Session Leads: Singers)	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	An Acoustic evening @The Cause	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A sublime line up for an acoustic evening at the Cause featuring the best in the tradition. High energy , gorgeous harmonies expect a night full of joyous music. Tim Brooks (MC), Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom, Mark Dowding, The Waite Collective, Culverake (Harmony Trio)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
20:00 - 24:00	Fringe Event - Dan Sealey	Old Road Tavern Barn	Songwriter, bass guitarist, vocalist, engaging storyteller… the list goes on when it comes to describing the many talents of Dan Sealey. Born in Birmingham, Dan started his career with the folk-rock band Ocean Colour Scene. Details to follow	Donation
20:45 - 21:30	The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry. Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
21:00 - 23:00	Singing Session hosted by Nigel Smith & Friends	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Nigel & his Moongazing Hare Bar will be hosting many fine tunes & songs over the weekend but tonight he's actually hosting the session too. Our singing sessions are NOT singarounds, If you want to start a song but find it hard to jump in, ask Nigel & he'll make sure you can be heard Nigel Smith	Donation
22:35 - 23:45	Post-Bal Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverside	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend or Day tickets Only
23:15 - 24:00	Late night @The Cause	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Harry Kessell, Richard Trethewey	Donation

Events on Sunday 25th May 2025
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
09:30 - 11:00	English Dance Workshop: Impropriety and Beyond	Town Hall: Neeld	Enjoy dances from recently released Impropriety volume 7 and some of Brooke’s solo dances, with attention to shape, texture, phrasing, transitions, and unusual features. Expect a challenge or two. (P) Crowdy Kit, Brooke Friendly (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop: Back in the Day	Town Hall	Some lesser-danced dances from the Community Dance Manuals. (G) Mark Elvins, Double Dichotomy	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Callers' Workshop: American Squares	Olympiad: Riverside	A workshop for callers on the topic of calling American squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop: Flow	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dance contras with satisfying flow and explore ways to enhance that flowy contra dance experience for yourself and your fellow dancers. (A) Charlie Turner, Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Scrap Attack: Once Upon a Costume	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Make your own capes, tunics, colourful butterfly/dragon wings that catch and reflect the sun, using donated materials that would have ended up in landfill. The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 10:45	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
10:00 - 10:50	Let us Dance	Island Park: Community Stage	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 - 11:00	Absolute Beginners Melodeon	Angel Function Room	3 days, progressive. Accessible workshop taught step-by-step using an intuitive tab system with no music reading required. Loan insturments availiable for participants. Squeezebox from Scratch (Melodeon workshops)	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Town Hall: Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable on request. Spare Parts (English trad on concertinas)	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
10:00 - 11:00	Pecsaetan Party	Masonic Centre	Come and hang out with some of Sheffield’s finest Cotswold morris dancers. We can promise dancing and chatter, music, games, maybe a bit of singing and plenty of shenanigans. Pecsaetan (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 11:00	St Andrews Folk Eucharist	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	St Andrews welcomes you to a Folk Eucharist with festival guests. Details to follow	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Black Adder Morris (North West), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Knights of King Ina (Jigs), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Glastonbury Border Morris (Border), Mafficking Border (Border), Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Tinners Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Clausentum (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold), Pecsaetan (Cotswold), Theale Tattoo (Step Clog), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Knights of King Ina (Jigs)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Steampunk morris (Border), Mafficking Border (Border), Tinners Morris (Cotswold), Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Rose Hips (Belly dance), Wild Thyme (Border), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Clausentum (Cotswold), Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Moonlight Morris (Border), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Enigma (Border), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold), Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Temporary Measured (North West), Rose Hips (Belly dance), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Sutton Masque (Border), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Sarum (Cotswold), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	High St Bridge	Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Temporary Measured (North West), Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Sarum (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border), Steampunk morris (Border), Black Adder Morris (North West), Enigma (Border), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 15:00	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Aurora (Appalachian), Spank the Planks (Appalachian), First Class Stamp (Appalachian), Theale Tattoo (Step Clog), Knickerbocker Glory (Appalachian), Sahara Sisters Bellydancing group (Bellydance)	Donation
10:30 - 11:30	Songs of Suffolk and Beyond	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A chance to build up your repertoire of traditional songs. This workshop will focus on traditional songs collected or popularised in East Anglia amongst the area’s traditional and folk singers. Megan will give an overview of a selection of songs. Words available to be taken away. Led by Megan Wisdom. Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 11:45	NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles	Island Park: Community Stage	The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
11:00 - 12:00	Sunday Sing	Angel Hotel : Angel Atrium	The traditional Sunday morning sing in the atrium of the Angel hotel ( Great acoustics) Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 13:00	Music Session hosted by Lisa Bradley	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Lisa organises these Moongazing Hare Bar sessions and last year she organised herself out of a job and didn't run one. By popular request she is back this year leading a session with her lovely folkie friends around her. Lisa Bradley (Session Lead: Musician and Singer)	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop: Three-Time Hornpipes	Town Hall: Neeld	A selection of historic country dances from the Dancing Master set to three-time hornpipes—one of the most exciting rhythms of the day with some really great tunes and interesting dances to match! (P) Crowdy Kit, Andrew Swaine	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Musicians' Workshop: Festival Band Practice	Town Hall	Come and join the fabulous Festival Band. This event is to practice the music ahead of the Festival Band Dance in the Neeld on Sunday afternoon. Sheet music available at tinyurl.com/yd4bzrmd Vic Smith & Friends	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop: Reel-y Hey!	Olympiad: Riverside	A selection of Playford-style dances for experienced dancers, featuring reels and heys. Focus on timing, coordination, and refining technique to enhance the flow of each dance. (P) Bernie Culkin, Audrey Jaber (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	American Dance Workshop: Contra Evolution	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Over the past half-century, contra dance choreography has evolved significantly. We’ll dance some of the favorites from the past and more recent decades to compare how the rules have changed. (A) Sue Rosen (US), Definitely Contraband	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:00	Toddle Bops: Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	Bodhran Workshop: Session 2	Old Road Tavern Barn	Join Bruce for an introduction to playing the Bodhran. This is a two part series, with the first workshop on Saturday at 11:15am. Some instruments will be provided. Bruce Lowe	Donation
11:45 - 12:00	Cause Community Choir sound check	Island Park: Community Stage	Cause Community Choir (Choir)	Donation
11:45 - 13:00	Infrastructure with Roger Watson	Angel Function Room	This workshop will help you to firstly arrange dance tunes using harmonic and rhythmic structures rather than the melody, and secondly cover well-known tunes with less predictable chords. Roger will lead this workshop on Melodeon. This is one of two workshops. Roger Watson (solo)	Donation
12:00 - 12:25	Cause Community Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	A collective of singers and musicians performing a wide variety of songs based at the Cause Music Centre Chippenham. Cause Community Choir (Choir)	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	Getting Started with Alternative Tuning	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Learn the basics and unlock new sounds on your guitar. This workshop is your entry point to the exciting world of non-standard tunings. Jon Loomes (solo)	Donation
12:00 - 13:00	The MC Concert	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Bill Crawford (MC & Traditional Singer), Barry Goodman (Solo), Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman (Duo), Tim Brooks (MC)	Donation
12:15 - 13:15	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
12:30 - 13:00	Family Ceilidh (Sound Check)	Island Park: Community Stage	The Downfielders (Band), FairyTale Family Folk Dance	Donation
12:30 - 14:30	Lunchtime Special	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A lunchtime special composed of fantastic singers and musicians. Expect a glow of warmth in your heart. Cathy Barclay and Sarah Yarwood (Trad Folk), Mossy Christian and Megan Wisdom, Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews, Tim Brooks (MC)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
12:30 - 13:00	Shooting Roots workshop set up	Masonic Centre	Shooting Roots	Donation
12:45 - 13:30	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 1	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Out of Hand (Ceilidh Band), AERYN	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 13:40	Callers' Round	Olympiad: Riverside	An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Andrew Swaine. Andrew Swaine	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 14:00	Family Fairytale Ceilidh	Island Park: Community Stage	Specifically for children and families, Led by Fairy Tale Folk Dance to the wonderful Downfielders. Bringing a sprinkle of fairy dust and story telling to introduce our youngest attendees to the fun to be had in ceilidh dancing. Costumes encouraged! The Downfielders (Band), FairyTale Family Folk Dance	Donation
13:00 - 14:30	Shooting Roots: Song Workshop	Masonic Centre	Both Youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local young people (£3 on the door) have the opportunity to attend Shooting Roots’ exciting singing workshops, at the Masonic Hall on Emery Lane - our YOUTH HUB for the weekend. The experienced Shooting Roots team of tutors will be here to teach you traditional songs and wonderful harmonies to accompany them. Bring your friends for a relaxed time singing together, for all abilities, on the Saturday and Sunday. 🎪With the opportunity to perform in the Showcase on Monday📣 Shooting Roots	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3)
13:00 - 15:00	Music Session hosted by Manny Grimsley	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Manny Grimsley needs no introduction to those familiar with folk festival sessions, morris & rapper. This year he won the "Character" competition with Sheffield Steel Rapper at DERT. He is at the festival with his lovely fiance Vikki Lewis, one of our finest clog dancers. Maybe Vikki will bring her board to the session and give us a dance if we're lucky Manny Grimsley (Musician), Vikki Lewis (Clog)	Donation
13:15 - 14:15	Mastering Audience Interaction with Keith Donnelly	Angel Function Room	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
13:30 - 14:00	Soundcheck for next folk dance band	Olympiad: Sports Hall		Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 16:30	Circus Skills with Clare's Circus	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade Clare’s Circus (Circus)	Donation
13:30 - 14:30	In the fools company	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	Fools take many forms, as do their tales. Ian Douglas, once Muncaster’s fool, shares the legacy of Tom Skelton in a lively session of foolish stories—sure to lift even the heaviest hearts! Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:40 - 14:00	Meet-Up for Callers Calling In the Callers’ Showcase Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	For callers in the callers' showcase. Bob Morgan	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:45	Callers' Showcase Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	Come and dance to the calls of a preselected group of callers, new to calling at Chippenham. (P/G/A) Bob Morgan, Momentum	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
14:00 - 15:30	English Dance Workshop: Now Where Was I?	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Have you ever started a dance facing one way and ended up somewhere completely different, wondering how you got there? Then this is the workshop for you! (P) Bernie Culkin, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	American Dance Workshop: Play	Olympiad: Riverside	Identify and exploit opportunities for self-expression and playful, even silly connection in contra - experiment with flourishes, swaps and more! (A) Charlie Turner, Vic Smith & Friends	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music)	Donation
14:05 - 14:20	NYFTE Show Case (SoundCheck)	Island Park: Community Stage	NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
14:25 - 15:50	NYFTE Show Case	Island Park: Community Stage	NYFTE (pronounced "nifty") are a team of 10-18 year olds from all over the country, performing a wide range of dance styles, song and musicianship. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
14:30 - 16:45	Sunday Afternoon Concert	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Vocella formed at the festival Paul Hutchinson and Gill Redmond with our concert manager Debra Hannis. Top rated flautist Tom Oakes joined by multi instrumentalist Louis Bingham. A must see concert. Vocella (Band), Tom Oakes and Louis Bingham, Bill Crawford (MC & Traditional Singer)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25)
14:30 - 15:30	Coffee With:	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	A chance to meet two very accomplished duo's, who together are formerly known as Beggars Velvet. We are delighted they have agreed to do this special concert. Cathy Barclay and Sarah Yarwood (Trad Folk), Dave Webber and Anni Fentiman (Duo)	Donation
14:30 - 15:00	Shooting Roots workshop set up	Masonic Centre	Shooting Roots	Donation
15:00 - 15:45	Aqueilidh ceilidh band soundcheck	Olympiad: Swimming Pool	Crowdy Kit, Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:00 - 17:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
15:00 - 16:30	Shooting Roots: Theatre Workshop	Masonic Centre	Both Youth ticket holders (11-17 year olds) and local young people (£3 on the door) have the opportunity to attend Shooting Roots’ exciting theatre workshops, at the Masonic Hall on Emery Lane, our YOUTH HUB for the weekend. Two great workshops, on Saturday and Sunday, for making new friends, gaining confidence and having a laugh while working together to create some high quality theatre! Expect games, larks, tableaus, devising, ridiculous plots, and much more! 🌟Also with the opportunity to perform in the showcase on Monday🌟 Shooting Roots	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£3)
15:00 - 17:00	Rising Stars	Angel Function Room	Four fresh UK talents hit the stage! Catch these rising stars for a night of brilliant new music. Don't miss out! Sheaf, Culverake (Harmony Trio), Pictureframers, Evergreen	Donation
15:00 - 18:00	Music Session hosted by Aeryn	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Aeryn is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, North West & Cotswold Morris dancer, ceilidh caller and more. They will be leading the session with their whistle, fiddle, melodeon and anything else mastered since last being at Chippenham! AERYN	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Ouse Washes Molly Dancers (Molly), Galliard Folk Dance Group (English Country Dancing), Devizes Jubilee Morris (Cotswold), Hankies Gone Awry (Cotswold), Sarum (Cotswold), Rose Hips (Belly dance)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Sutton Masque (Border), Pigsty Morris (Cotswold), Moonlight Morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Enigma (Border), Rag Morris (Cotswold/Border), Theale Tattoo (Step Clog), Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Black Adder Morris (North West)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style), Mafficking Border (Border), Cuckoo's Nest (Cotswold), Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Olympiad: Outside Olympiad	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Order of the Geep Alternative Morris (Border), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Knights of King Ina (Jigs), Tinners Morris (Cotswold), Temporary Measured (North West)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	High St Bridge	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Clausentum (Cotswold), Malmesbury Morris (Cotswold and Border), Pecsaetan (Cotswold), Glastonbury Border Morris (Border), Steampunk morris (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Aurora (Appalachian), Spank the Planks (Appalachian), Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog), Knickerbocker Glory (Appalachian)	Donation
15:20 - 16:20	Musical Circuits	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Have some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session! Blissful Dragon (Workshop Lead)	Donation
15:45 - 17:15	Irish Set Dance Workshop	Town Hall	Experience the range of regional styles of Irish Set Dance. No prior knowledge required. Event tickets available from Box Office. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
15:45 - 17:15	English Callers' Workshop: Positional and Global Teaching	Olympiad: Riverside	Positional (if you are here now, do this). Global (transitions, the big picture, talk to as many people at once as possible). Teaching this way requires rethinking! Get tips, tricks, and inspiration. Brooke Friendly (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	American Dance Workshop: Square Dance Chorus Figures	Olympiad: Sports Hall	American squares in which the chorus figures are the stars of the show. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	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! Crowdy Kit, Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller)	Event Tickets Only
16:00 - 17:15	Festival Band Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	A varied mix of fun dances having great tunes, all played for by the Festival Band led by Vic Smith & Friends. (G) [note: band practice is Sunday 11:15-12:45 in the Town Hall] Frances Oates, Vic Smith & Friends	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 16:10	Keith Donnelly Family Show (sound)	Island Park: Community Stage	Keith Donnelly (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian)	Donation
16:00 - 17:00	200 Years of Squeezebox	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	John Kirkpatrick (Singer and musician)	Donation
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
16:10 - 17:10	Keith Donnelly Family Show	Island Park: Community Stage	Laughs, songs and stories with the wonderful and mischievous Keith Donnelly and his bear. Keith Donnelly (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian)	Donation
17:00 - 17:30	Children's Calm Yoga	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Come wind down with Family yoga for 7 to 12 year olds , families welcome Children's Calm Community	Donation
17:10 - 17:30	Guinea Lane Sax Quartet (Sound Check)	Island Park: Community Stage	Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet (Band)	Donation
17:30 - 19:25	Zesty Playford Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Lively Playford dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. Bring your enthusiasm and stamina - be prepared to dance! (P) Crowdy Kit, Andrew Swaine	Weekend or Day tickets Only
17:30 - 18:30	Guinea Lane Sax Quartet	Island Park: Community Stage	Guinea Lane Saxophones are a saxophone quartet comprising soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes plus vocals, mostly traditional English music. Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet (Band)	Donation
18:00 - 19:00	A Chance to Meet:	Angel Function Room	Martyn Wyndham-Read	Weekend or Day tickets Only
18:00 - 19:00	Stick and Bucket Dance Competition	Old Road Tavern	Chippenham's hilarious annual contest for the best interpretation of Sir Terry Pratchett's Stick & Bucket Dance. Details to follow	Donation
18:00 - 21:00	Music Session hosted by ex-members of NYFTE	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	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)
19:30 - 22:30	Mixed Dance	Town Hall	A lively selection of dances, from Playford to modern contra. (G) Mark Elvins, Double Dichotomy	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	An evening of lively contras and squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 20:00	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 2	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Out of Hand (Ceilidh Band), AERYN	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:45 - 22:30	Mostly English Dance	St Paul's Church	A selection of dances chosen for a night to remember! Mostly English-style. (G) Frances Oates, Audrey Jaber (US), Ali Messer	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 23:45	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	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)
20:00 - 22:45	Sunday night St Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	An evening of pure musical delight. Dance the night away to two of the highest quality bands in the folk scene. We warmly welcome the Canadian duo The East Pointers and festival favourites Banter Banter (Band), The East Pointers, Tim Brooks (MC)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25)
20:00 - 23:00	An Acoustic evening @The Cause	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Martyn Wyndham-Read, Discovery (Duo: Song), Cathy Barclay and Sarah Yarwood (Trad Folk), Pictureframers	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
20:00 - 23:00	Sunday Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Bring your voices and join our fabulous hosts Mike Gibson and George Dale for a night of folk songs from far and wide. The bar will be open George Dale and Mike Gibson (Session Leads: Singers)	Donation
20:00 - 23:00	French Music and Dance	Old Road Tavern Barn	French session - Come along and join in playing French folk dance music. There's a chance to dance as well. Details to follow	Donation
20:30 - 23:30	ElectroBal	Olympiad: Riverside	All-synthesised electro-balfolk dance party, with windsynths, e-melodeon, drum machine, and much much more. (A) Portmanteau	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:45 - 21:30	The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry. Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
21:00 - 23:00	Singing Session hosted by The Luscombe Sisters	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Becky and Polly Luscombe are a harmonising duo. They have grown up in the folk world surrounded by shanty singers, so always enjoy a good pub session. They are the daughters of Pete Luscombe of Portsmouth Shantymen, Ramskyte, and Wholehearted. So, clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. The girls also make up two thirds of Alternative Quay, in which they enjoy singing sea songs with Kevin Frost The Luscombe Sisters (Session Leads: Singers)	Donation
23:15 - 24:00	Late night @The Cause	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Bagas Fellyon (Duo), Salt & Sky	Donation

Events on Monday 26th May 2025
Time	What	Where	With and/or Description	Price
09:30 - 11:00	American Dance Workshop: “Sides Face, Grand Square”	Town Hall: Neeld	American square dances involving variations of Grand Square. (G) Andrew Swaine, Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Mixed Dance Workshop: One Dance to the Tune of Another	Town Hall	Some dances have set tunes and others do not. Here, we'll loosen the relationship between dances and "their" music to explore adapting and enjoying dancing to the music - however unexpected! (P) Charlie Turner, Momentum	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	Callers' Workshop: American Squares	Olympiad: Riverside	A workshop for callers on the topic of calling American squares. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 11:00	English Dance Workshop: Pooh, Piglet & Playford	Olympiad: Sports Hall	A workshop, where all the dances—somehow—connect to the world of Winnie the Pooh. Some links are obvious, and some are so tenuous that even Owl might struggle to explain them. (G) Crowdy Kit, Bernie Culkin	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:30	Cotswold Workshop	Masonic Centre	Why do Morris dancers always dance in rectangles? Try out our twist on the Bucknell tradition in our unique triangle formation. Suitable for beginners-intermediate. Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
09:30 - 10:30	Rapper Workshop	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Rapper workshop with Northgate Northgate Rapper (Rapper)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:00 - 14:00	The Magic Lantern	Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)	Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life. Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Jo Douglas (Puppeteer), Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 13:00	Scrap Attack:Crafty Catchers	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Make your own dream or sun catcher using donated materials that would have ended up in landfill. The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
10:00 - 10:45	Baby Bops Pre Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun. Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
10:00 - 10:50	Let us Dance	Island Park: Community Stage	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 - 11:00	Absolute Beginners Melodeon	Angel Function Room	3 days, progressive. Accessible workshop taught step-by-step using an intuitive tab system with no music reading required. Loan insturments availiable for participants. Squeezebox from Scratch (Melodeon workshops)	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Practice Tune Session	Town Hall: Neeld Cafe	Practice sessions for popular English dance tunes, any instrument. Ear players and readers are welcome. Dots provided, also downloadable on request. Spare Parts (English trad on concertinas)	Donation
10:00 - 11:30	Unaccompanied Singing for Beginners with Moira Craig	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Moira will take away the anxiety of singing unaccompanied, bringing her experiences and wisdom to help you approach it. Moira Craig (solo)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Steampunk morris (Border), Pecsaetan (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Wild Thyme (Border), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Bell's Angels (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
10:30 - 13:30	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	Steampunk morris (Border), Bell's Angels (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold)	Donation
10:30 - 14:15	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Aurora (Appalachian), Applejacks (Appalachian)	Donation
10:30 - 11:30	Developing Confidence in Session Playing	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Want to feel more confident joining a session? Join Tony Hodkin (fiddle player for KJ Ceilidhs) for a fun, light-hearted workshop helping musicians improvise and play by ear. Bring your instrument along. Tony Hodkin	Donation
11:00 - 24:00	Irish Session	Old Road Tavern	Join the pub in Chippenham where you will find music sessions year-round, for the first of its festival Irish sessions. All welcome. Details to follow	Donation
11:00 - 12:00	Molly Workshop	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	Madder Mill Molly will be teaching 2 dances, a traditional molly dance 'Gypsies in the Woods' and one of our own 'Make mine a Pint'. Madder Mill Molly (Molly)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:00 - 13:00	Music Session hosted by Lewis Wood	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Lewis Wood is a multi-instrumentalist, part of Granny's Attic, a duo with Helen Gentile and plays for the super-energetic Costwold Morris side Clausentum. Lewis is respectful to traditions but also keen to push their boundaries through his interpretations of traditional music. His tune repertoire is vast so expect some bangers ! Lewis Wood	Donation
11:05 - 11:25	The Magicians Nephew (Sound Check)	Island Park: Community Stage	The Magician’s Nephew	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	American Dance Workshop: Medleys and No-Walkthrough Dances	Town Hall: Neeld	Contra dances (and perhaps some squares) without hesitation! Stay alert, listen to the call, and move to the music in the moment! (A) Charlie Turner, Hoik!	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	English Dance Workshop: The Music Will Tell You	Town Hall	Sometimes the music will tell you what to do. Sometimes it won't! Sometimes it's a matter of interpretation. We'll listen closely to the music and experiment with ways to match our dancing to it. (P) Brooke Friendly (US), Momentum	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:45	Dance Organisers' Round	Olympiad: Riverside	An opportunity for dance organisers to get together and discuss all things dance organising. Hosted by Jen Cox (Oxfolk/BunkFest/Open Morris/EFDSS) and Jane Curry & Andrew Findlay (London Barndance).	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:40	Mixed Dance Workshop: What Happens Next	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Thinking ahead to help dances flow, some challenging patterns to make you think. Medium to difficult workshop. (G) Crowdy Kit, Frances Oates	Weekend or Day tickets Only
11:15 - 12:00	Toddle Bops: Walkers	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more! Becky Bops (Children's Music)	Donation
11:15 - 12:45	Bodhran Workshop: Intermediate - Advanced	Old Road Tavern Barn	Have you tried the beginner's Bodhran workshop? Do you play Bodhran in a band? Have you been playing Bodhran at sessions? If you want to hone your skills, drop in to this intermediate to advance session. Bruce Lowe	Donation
11:25 - 11:35	Bristol Folk House Choir (Soundcheck)	Island Park: Community Stage	Bristol Folk House Choir (Community Folk Choir)	Donation
11:30 - 12:00	Shooting Roots workshop set up	Masonic Centre	Shooting Roots	Donation
11:40 - 12:10	The Magician’s Nephew	Island Park: Community Stage	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
11:45 - 13:00	Infrastructure with Roger Watson	Angel Function Room	This workshop will help you to firstly arrange dance tunes using harmonic and rhythmic structures rather than the melody, and secondly cover well-known tunes with less predictable chords. Roger will lead this workshop on Melodeon. This is one of two workshops. Roger Watson (solo)	Donation
12:00 - 13:30	Soundcheck	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church		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)
12:15 - 12:40	Bristol Folk House Choir	Island Park: Community Stage	A young, lively community choir covering a wide range of folk songs Bristol Folk House Choir (Community Folk Choir)	Donation
12:30 - 13:15	Singing Hats	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience. Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist)	Donation
12:30 - 14:30	Lunchtime Special	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A lunchtime special to the highest degree featuring three top quality folk scene favourites. If you love the heritage and tradition then this is a concert not to be missed. Martyn Wyndham-Read, Bob and Gill Berry (Duo), Jon Loomes (solo), Tim Brooks (MC)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
12:45 - 13:30	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 1	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Blackbeard's Tea Party, Gordon Potts (Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 13:30	Sounds with your feet	Island Park: Community Stage	Explore where making sound with your feet can take you with Clog dancer Vikki Lewis. Vikki Lewis (Clog), Manny Grimsley (Musician)	Donation
13:00 - 16:00	Music Session hosted by Pecsaetan Morris Musicians	Island Park: Moongazing Hare (Bar)	Pecsaetan are not only one of the finest Morris sides in the country but they also have some of the best folk musicians in their midst. We are so pleased they have agreed to round off our weekend in style. Pecsaetan (Cotswold)	Donation
13:15 - 14:15	Sing Together	Angel Function Room	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
13:30 - 14:00	Soundcheck for next folk dance band	Olympiad: Sports Hall		Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 16:30	Circus Skills with Clares Circus	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade Clare’s Circus (Circus)	Donation
13:30 - 13:45	MEG (Sound check)	Island Park: Community Stage	M3G (Singer Song writer)	Donation
13:30 - 14:30	Travellers tales	Angel Hotel : Angel Front Lounge	For 30 years, Ian Douglas has gathered stories from across the British Isles. His tales, shaped by travel and the people he's met, bring characters to life—join him for an unforgettable session of traveler’s tales! Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 14:30	Highland Bagpipes	Old Road Tavern Barn	Innovation meets tradition: Explore the Highland bagpipes in this fun, hands-on workshop with Kathryn Johnstone from KJ Ceilidhs. Discover techniques and how the pipes can inspire other instruments. Kathryn Johnstone	Donation
13:45 - 14:10	MEG	Island Park: Community Stage	Chippenham's own Meg. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material. M3G (Singer Song writer)	Donation
14:00 - 15:30	Mixed Dance Workshop: Heys To Round Off the Weekend	Town Hall: Neeld	Different heys in different styles of dance. (G) Mark Elvins, Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	English Choreographers' Workshop	Town Hall	What makes a good English dance? We'll explore different approaches to choreography. Note: this is not for testing existing choreography. Bring paper and pencil. Some moving and some discussion. Brooke Friendly (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	Scandi Dance Workshop: Bingsjö Polska	Olympiad: Riverside	Polska, the Swedish national dance is a wonderful turning dance with many varieties from different villages. Bingsjö Polska is a good introduction as it includes smooth turning of the couple despite each person having different steps. All levels welcome. (A) J²ohn Stewart & Susannah Diamond, Hinny & Joe Wass	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:30	American Dance Workshop: It’s Hip To Be Square	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Squares for the Young at Heart! (G) Crowdy Kit, Geoff Cubitt	Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 17:00	Monday afternoon St Andrews	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	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)
14:00 - 15:00	Parade	The Buttercross, Middle High Street, Island Park: Island Park Stage	Parade of Morris teams Northgate Rapper (Rapper), Aurora (Appalachian), Madder Mill Molly (Molly), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth), Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Applejacks (Appalachian), Bell's Angels (Cotswold), Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold), Wild Thyme (Border), Taylor's Morris (Longborough)	Donation
14:00 - 15:00	Coffee with:	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Culverake (Harmony Trio)	Donation
14:10 - 14:30	Parade Passes the stage	Island Park: Community Stage	The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage Details to follow	Donation
14:30 - 15:30	Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness! Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music)	Donation
15:00 - 16:00	Shooting Roots Showcase	Island Park: Community Stage	Showcase of what our first ever cohort of 11 to 17 working with Shooting Roots is an inclusive youth folk organisation run by young people for young people Shooting Roots	Donation
15:00 - 17:00	Concert	Angel Function Room	A traditonal take over to the Angel for our final event at this beautiful hotel. Discovery (Duo: Song), Evergreen, The Medlars (Band), Bill Crawford (MC & Traditional Singer)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Borough Parade	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish), Bell's Angels (Cotswold), NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Middle High Street	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Wild Thyme (Border)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	The Buttercross	A selection of Morris sides performing throughout the day Sussex Junction Morris (Cotswold), Steampunk morris (Border), Madder Mill Molly (Molly)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Rose and Crown	Taylor's Morris (Longborough), Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold)	Donation
15:15 - 16:45	Dance Displays	Island Park: Island Park Stage	A selection of Appalchian, Step and Clog sides performing throughout the day Aurora (Appalachian), Applejacks (Appalachian)	Donation
15:30 - 17:00	Ballad Session	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Join host Rosie Upton with special guest Moira Craig in a lovely ballad session . This is your chance to share songs so please join in! Rosie Upton (solo), Moira Craig (solo)	Donation
15:45 - 17:15	Mixed Dance Workshop: New Dances from America	Town Hall: Neeld	Presenting some recent English country dances and contras that may not have appeared on this side of the pond before. (A) Sue Rosen (US), Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	Scandi Dance Workshop: Røros Pols	Olympiad: Riverside	Røros Pols can be an energetic Norwegian dance and includes polska and other interesting steps. All levels welcome although the previous Polska workshop an advantage. (A) J²ohn Stewart & Susannah Diamond, Hinny & Joe Wass	Weekend or Day tickets Only
15:45 - 17:15	American Dance Workshop: Breaking the Rules	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Dances mostly written by Andrew that stretch the definition of "contra" and "square". Prepare to swing both ways, dance with magpies, and attempt a grid square where the squares themselves move. (A) Andrew Swaine, WillPower	Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00	Musical Circuits	Island Park: Under 5s dome	Have some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session! Blissful Dragon (Workshop Lead)	Donation
16:00 - 17:00	Bird Tunes	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	A newly composed suite of tunes inspired by birds and birdsong. All tunes composed by Miranda Rutter and recorded by Miranda (fiddle & viola), Rob Harbron (concertina & harmonium) and Sam Sweeney (fiddle - tracks 1&5). Miranda Rutter and Rob Harbron - Bird Tunes (Instrumental concert), Sam Sweeney (Solo fiddle)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£12)
16:00 - 23:00	Fringe Event - CASA	Old Road Tavern Barn	Casa are a dynamic acoustic duo and multi-instrumentalists hailing from a quiet corner of Wiltshire. Details to follow	Donation
16:15 - 17:15	The grand exhibition of contraptions and curiosities.	Island Park: Community Stage	A chaotic show loaded with myths, music, magic and mayhem featuring, songs, stories, sparkles and silliness. A bewildering and often breathtaking hour of absolute puerility. Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist)	Donation
17:00 - 17:30	Children's Calm Yoga	Island Park: Make and Do tent	Come wind down with Family yoga for 7 to 12 year olds , families welcome Children's Calm Community	Donation
17:15 - 17:45	Wings and Whispers	Island Park: Community Stage	Wings and Whispers	Donation
17:15 - 19:15	Monday Folk Club	The Cause: The Cause Cafe	Bring your voices and join our fabulous hosts Mike Gibson and George Dale for a night of folk songs from far and wide. The bar will be open George Dale and Mike Gibson (Session Leads: Singers)	Donation
17:30 - 18:55	Zesty Contra Dance	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Lively contra dances with a strong sense of connection and fun. (G) Geoff Cubitt, WillPower	Weekend or Day tickets Only
17:45 - 18:30	Wings and Whispers	Island Park: Community Stage	Music inspired by the natural world and magical beings. Join the harp, voice, whistle, and guitar for a journey through English and American folk. Wings and Whispers	Donation
19:00 - 19:30	Evening ceilidh band soundcheck part 2	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Blackbeard's Tea Party, Gordon Potts (Caller)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	English Dance	Town Hall: Neeld	Dance Party! An evening of dances for our closing night: old and new, lyrical to boisterous, silly to sublime, relaxing and stimulating. 20-30min display spot from NYFTE at 8pm. (P) Brooke Friendly (US), Momentum, NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 22:30	American Contra Dance	Town Hall	Come and end the festival in style with a fun evening of contras and squares! (A) Sue Rosen (US), Audrey Jaber (US), Bruce Rosen (US)	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 19:55	Pre-Balfolk & Scandi Dance Session & Dancing	Olympiad: Riverside	Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.	Weekend or Day tickets Only
19:30 - 23:00	Ceilidh	Olympiad: Sports Hall	Don’t miss the final ceilidh of this year's festival with Blackbeard’s Tea Party and caller Gordon Potts! Celebrate with high-energy tunes, lively dancing, and a fantastic end to an unforgettable Chippenham!(P) Blackbeard's Tea Party, Gordon Potts (Caller), Madder Mill Molly (Molly)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£15)
19:30 - 22:30	The Cause Music Cafe	The Cause: The Cause Auditorium	Fred and friends welcome you to the Cause music cafe. Fred Guscott and Friends	Donation
20:00 - 22:30	Balfolk and Scandi Dance	Olympiad: Riverside	A Grand Tour of Balfolk and Scandi dances. (A) Hinny & Joe Wass	Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 22:30	Festival Farewell	The Halsway Stage @ St Andrews Church	An atmospheric festival farewell with the sounds of the beautifully haunting music of both Sam Sweeneys fiddle and Miranda Sykes voice. A very special heartwarming concert to the end of the festival Miranda Sykes, Sam Sweeney (Solo fiddle), Barry Goodman (Solo)	Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only (£25)

Click on a Day to expand Expand All

Chippenham Folk Festival C.I.C.

Click on a Day to expand