Friday 1st May
Ceilidh with Scintilla
Where? Todmorden College
When? 7 – 10pm
Hot food, bar and hot drinks/cake will be available
Concert with George Thomas, RE:VULVA and Malin Lewis
Where? Unitarian Church
When? 7.30 – 10.30pm
Hot food, bar and hot drinks/cake will be available
Saturday 2nd May
Children’s activities & entertainment (see below for more details)
Where? Pollination Street
When? 10.00am – 3.00pm
Workshop: Customs of the Borderlands
Where? Masonic Lodge
When? 10.30am – 12.00pm
Workshop: Morris Dancing
Where? Masonic Lodge
When? 12.30 – 2.00pm
Concert with Alkelda, Laura Farrow, Mark Tranter and John Haycock, and Cobalt Tales
Where? Central Methodist Church
When? 12.30 – 4.00pm
Hot food and hot drinks/cake will be available in the festival cafe
Concert with George Daniels, Zawedde and The Young’Uns
Where? Unitarian Church
When? 7.30 – 10.45pm
Hot food, bar and hot drinks/cake will be available
Sunday 3rd May
Workshop: Sea Shanty Singing
Where? Natural Endings
When? 10.30am – 12.00pm
Workshop: Beginner’s Folk Tunes
Where? Natural Endings
When? 12.30 – 2.00pm
Concert with Music for the Many, Square Peg, Daniel Bath and Hussnain Hanif, Lazlo Baby, Homecoming Brass Band and a Morris dance showcase
Where? Oxford St car park
When? 12.45 – 5.15pm
Food and drink vendors will be on site
Concert with Anaya Khan, Jon Sanders and Alex Seel and The Carrivick Sisters
Where? St Mary’s Church
When? 3.45 – 6.30pm
Hot drinks/cake will be available
Workshops
Customs of the Borderlands with Roger Kennington and Peter Brears
Renowned historian Peter Brears joins all-round folkie Roger Kennington for this lively exploration of calendar customs from Calderdale and the surrounding area, with assistance from local performers. Some traditions are known nationwide but take on a distinctive local twist, whilst others are peculiar (in every sense of the word!) to our region. Expect fascinating insights, singing, dancing, and samples of seasonal celebratory food. Come along to be educated and entertained!
Sea Shanty Workshop
Ahoy, shipmates! We are thrilled to invite you aboard our Sea Shanty Workshop for a voyage of music and discovery, hosted by Todmorden’s very own shantyman, Dan Capon. Press gang your entire crew along to this family-friendly and interactive event, where you’ll learn and sing traditional songs from the golden age of sail.
Beginners Folk Tune Session
A relaxed and welcoming slow tune session ideal for those who are newer to their instruments, building confidence, or just enjoy playing at a more relaxed pace! We’ll work our way through a book of folk favourites, with dots, tabs, and chords provided. Come and experience the joy of playing music with others, no matter your ability.
Morris Dancing Workshop
Ever fancied trying Morris dancing? On Saturday at 12:30pm, Malkin Morris will teach a North West dance. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary. Please wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and bring a drink.
Bringing in the May – Maypole Workshop (Saturday, 5:30-6:30pm at Fielden Wharf)
Come and try the age-old tradition of Maypole dancing. All ages welcome, no experience necessary.
Sessions
We have folk sessions running throughout the weekend. These are free and a relaxed, welcoming space to come and spend a few hours. Feel free to bring your instruments and voices to join in, or just sit back and listen! All abilities welcome.
Saturday, 3 – 6 at Hare & Hounds
Sunday, 2 – 7 at Todmorden Working Men’s Club
Sunday, 7.30 – late Survivor’s Session at Hare & Hounds
Children’s programme
Saturday, 10.00 – 3.00, Pollination Street
Join us on Saturday at our family marquee on Pollination Street for a joyful day of making, building, dancing, and playing, supported by Todmorden Town Council.
We have a treasure trove of activities planned, including maypole dancing, face painting, music-making, crafts, and creative play, along with visits from some very special guests.
The afternoon will feature performances from Todmorden-based professional puppet company Thingumajig Theatre. Kit and Caboodle is a magnificent rolling mule puppet, brimming with miniature puppet shows that explore the timeless theme of migration in inventive and enchanting ways.
All our events are family-friendly, and we warmly welcome audiences of all ages.
Plus lots more activities and entertainment around the town. Please see our brochure for more details.