10:30-11:30, 13:00-13:45 (Holm)
Oconee Bell perform an entertaining, toe-tapping mix of transatlantic music that draws upon a variety of influences including Americana, folk, and bluegrass. Featuring impeccable arrangements of engaging popular covers and insightful, thought-provoking original songs, this is a musical experience you do not want to miss!
12:15-13:15
Owl in the Sun play a home-grown blend of americana, folk and swing, with self-penned songs that herald from outside the city way of things. From the heart-warming to the dark and edgy, the gentle toe-tapping to the dance your socks off, you can expect infectious melodies and luscious vocal harmonies over a line-up of upright bass, acoustic guitars, accordion, fiddle and flute.
13:30-14:15
Rachel is a folk-inspired singer-songwriter known for her masterful use of a vocal loop pedal. Weaving together a rich tapestry of harmonies live before your eyes, Rachel’s performances are entrancing, drawing from an extensive catalogue of original songs.
14:30-15:15
Wiltshire-Based duo Lorna and Darren. Blending sensitive harmonies with intricate guitars, mandolin and harmonica, the duo weave stories from their travels, with a sound reminiscent of the ’60s folk scene
15:30-16:15
"It’s not often you come across a voice with such controlled power: even at the emotional heights and depths of the songs, Rob’s voice retains a purity and focus that is all too rare. Wherever his songwriting leads him, his voice adapts to the genre, from pop through folk and roots. A classic voice for classic music"
16:30-17:15
The Lost Trades are a trio of Wiltshire based singer songwriters (Jamie R Hawkins, Phil Cooper and Tamsin Quin) brought together by a mutual love of modern folk and roots music. Having joined forces in late 2019, their close three part harmonies have consistently drawn comparisons to Crosby Stills & Nash and Fleetwood Mac. Performing both collectively and individually penned songs, The Lost Trades tell carefully crafted stories using an array of stringed instruments and light percussion, all lovingly stitched together with soaring vocal harmonies.
17:30-18:15
With influences in blues, jazz and country Ma Polaine have drawn comparisons with many, with references to Billie Holiday, Tom Waits and a “moody Mary Margaret O’Hara”, yet Ma Polaine’s sound is very much their own. Beth’s distinctive, emotive vocals coupled with her evocative lyrics create a compelling mix of abstract tales, dark humour and raw beauty, whilst Clinton’s understated guitar style supports with rich chords and gritty riffs.
10:55-11:45
Formed in 2017 Arquebus Trio have been building a reputation throughout the South West and released their popular debut album - First Skirmish in 2022. Foot stomping folk tunes from the British Isles and beyond are combined with traditional chorus songs and self written contemporary numbers written by Sam Patten who provides lead vocals and bouzouki. With Alex on fiddle and Sarah on Bass and Mandolin, Arquebus perform with the energy of a band that loves entertaining and playing with effects pedals. There’s something for all folk fans to enjoy.
13:15-14:15
Honest all-acoustic music featuring fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin and double bass. Some classics, some covers, and many self-penned, there is something for everyone.
15:30-16:30
“The Merchant Men”, are a group of young strapping lads in their early 20s who can confidently say that they are (probably) the youngest sea shanty group in Somerset and have no right calling themselves “Men”. What they lack in age, they make up for in their dynamism, potency, pizzazz and spontaneity. Their debut album “A’right My Lubbers!” wowed critics and went straight to number one in the Langport charts. So sit tight and sing along with these semi-professionals as they serenade you with the sophisticated, sacred, spiritual sounds of the sea.
17:30-18:30, 21:00-22:00 (Brewers)
The Dambuskers. are a fiddle fronted, high energy, ‘Celtic Rock & Roots 4-piece’. Rollickin’ songs and foot-stomping fiddle from the west country! The Dambuskers blend original material, traditional song, jigs’n’reels and choice covers from heroes: Pogues, Levellers, Waterboys etc... They are very much a live act, and a festival band at heart.
15:00-15:30
Bhangra folk dance is a fusion of folk dance and music which originates from the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Traditionally a song and dance of the harvest festival. Modern Bhangra music is influenced by western musical styles and features in many Bollywood films. Avtar will lead an audience dance-a-long, Fun, easy steps to follow along. All ages welcome
12:50-13:10, 14:35-15:00
Enigma is a Border Morris side based here in South Petherton formed in the Autumn of 2014.
14:35-15:00, 16:30-17:00
Wyvern Jubilee are a mixed Cotswold Morris side, dancing all over the West Country. They were formed for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee and are still welcoming new members. Practices are held at South Cadbury village hall during the Winter. They can be seen dancing at pubs and festivals from April to September.
10:15-10:55, 12:10-12:50
Dr Turberville’s Morris is a mixed Morris side who originated in Crewkerne, Somerset in 1982. Now based in Ash. They dance Cotswold Morris & some Border.
10:15-10:55, 12:10-12:50
Taunton Deane dance traditional Cotswold Morris dances and our own Somerset style dances in the summer, and dances from the Welsh Borders during the winter.
14:35-15:00
Glastonbury Border Morris formed in 2016. Glastonbury Border Morris embodies the wild, theatrical, jovial side of the great Border Morris tradition. Our dances celebrate the turn of the seasons, the wild huntress and the crow ancestors. You can often find us at the Glastonbury Market Cross and the surrounding streets, hills and orchards.
14:15-14:55, 17:00-17:20
The Blackrock School of Irish Dance, traditional Irish dance group based in Yeovil. Dancers range from 3-18 both boys and girls. Dance classes are on a Saturday morning 10-12 for beginners 10-13.30 for seniors.
10:15-10:55, 12:50-13:10
Sweet Coppin are a clog dance team based in Taunton, Somerset who dance a mixture of clog stepping, North West team dances and a selection of other, traditional 'soft shoe' dances from across the British Isles.
10:15-10:55, 12:10-12:50
Dark Border Morris from Somerset inspired by local folklore, landscape, and history.
10:45-11:30
Wessex Women is a small women’s choir based in the South West of England. Our members, who come from Dorset, Devon and Somerset, meet on a regular basis to sing and perform songs from around the world. Our repertoire is varied and includes a capella versions of folk songs, protest songs, original compositions, blues, jazz, pop, gospel, and a smattering of comic songs. We often choose songs that are relevant to women’s lives both past and present. Wessex Women was formed in 1993 after a meeting of like-minds at the Chard Women’s Music Festival.
12:05-12:50
A local singer songwriter Sam plays the guitar and sings a wide variety of music. Composing original music from life's trials, tribulations and positive moments. Sam also covers a broad spectrum of music from songs you'll know and be able to sing along to and pieces of music that may be completely new to you. She has been performing for 20 years and after touring with Big Country and getting record deals she is now enjoying village life with her daughter and sharing her talents with the local community.
13:10-13:50
The Blackrock School of Irish Dance, traditional Irish dance group based in Yeovil, will put in a workshop for anybody who wants to participate
14:00-14:45
The Stanchester Quire is a community choir set up by Folk South West about 20 years ago. What makes them more unusual is their commitment to songs from their area – not just English songs but songs from the South West of England. Their repertoire is based on songs from the counties of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire.
15:00-15:45
The Farey Family perform a variety of music, ranging from original songs to traditional folk, gospel and old-time country. The family are a huge part of the local community, bringing their music to many of the fundraising events and concerts in the area.
Most songs are accompanied by guitar or piano with harmonica and tin whistles, but their main accolade is their voices, which have a natural blend of strength and empathy. Lots of their songs are sung in three or four parts, the effect of which is well demonstrated when they put down their instruments and sing unaccompanied.
16:00-16:45
Meeting Voices is a community choir based at the Guildhall Chard on Wednesday evenings. Their musical director, Pete Linnett teaches by ear in the Natural Voices way so there is no need to read music. They sing a variety of songs from different genres around the World. Pete is a talented songwriter and arranger so they also sing some of his own songs. They are a friendly group and have fun together whilst producing some beautiful and uplifting sounds. New members are always welcome to come and try out. No audition is necessary just come and sing and the first session is free.
10:30-11:00, 12:10-12:40
With its roots in the Appalachian Mountains ofAmerica, Appalachian dancing provides a livelycolourful display. The steps used are distantlyrelated to both tap & English clog dance.Appalachian dancing is even sometimes called“clogging”, although clogs are not actually used. Instead, shoes with taps are used.
11:15-11:45
SomerStep is group of musicians and step dancers based near Crewkerne in Somerset, who aim to encourage social dancing and step dancing at informal occasions. They have musicians with an impressive repertoire of Dorset and Somerset traditional tunes
13:00-13:30, 15:30-16:00
Punch and Judy has been a family favourite for over 300 years and still attracts children and adults in massive numbers.
Dave Hendy has been performing Punch and Judy for many years enjoying every minute of it, and from frequent feedback, he knows that the audiences enjoy it too.
12:00-12:45
Dave Seccombe is a Singer/Songwriter who has recently moved to South Petherton. Dave is performing original material inspired by Cornwall’s Tamar Valley.
13:00-13:45
Oconee Bell perform an entertaining, toe-tapping mix of transatlantic music that draws upon a variety of influences including Americana, folk, and bluegrass. Having performed in the David Hall earlier in the day, they will do a follow up performance at Holm.
14:00-14:45
The Knights of King Ina are a Morris dance team specialising in the Solo and Duet dances known as Jigs in the Morris genre. The dances are drawn from many of the morris traditions and include dances choreographed by us using the styles and steps collected in the early 20th century.
14:00-14:45
SomerStep is group of musicians and step dancers based near Crewkerne in Somerset, who aim to encourage social dancing and step dancing at informal occasions. They have musicians with an impressive repertoire of Dorset and Somerset traditional tunes
15:00-15:45
Local singer-songwriter Will Cann plays a variety of fretted stringed instruments, performing live mostly on the bouzouki and guitar. His original songs are woven from lyrics drawing upon folklore, mythology and the cycles of nature. The Limits of Longing is his latest album and was featured in Abbey 104 FM's Best of 2022 music anthology show.