23 - 26 May 2025
23 - 26
May
2025
May
2025
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Only publicised events are listed, there are LOTS more to come
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| Events on Friday 23rd May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | With and/or Description | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 12:30 | Schools Day | Olympiad: Sports Hall | A by-invite-only event for local schools Shooting Roots | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:45 - 14:30 | Schools Day Ceilidh | Olympiad: Sports Hall | A by-invite-only event for local schools The Downfielders (Band), Shooting Roots | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:05 - 14:35 | The Good Afternoon Choir | Island Park: Community Stage | Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir + West Wilts Good Afternoon Choir (Choir) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:10 - 16:45 | The Downfielders | Island Park: Community Stage | A band of school age young people from Gloucestershire The Downfielders (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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | American Contra Dance | Neeld | [Details to follow] (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 | [Details to follow] (G) Andrew Swaine, Double Dichotomy | Weekend tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:00 - 22:30 | Bal | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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) | Weekend or Event tickets Only (£15) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22:35 - 23:45 | Post-Bal Session & Dancing | Olympiad: Riverbank | Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.
| Weekend tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events on Saturday 24th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | With and/or Description | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 08:30 - 09:30 | 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. (P or 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: Riverbank | 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 | Neeld | Tips to enhance everyone's dance experience. (G) Mark Elvins, Momentum | 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 | Island Park: Make and Do tent | Crafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 10:45 | Becky 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 - 10:40 | Hot Club of Folk Town | Island Park: Community Stage | Hot Club of Folk Town (Duo) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:00 - 11:45 | NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troup of England teach us some traditional dance styles | Island Park: Community Stage | The National Youth Folk Troup of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:15 - 12:40 | American Dance Workshop: Heys Every Which Way | Olympiad: Sports Hall | Once we stole the hey from ECD, they’ve gone haywire. We’ll explore American 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: Riverbank | 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 | 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 - 12:00 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:50 - 12:25 | Lunchtime Stories | Island Park: Community Stage | Enjoy a story with your lunch with one of the magic lantern crew Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller), Ian Douglas (Storyteller and showman), Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:15 - 13:15 | Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making | Island Park: Under 5s dome | Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:30 - 12:50 | May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzuruse Cof E Primary | Island Park: Community Stage | May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzuruse Cof E Primary Langley Fitzuruse Cof E Primary (Maypole) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:50 - 13:15 | Folk On Sound Check | Island Park: Community Stage | Folk On (Band) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13:00 - 13:40 | Callers' Round | Olympiad: Riverbank | An opportunity for callers to meet up and exchange notes, hosted by Rhianwen Davies. Rhianwen Davies | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Mixed Dance Workshop: Now And Later | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Balfolk Dance Workshop: Couple dancing in Balfolk | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:15 - 15:15 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:00 - 16:45 | Afternoon Ceilidh | Island Park: Community Stage | Join us for a lively ceilidh event with Crowdy Kit and Gordon Potts. (P) Crowdy Kit, Gordon Potts (Caller) | Weekend, Day or Event 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:45 - 17:15 | Mixed Dance Workshop: Both Feet Unplugged | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:45 - 17:15 | Balfolk Dance Workshop: Bonkers Bourrées | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:50 - 17:30 | 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) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:50 - 17:25 | Folk On Sound Check | Island Park: Community Stage | Folk On (Band) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17:00 - 17:30 | Drumming Story Time (7 years and above) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | Irish Ceili | Town Hall | An evening ceili of Irish Set Dancing. (G) Kevin & Carol Monaghan, WillPower | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | Playford Ball | Neeld | A night of 17th and 18th-century Playford style dances, with a programme drawn from Playford, Neal, Kynaston, and a few other treasures. Interval spot around 9pm. (G) Bernie Culkin, Pair of Shears | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:50 - 22:30 | American Contra Dance -- Sponsored by Halsway Manor | St Paul's Church | [Details to follow] (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: Riverbank | 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) | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 22:35 - 23:45 | Post-Bal Session & Dancing | Olympiad: Riverbank | Bring your instruments and/or dancing shoes.
| Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events on Sunday 25th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | With and/or Description | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 09:30 - 11:00 | English Dance Workshop: Impropriety and Beyond | 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 | Dances from the Community Dance Manuals, which, we have left behind. (G) Mark Elvins, Double Dichotomy | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 09:30 - 11:00 | Callers' Workshop: American Squares | Olympiad: Riverbank | [Details to follow] (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 | Contra dances with satisfying flow, and exploring ways to enhance the 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 | Island Park: Make and Do tent | Crafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 10:45 | Becky 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) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:00 - 11:45 | NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troup of England teach us some traditional dance styles | Island Park: Community Stage | The National Youth Folk Troup of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages. NYFTE (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:15 - 12:45 | Mixed/English Dance Workshop | Neeld | [Details to follow] (G) 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. Music available here [link to follow]. Vic Smith & Friends | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:15 - 12:45 | English Dance Workshop: Reel-y Hey! | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12:00 - 12:25 | Cause Community Choir | Island Park: Community Stage | Cause Community Choir (Choir) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13:00 - 13:40 | Callers' Round | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | The Downfielders (Band), FairyTale Family Folk Dance | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:45 | Callers' Showcase Dance | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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: Riverbank | 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 - 17:00 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:00 | Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making | Island Park: Under 5s dome | Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music) | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:20 - 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:45 - 17:15 | English Callers' Workshop: Positional and Global Teaching | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | Chorus figures are the stars of the show. Here with simpler figures. (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) Crowdy Kit, Fee Lock (Ceilidh Caller) | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:00 - 17:15 | Festival Band Dance | Neeld | A varied mix of fun dances having great tunes, all played for by the Festival Band led by Vic Smith & Friends. (G) Frances Oates, Vic Smith & Friends | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17:30 - 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | Mixed Dance: Mark's Mix | 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 | Neeld | [Details to follow] Interval spot around 9pm. (G) Geoff Cubitt, Hoik! | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:45 - 22:30 | Mixed/English Dance | St Paul's Church | [Details to follow] (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 | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:30 - 23:30 | ElectroBal | Olympiad: Riverbank | All-synthesised electro-balfolk dance party, with windsynths, e-melodeon, drum machine, and much much more. Expect tasteful (non-flashy) lighting and highly danceable music. (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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Events on Monday 26th May 2025 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Time | What | Where | With and/or Description | Price | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 09:30 - 11:00 | American Dance Workshop: "Sides face, Grand Square" | 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: Riverbank | [Details to follow] (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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | Island Park: Make and Do tent | Crafting with Wiltshire Scrapstore: The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10:00 - 10:45 | Becky 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) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:15 - 12:45 | American Dance Workshop: Medleys and no-walkthrough dances | 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: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11:20 - 11:50 | The Magician’s Nephew | Island Park: Community Stage | The Magician’s Nephew | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13:45 - 14:10 | MEG | Island Park: Community Stage | Chippenham's own Meg. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material. MEG (Singer Song writer) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:00 - 15:30 | Mixed Dance Workshop: Heys To Round Off the Weekend | 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: Riverbank | 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 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 14:30 - 15:30 | Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making | Island Park: Under 5s dome | Ben Matthews and friends (Inclusive Music) | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:00 - 16:00 | Shooting Roots Showcase | Island Park: Community Stage | Details to follow | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 15:45 - 17:15 | Mixed Dance Workshop: New Dances from America | Neeld | Presenting some recent English country dances and contras that may not have appeared on this side of the pond before. (P or 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: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 16:10 - 17:10 | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17:30 - 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 17:30 - 18:30 | Wings and Whispers | Island Park: Community Stage | Faye-Marie Dyke | Donation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | English Dance | Neeld | Dance Party! An evening of dances for our closing night: old and new, lyrical to boisterous, silly to sublime, relaxing and stimulating. Display spot from NYFTE at [time tbc]. (P) Brooke Friendly (US), Momentum | Weekend or Day tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 19:30 - 22:30 | Mixed/English Dance | Town Hall | [Details to follow] (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: Riverbank | 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) | Weekend, Day or Event tickets Only | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 20:00 - 22:30 | Balfolk and Scandi Dance | Olympiad: Riverbank | 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 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||