There’s really no better place to spend a day than in Sidmouth during the first week of August! Everyone is welcome in the popular East Devon seaside town as residents, holidaymakers and festival goers join together to make Sidmouth FolkWeek the friendliest and best music-based holiday of the summer.
Sidmouth Memories
When Sidmouth celebrated their Diamond Anniversary (60 Years) in 2014 we got some of the well known names of British folk to share their memories. Here’s just a few…
“I hope it keeps going forever – I’ve had so many brilliant times here, and hope it stays that way so that others can discover its delights for themselves.” John Kirkpatrick
“It was creative, crazy and exhilarating. We met many fellow travellers who have remained lifelong friends. Whether it was playing to thousands surrounding us on the grassy bank of the Arena on a beautiful evening or simple walking round the town taking in the colour and verve of international dance teams, great morris, street theatre, and bumping into people, Sidmouth has been a thread of continuity through our lives. It didn’t just reflect what was going on in the wider folk music world, it helped shape it and still does. It means a lot to us!” Oysterband
“It feels like a part of my life.” Andy Cutting
“Sidmouth is holistic. Not wanting to be too ‘waftie nightie’ about it, but it is not just a folk music festival. Place, people, events, ambience all combine to create a complete experience.” Sandra Kerr
“I love the fact that the festival embraces the real traditional players as well as the new innovators. There are lots of opportunities to listen to, and to play music informally as well as at the official concerts. I’ve had some great times at the LNE – it can get a bit wild sometimes, but then you can always recuperate the next day with an ice-cream and sit and look out at the sea!” Kathryn Tickell
Read more Sidmouth Folkweek Memories here
Day Tickets
A Sidmouth FolkWeek Day Ticket provides the ideal way to experience the unique atmosphere of this internationally-renowned festival. It gives you entry into that day’s lunchtime and afternoon concerts at the magnificent Ham Marquee – where you can enjoy world-class folk performers like Steve Tilston & Jez Lowe, Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, Emily Askew Band, Stick In The Wheel, Alistair Anderson & Northlands, John Doyle, Martin Carthy & John Kirkpatrick and Faustus.
The Day Ticket also gives priority admission to evening concerts at venues around the town including the Bedford Hotel and the Cellar Bar at Kennaway House, and enables you to purchase Ham Marquee evening concert tickets at a discounted price. For the more energetic, there are folk dances and ceilidhs to suit dancers of all ages.
For those wanting to improve their skills or to try something new, Day Ticket holders can attend a festival workshop. There’s over 250 to choose from, covering all aspects of folk music, dance and song with many aimed at beginners. There are also talks, outdoor and indoor dances, demonstrations and things to make and do for all ages.
Award-winning catering stalls and our fast-and-friendly festival bars are always on hand to provide food and refreshment while you dance away the day, and there’s plenty to occupy the younger family members at the Children’s Festival in Blackmore Gardens. Enjoy the day at your own pace as you explore the craft market, meet friends, join-in a traditional music or singing session and watch the daily seafront dance displays.
You can experience more in one day at Sidmouth than you can in a weekend at most other festivals! With workshops starting from 9:30 in the morning, and the music and dancing continuing into the small hours at the Bulverton, a FolkWeek Day Ticket really does represent exceptional value for money.
Sidmouth’s famous Esplanade and beach and its spectacular red cliffs provide FolkWeek with a festival location unlike any other. A Sidmouth FolkWeek Day Ticket is a passport to a perfect day. Who are you going to spend yours with?
Day Tickets are priced at: Adult £45, Student £36, Youth £22, Child (6-11) £12, Child (5 and under) £Free
Visit sidmouthfolkweek.ticketsolve.com/shows/873583228/events/128108259 or call the Box Office on 01395 577952