Broadstairs Folk Week gets back to its roots this year with a definite emphasis on English traditional folk music.

The festival began in 1965 as a predominantly dance event with just a nod to folk singers and musicians but after more than 50 years it has become one of the major folk festivals in the country.

Centred around a 600-seater marquee in Pierremont Park, the festival also embraces venues of every shape and size throughout the town during eight days of continuous music
and dance.

The town itself is always jammed to capacity with revellers and businesses are boosted with the influx thanks to the efforts of the Folk Week organisers, who take a year to put the event together.

Every venue that can squeeze in an audience will have an array of performers, musicians and singers with the Pavilion on the Sands staging dances, concerts and late night events.

Over the past few years folk has thrown off the old mantle of Arran sweaters, fingers in the ear and out-of-tune guitars and welcomed a new generation of young performers who have taken up the baton of the English tradition.

This year The Young ‘Uns, Megson, Gilmore Roberts, Talisk, the Dovetail Trio, O’Hooley & Tidow and Greg Russell & Ciaran Algar all represent a younger element of performer who share a host of BBC 2 Folk Awards and can attract star billing around the country.

They are all in concert at the marquee, which also sees Irish stars Altan and Andy Fairweather Low & The Low Riders appearing.

The Charles Dickens School – home to the new festival campsite – also hosts concerts in the theatre with on-site catering and shower facilities for those staying.

Broadstairs Folk Week kicks off on Friday, August 5 and runs through to the final concert on Friday, August 12.

FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

There are more than 500 events at Folk Week, ranging from intimate folk club sessions in the Sailing Club to two major concerts each day in Pierremont Park.

One of the week’s highlights will be a parade at 5.30pm on Saturday, August 6, with more than 30 Morris sides in attendance. There will also be a craft fair, bandstand and pub gigs.
Other main headline acts to appear include Broadstairs local boy Tim Edey, now a member of the Chieftains, Blackbeard’s Tea Party and the Bully Wee Band.

Late night shows at the Pavilion will see Holy Moly & The Crackers, Gaz Brookfield, Gentlemen of Few and a DJ night with Andy Kershaw.

The pubs host some interesting bands including the Hot Rats, Green Diesel, Funke & The Two Tone Baby, Jez Hellard & The Djukella Orchestra and Sally Ironmonger.

TOP PICKS FROM FOLK EXPERT DOUG HUDSON

Daoiri Farrell is a great new Irish singer who appears with Altan on Friday, August 5, at the marquee at 7.30pm

The Bully Wee Band are a throwback to 1980s folk and will play on Monday, August 8, also at the marquee, at 2.30pm

Andy Kershaw’s Latin, Africa and Caribbean Dance Night will be on Monday, August 8, at the Pavilion at 11pm and should be some gig

Tom & Barbara Brown meet the Young ‘Uns at 10.30am for an informal chat and impromptu performance at the Sailing Club on Thursday, August 8

Blackbeard’s Tea Party should be a fitting finale on Friday, August 12, in the marquee from 7.30pm

WORKSHOPS

Besides the music, Folk Week has plenty to keep all ages busy. There are a range of workshops for both old and young folk fans.

Step Up & Play is aimed at younger folkies and is an opportunity to spend a week learning musical and percussion skills for ages 12 and up.

The Hobby Horse Club has activities for kids at 10.45am each day at the bandstand in Victoria Gardens and you can learn magic and circus skills at the campsite.

TICKET DETAILS

Broadstairs Folk Week runs from Friday, August 5, to Friday, August 12.

You can buy tickets for single events, day, the weekend or the whole festival, with or without camping. Book online at broadstairsfolkweek.org.uk or call 01843 604080.

You can also book in person at the Albion Street Centre.

Many events are free and spectators are encouraged to donate to collections.

Parking is at a premium so public transport is the way to go. For details of bus and train times visit traveline.info or call 0871 200 2233.