As the first signs of spring make a welcome showing, the weather expects are making strong predictions for a perfect summer of sunshine and blue skies in time for the extra special Diamond Anniversary celebrations of Sidmouth FolkWeek August 1st – 8th. Organisers aim to celebrate the big event with a wealth of special events across all areas of the festival – from major concert events with headliners Ralph McTell, Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, Oysterband, Cara Dillon, Steve Knightley, Martin Carthy & Eliza Carthy, Kathryn Tickell & The Side, Chris Wood & Andy Cutting, Yves Lambert Trio, Martin Simpson, Andy Cutting and Nancy and more, to a series of extra special commemorative activities. The festival at Sidmouth began in 1955 as an event for social dancers, and 60 years on the Connaught Gardens will once again be filled with dancers, recalling those early days, as well as a special The Way We Were dance with first festival survivor Les Barclay. A breakdown of other 60th Anniversary Celebrations across the festival includes: – An Anniversary Concert in the Ham Marquee with The Copper Family and special guests. – Ralph McTell headliner at the 50th festival returns with a Pre Festival Concert. – A special Bulverton Ceilidh with festival favourites Oysterband with former members, an appropriate dress theme and some very special guest spots. – A Grand Anniversary Ceilidh with The Old Swan Band in Blackmore Gardens on Tuesday 5th, with plenty of surprises in store. – Festival Patron and local hero Steve Knightley and Friends in Concert. – Festival Patron (and Folk Awards Lifetime Achievement Award Winner) Martin Carthy hosts a night of Traditional Music and song. – The Children’s Festival hosts its own Family Ceilidh Party as well as special events in Blackmore Gardens. – EFDSS Presents Folk Rising Plus: The founders of the festival celebrate the future with some great young acts. – An eye on the future… looking forward to the next generation of festival guests, organisers welcome Phillip Henry and Hannah Martin (BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards Best Duo winners), The Young Coppers, Salt House, The Furrow Collective Barrule, Josienne Clark and Ben Walker, The Carrivick Sisters, Will Pound, Lisa Knapp, The Willows, Gren Bartley, The Long Hill Ramblers…
