| Concert artists etc |  Lau
Winners of Best Group in the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards two years running, Lau is a formidable union of three of the finest and most innovative exponents of modern traditional music in Scotland today; Kris Drever (guitar and vocal), Martin Green (piano accordion) and Aidan O'Rourke (fiddle).
|  Waterson Carthy featuring Mike Waterson
The godparents of modern folk, Norma Waterson and Martin Carthy, are joined by daughter Eliza, Saul Rose, and special guest Mike Waterson. With a repertoire of hundreds of songs and tunes and an unparalleled legacy, Waterson Carthy are one of the most popular bands on the folk scene.
|  Oysterband
The Oysterband have been making a big noise on the folk scene for more than 30 years. Their driving, electrified music has won them a devoted following that extends far beyond the folk world.
|  Jim Moray
2008 was a great year for Jim Moray; 2009 could be even better. His album Low Culture has won the 2008 fRoots Critics Poll for Best Album and the Mojo Folk Album of the year. Winner of Best Original Track (for All You Pretty Girls, partly recorded on the Bulverton campsite!) in the 2009 BBC Folk Awards.
|  The Spooky Men’s Chorale
Hailing from the Blue Mountains of Australia, the Spooky Men virtually occupy a category all their own. Their music veers in the blink of an eye from the weirdly hilarious to the heart-stoppingly moving, all delivered with cut-glass harmonies. Their performances and workshops have become the stuff of legend.
|  Steve Knightley and Friends
Show of Hands’ Steve Knightley invites some of his best musical pals to share the stage for a very special evening. We won‘t spoil things by telling you who to expect, but it’s a fantastic line-up with a few surprises in store!
|  Riccardo Tesi and Banditaliana
Tuscan Riccardo Tesi is widely considered one of the most daring and authoritative melodeon players in the world. Banditaliana’s kaleidoscope of sound creates a fresh and sunny music that knows no boundaries: always innovative, but firmly rooted in tradition.
|  Peatbog Faeries
Winners of the award for Live Band of the Year 2008 at the Scottish Traditional Music Awards, the Peatbogs are a big, brash, noisy outfit from the Isle of Skye. They have a large and varied musical palette to draw from, mixing reels and jigs with the colours and rhythms of rock, world and dance music, to headily powerful effect.
|  Eric Bogle – Farewell UK tour
The writer of some of the most iconic songs in folk music will join us for one of the dates in his final UK tour. The Band Played Waltzing Matilda, The Green Fields of France, Leaving Nancy and Now I’m Easy are just a few of the compositions which have made Eric Bogle one of the most influential songwriters around.
|  Hotel Palindrone
Music deeply rooted in European traditions. Bagpipes from all over Europe, Irish-Italian mandola, Swedish nyckelharp, jew’s-harp, bass, saxophone … nearly twenty instruments and four musicians. It’s an irresistable combination!
|  The Dhol Foundation
Anyone who has seen The Imagined Village knows the highly charismatic dhol drummer Johnny Kalsi. Here he joins us with his own band, which combines elements of Bhangra, classical Indian music and many diverse cultural influences to create a completely original sound.
|  Edward II
Back for one year only! The glorious original line-up of this much-missed band has reformed for a selection of dates in 2009. Mixing reggae and ska rhythms with traditional English music, Edward II deliver an infectious sound which just won’t let you stand still!
|  The Lark Rise Band
Any of the millions of viewers who have seen the BBC adaptation of Flora Thompson’s novel will love the Lark Rise Band. Ashley Hutchings’ original music for the 1981 National Theatre production became legendary, and now he has put together a live show full of music, words, dance and song in celebration of the lost way of life so memorably captured in the novel.
|  Spiers and Boden
Now in their fifth year of fruitful collaboration, the mighty duo has graduated from being the dangerous new kids on the block to a solid headlining mainstay on the folk scene. Musicianship and inventiveness is a given, with the lads increasingly focusing on delivering a big, thumping night out with showmanship, humour and raw stomping energy.
|  Genticorum
Founded in 2000, when Alex, Yann and Pascal discovered their common love for late night poutine and French Canadian crooked fiddle tunes. Fast becoming one of the most sought-after proponents of Quebecois musical culture, they weave together wooden flute, fiddle, acoustic guitar, jaw harp, bass and foot percussion with strong vocal harmonies.
|  The Destroyers
are a young 15 piece band with a ranting punk poet as front man. With several graduates of Birmingham Conservatoire in their ranks, their musicianship is first rate – but it’s like nothing you’ve ever heard! This is Eastern European folk music with a twisted gothic turbo charge, ignited by banks of brass, fiddles, accordions and drums. Unmissable.
|  Prego
It’s always a party when Prego are on stage. Sun-kissed Latin American rhythms blend with the tastes and sounds of Europe and a very unique UK drive.
|  Paprika Balkanicus
Becoming one of the hottest newcomers in international music. Hailing from Romania, Serbia and Slovenia, the band plays a fiery blend of traditional and Gypsy music from the Balkans and Eastern Europe - it’s a heady mix which leaves you absolutely breathless. Hang on to your seat!
|  The London Bulgarian Choir
Led by native Bulgarian singer Dessislava Stefanova, former member of the Philip Koutev Bulgarian Folk Ensemble, the London Bulgarian Choir takes us on a journey around Bulgaria, exploring the landscapes of the voice and the creative traditions of this land. Dessi and the rest of the choir invite you to join them in finding that ancient resonance in the depth of the human heart.
|  Ross Ainslie and Jarlath Henderson
At 19 years old, Jarlath is a three time All-Ireland Champion Uilleann Piper. In December 2003 he became the first Irish musician to win the prestigious BBC Young Folk Musician Of The Year award. Ross hails from Perth and has toured with his tutor, the late Gordon Duncan, and has played with Ivan Drever, Flook!, Dougie Maclean and Salsa Celtica.
|  Jackie Leven
Born into a Romany family in Fife, Jackie Leven has had a long, roller-coaster-ride of a career and a life. A string of excellent albums have resulted, and the latest, Elegy For Johnny Cash takes a unique and candid look at last journeys, and the people who make them.
|  Wheeler Street
The 7 members of Wheeler Street are all still in their teens and came together to form the band in March 2007. They manage to combine all the excitement and enthusiasm of youth with terrific musicianship, great vocals and imaginative arrangements of both original and traditional songs and tunes.
|  The Demon Barber Roadshow
Youthful, enthralling, charismatic, and with bags of attitude, The Demon Barbers combine solid traditional acoustic instruments and songs with the added oomph of a superbly tight rhythm section, making a unique and captivating sound. For the Roadshow, The Demon Barbers team up with some of England's most exciting young traditional dancers to create a high energy music and dance spectacular.
|  Jackie Oates
Deriving her inspiration from early exposure to Bromyard and Sidmouth folk festivals, Jackie fiddle sings mainly traditional English folk song, in both a solo capacity, and with trio 'Wistman's Wood. She was a finalist in the BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2003, and went on to represent England at the European Network of Folk Arts festival in 2003. She has released two albums, Jackie Oates and The Violet Hour, and won Best Traditional Song and the Horizon Award at the BBC Folk Awards 2009.
|  Tom McConville
For many years regarded as the top fiddle player in the country, Tom was voted Musician of the Year at this year’s BBC Folk Awards. Styles and techniques learned in the company of the masters Sean McGuire, Stephane Grapelli and Bluegrass legend Byron Berline, give Tom an endless variety of interpretations to his songs and tunes. His live performance combines a rollercoaster of musical delights from fast, rhythmic dance tunes through beautiful slow airs and of course, great singing, all presented with his inimitable sense of humour and style. He will be accompanied at Sidmouth by guitarist David Newey.
|  Dogan and the Deerhunters
Doe Mehmet hails from Brighton, and seamlessly blends his Turkish Cypriot heritage with his English upbringing - he'll play an English tune on the meloeon as easily as sing you a Turkish song. The Deerhunters is his new band - brash, bold, and with bags of energy.
|  Pete & Sue Coe
With a vast repertoire of traditional & original songs, dance tunes & dances, Pete is a Sidmouth stalwart. He plays bouzouki, melodeon, dulcimer, banjo & step percussion. Sue will be teaching her popular longsword workshops for young people.
|  Shirley Collins
One of the iconic faces and voices of the English folk revival. Nowadays she tours with her wonderfully illustrated and researched talks on fok music. This year she is presenting I'm a Romany Rai, her talk about the music of Gypsies and Travellers, and A Most Sunshiny Day, her show about English Traditional Music (with particular emphasis on the music of her native Sussex), featuring Pip Barnes.
|  Kerfuffle
Four of the finest young musicians on the folk scene today, Sam Sweeney, Hannah James, Jamie Roberts, & Tom Sweeney perform their music with immense vitality and style. Their vibrant arrangements draw on influences from across Europe, incorporating tunes, songs and dances.
| Sam Sweeney & Hannah James
Hannah and Sam have been playing together since their early teens as part of Kerfuffle. With this new duo, they take their natural musical affinity to brand new places. Look out for their debut CD very soon. |  Jamie Roberts & Katriona Gilmore
Katriona Gilmore (Tiny Tin Lady/Rosie Doonan & the Snap Dragons) and Jamie Roberts (Kerfuffle) have been performing together on the folk scene since 2006. Jamie’s dextrous percussive and lap-style guitar work is a delight, while Katriona’s intricate fiddle playing shifts seamlessly from sensitive to fiery and back again in the blink of an eye.
|  Lauren McCormick Trio
Lauren first came to attention as part of vocal harmony group The Devil's Interval. Now she leads her own trio to perform both traditional and contermporary songs delivered in her mischievous style. Jamie Delarre (Mawkin:Causley) on fiddle, guitar and melodeon and Roz Gladstone complete the line-up.
|  Keith Kendrick & Sylvia Needham
Keith is Derbyshire born and bred. He is a practitioner of the songs, monologues and music connected with his background. Specialities include entertaining performances of traditional songs and ballads, and playing and tutoring of two varieties of concertina. Sylvia ably accompanies him on song.
|  Sarah Grey and Kieron Means
Sara and Kieron sing and play the beautiful traditional songs of America. Sara accompanies herself by frailing a five string banjo, and it is obvious why she is regarded as one of the foremost exponents of the old-time style. Kieron is a singer, primarily of traditional songs, and guitar player of great merit.
| New Deal String Band
In the 1960s, NDSB brought old-time American music to a whole new generation of enthusiasts. Original members Tom Paley (fiddle, guitar, banjo) and Joe Locker (banjo) are joined by Tom's son Ben, a formidable fiddler in his own right. |  John Kirkpatrick
John is one of the most prolific figures on the English folk scene and a leading interpreter of English folk music. He has been a member of the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, and Band of Hope, as well as numerous ceilidh bands. In addition to performing, John will lead his popular Big Band series of workshops.
|  Sandra Kerr
Sandra sings and plays English concertina, guitar, appalachian dulcimer and autoharp. She is also one of the tutors on the acclaimed Folk Degree at Newcastle University. She will be leading her ever-popular Festival Choir workshops throughout the week.
|  Taffy Thomas
Taffy is one of our favourite storytellers. He has a repertoire of more than 300 stories, tales and elaborate lies collected mainly from traditional oral sources, which he is happy to tell in almost any situation. He is artistic director of Tales in Trust, the Northern Centre for Storytelling, in Grasmere, the Lake District.
|  The Askew Sisters
Emily and Hazel Askew are making waves with their energetic brand of English folk music. Using fiddle and melodeon, they play and sing with an infectious enjoyment and love for the music. From rhythmic foot stomping tunes to powerful interpretations of songs and ballads, their playing always guarantees to engage and inspire
|  Roger Watson
Roger plays melodeon and concertina as well as singing. He is known for his cross-cultural collaborative work, most notably with the band Boka Halat. In addition to individual performance, Roger is involved in Mick Ryan’s ‘The Navvy’s Wife’, which is featured at the Festival.
|  The Boat Band
have picked up a huge and varied cache of tunes over the years: Creole, Caribbean, gospel, Cajun, Irish, zydeco and blues - not much slips through the net. If it can be played on accordion and fiddle (or trombone, washboard, trumpet, banjo etc), if it touches the heart and moves the feet, it’s in the repertoire!
|  Hugh Lupton
One of England's foremost storytellers. Perhaps best known on the folk scene for his collaborations with Chris Wood (notably a BBC Folk Award for Best Song for One in a Million), Hugh will both lead workshops and tell some wonderful stories.
|  Alistair Anderson
Known for his role at Folkworks and as the catalyst behind the Newcastle University Folk Degree, Alistair has been at the forefront of the performance of traditional music for over three decades. Internationally acknowledged as a leading performer on the English Concertina, he is also an adept Northumbrian piper.
| The Yardarm
This new pirate band was the only thing we could find that was daft enough to share the stage with the Spooky Men. But the songs are great, too! If you're a small person, they will even teach you (and your mum and dad) to Sing like a Pirate! |  The Navvy’s Wife
A new show by renowned singer-songwriter Mick Ryan. The story is brought to life against the background of the Industrial Revolution and the great drive to carve out Britain’s canals, railways and roads. Written to reflect the musical styles of those times, you will hear echoes of traditional and popular song mingled with Music Hall comedy and contemporary folk. The cast includes Jackie Oates, Heather Bradford, Judy Dunlop, Paul Downes and Roger Watson.
|  Crucible
Tight harmonies and raw vocal power are the hallmarks of a Crucible performance. At the forefront of the new-wave of English roots bands, Crucible create an exciting mix of energetic tunes and subtle accompaniment. They combine four joyfully distinct voices with a range of instruments, including English bagpipes, fiddles, melodeon, guitar and cittern.
|  The Claque
Tom Addison, Barry Lister, Dave Lowry, Sean O’Shea. Distilled from the legendary groups of old, four voices of depth and maturity blend to bring warmth and harmony to the English Tradition.
| Damien Barber & Mike Wilson
Two fine exponents of traditional song: Mike, from the North East of England, is very much influenced by his numerous siblings (The Wilson Family). Damien, from Norfolk, is imbued with the traditions and singers of that rich county, in particular the masterful Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy. |  The Mighty Quinns
Father-son duo Dan and Matt Quinn play a variety of traditional songs and tunes on fiddle, mandolin, mandolin banjo, melodeon, and vocals. Dan is a well-known performer on the traditional end of the folk scene, while Matt is currently studying on the Folk Music Degree at Newcastle.
|  Megan & Joe Henwood
Winners of this year’s BBC Young Folk musician of the Year Award. Influenced and inspired by many genres and artists and travels throughout Europe and Asia, their music is eclectic and exciting. Megan’s rich, mature voice, combined with Joe’s sultry sax, has earned the duo comparisons with Everything but the Girl.
|  Mawkin:Causley
When those wicked Essex rascals, Mawkin, joined forces with the honey-voiced Jim Causley, it was bound to be a match made in heaven. Jim’s gorgeous baritone voice is the perfect foil for Mawkin’s cleverly textured tunes and energetic performances. Miss folk’s favourite boyband at your peril!
| Simon Care & Saul Rose
Two of folk’s finest squeezers get together for a bit of music, a bit of a chat, and a lot of banter. A chance to see them away from their numerous band line-ups, just kicking back and having some fun. |  Jo Freya Trio
The Jo Freya Trio is Jo, plus Jude Abbott and Neil Ferguson from Chumbawamba. Great harmonies and fantastic dueting brass – you’ll be astonished that only three people can produce such a great and wide variety of sound. They’ll be playing songs from Jo’s new CD, Female Smuggler
|  Craig: Morgan: Robson
Craig; Morgan; Robson bring a new dimension to the art of a-capella singing. They weave beguiling harmonies around material from the British tradition and beyond. Timeless songs of love and longing rub shoulders with compelling contemporary songs, and passionate, dramatic ballads take their place alongside a lilting Shetland melody or a stirring hymn from the Ozark mountains. This year, CMR will join the Askew sisters for a special show about the songs collected by George Gardiner from women in Axford, Hampshire.
|  Vic & Tina Smith
Known throughout the folk community for their work at the Royal Oak folk club in Lewes, Vic and Tina will both be performing and presenting a unique multi-media show on Bob Copper.
|  Chris Coe
Chris is a wonderful interpreter of English folk song, an accomplished hammered dulcimer player, and a tutor on the folk degree at Newcastle University. Chris has worked with some of the finest names in folk over thirty years of professional performance. Many people will k now her work with Pete Coe, Nic Jones, John Adams, Magic Lantern, New Victory Band, English Country Blues Band, Tiger Moth, Bandoggs, Hooke’s Law and Red Shift.
|  Sisters Unlimited
For many years, Sisters Unlimited (Sandra Kerr, Peta Webb, Janet Russell and Rosie Davies) were famous at Sidmouth for providing a platform and a focus for women singers and their repertoire. This year, they will be offering everything from performances of women’s songs to sessions focusing on political music.
|  Mog
Mog will be joining us again with his ever-popular series of bodhran workshops.
|  Lester Simpson
As part of a capella trio Coope, Boyes and Simpson, Lester is a well-loved performer of contemporary and traditional song. But he is also an accomplished solo performer and instrumentalist (pipes, melodeon), songwriter and radio presenter.
|  Stream of Sound – the Beggar’s Opera
Last year we were delighted to welcome Stream of Sound, a young choir known for their excellent and high-energy presentation of music from around the world. This year sees the group once again running the youth choir workshops, and also presenting an exciting new production of The Beggar’s Opera.
|  Blabbermouth
Armed with a banjo, 6-string guitar, a percussionist and a bassist, Blabbermouth is waging war against the humdrum mediocrity of the acoustic world. Blabbermouth's songwriting has developed into a sophisticated, amusing and poignant anti-folk style, with the band branching out into an emotionally diverse mix of folk, country and soul.
|  Blackthorn
Blackthorn's songs and tunes represent the interests and background of each of the much travelled band members. Their distinctive, fresh melodic sound features strong flute and fiddle melodies, backed by driving guitar and bouzouki rhythms and contrasted with the sounds of whistle, concertina and more.
|  Rocas
has evolved from a duo through to its current 7 piece form. The latest lineup augments the ever-present strong instrumental sound, with two superb singers and multi-instrumentalists; Phil Wilcox (Vocals/Accordion/Bass/Bouzouki) and Dogan Mehmet (Vocals/Fiddle/Tenor Guitar) 2008 BBC Young Folk Awards Finalist.
|  Faustus
A trio of young chaps who play traditional tunes and songs with great vitality. Saul Rose is one of the country's finest Melodeon players. Paul Sartin is a hugely versatile musician who studied at the Purcell School, toured as oboist with the Gloria Theatre Company, and read Music and Choral Scholarship at Magdalen College, Oxford. As well as working with Faustus, Paul is an integral part of folk supergroup Bellowhead (who featured at last year’s BBC Folk Proms). Also a key member of Bellowhead, fretboard wizard Benji Kirkpatrick makes up the final third of Faustus, playing all sorts of stringed things!
|  The Fay Hield Trio
Formerly a member of the female harmony trio The Witches of Elswick, Fay is a graduate of the Folk Music Degree at Newcastle University. Her lovely voice suits the well-chosen traditional songs she sings, accompanied by Bellowhead’s Sam Sweeney (nykelharpa, fiddle) and Jon Boden (fiddle, guitar). An enchanting performance for a summer’s afternoon.
|  Bob & Gill Berry
Cornerstones of the Wiltshire traditional music scene and organisers of Chippenham Folk festival. When listening to them perform, it is obvious that there is a great musical bond between them.
|
Sidmouth Traditions
Veteran Records’ John Howson is helping us to assemble a fantastic programme of traditional musicians and singers for this year’s festival. Guests will include:  Will Noble from Yorkshire
Will Noble is a builder, drystone waller and stone mason and has lived all his life in South West Yorkshire. He became known all over the country as a part of the Holme Valley Tradition. Although it was his family that gave him a taste for singing, Will's first regular singing was at the local hunt meetings, particularly those of the Holme Valley Beagles. Will is now the carrier of the songs of many fine local singers, and in his ample hands his local singing tradition is surviving very well.
 Bob Lewis from West Sussex
Bob is a lovely traditional singer with an understated style. He learnt most of his songs from his parents or at work in agriculture and forestry. He sings the songs of his region, including some from the repertoire of Henry Burstow.
 Bob Hay from Moray
Bob is a wonderful exponent of the mouth organ, or “moothie”. He is a tutor and performer at the famed Button, Boxes and Moothies convention hosted by Ian Russell the Elphinstone Institute.
 Joe Aitken from Angus
Joe Aitken from Kirriemuir is The Bothy Ballad King of Scotland. A fantastic entertaining singer, who is often very funny, Joe Aitken regularly wins competitions at festivals nationally.
 Kathleen O’Sullivan from London and Co Antrim
Formerly of the acclaimed London Lasses, Kathleen is noted as a wonderful singer of traditional songs.
 Billy Teare from Co Antrim
An accomplished storyteller, Billy will bring us some delightful tales.
 Orlaith and Brogan McAuliffe from London
Brogan and Orlaith are both all-Britain Fleadh Champions in their age groups – Brogan is 12 and Orlaith is 16. Orlaith plays Irish flute and whistle; Brogan plays whistle and concertina. Orlaith is the current All-Ireland Champion on the flute in her age group, and Brogan was the 2007 all-Ireland under-12 whistle champion.
 Darren Breslin from London and Co Fermanagh
Darren has been picking up accolades since he was in his early teens for his stunning accordion playing. Still in his early twenties, he is the current Senior All-Ireland champion on button accordion and one of the most exciting young musicians on the Irish scene.
|
| | Ceilidh bands etc |  The Oyster Ceilidh Band
Few current fans would guess that folk-rock gods Oysterband grew out of the somewhat unexpected and slightly more humble beginnings of the Whitstable Oyster Company Ceilidh Band. The Oyster Ceilidh Band, as they became known, were widely recognised as one of the best ceilidh bands in the world. Every now and again, Oysterband assumes its previous dance-band identity as a special treat - and special it truly is! Get ready to dance the night away!
|  The Old Swan Band
The blend of strings and horns makes a glorious racket that's sort of like a New England country fiddle session joining forces with a New Orleans brass band on a hot Saturday night. This is music for fun, meant to get you moving.
|  The Climax Ceilidh Band
Their unusual and original slants on the music, and diverse musical influences, make them sound like no other ceilidh band. They make music which is as good for the ears as it is for the dancers. The driving rhythms of the accordion and guitar, the sweet sound of two dancing fiddles, the swift trill of the flute and the power of the pipes makes the Climax Ceilidh Band experience truly unforgettable! The new CD “Five Play” was released in late 2008.
|  Meridian
Meridian play highly original music based around the driving chordal work of Richard Jones (accordion/guitar), the intricate melodic lines of Chris Walshaw (pipes/whistles/flutes) and the rhythmic harmonies and voice Anna Tabbush (fiddle/flute/song). Together they offer scintillating tunes, compelling songs and exquisite arrangements to provide the glorious sound of '... raw folk energy laced with finesse ...' They have released two albums – Prime (Harbourtown HARCD043) and Second (Reiver RVRCD05).
|  The Outlandish Knights
Blending tuneful melodies, epic solos and driving rhythms, The Outlandish Knights play rousing dance music not quite like anything you’ve heard before. Formed in 2006 by Cat & Ceri Ashton and seasoned rockers Haze, they have been getting people up and jumping around at private events, ceilidh series and festivals up and down the country, including a storming, if soggy, Anchor Gardens ceilidh at Sidmouth 2008. They play a mixture of traditional tunes from the British Isles and original compositions.
|  The Dartmoor Pixie Band
come from the heart of Devon and are steeped in the musical and dance tradition of their native Dartmoor. Their mix of Melodeon, Piano Accordion, Banjo, Drums and Bass produces a unique sound that’ll make you want to get up and jig! They have played together for more years than they care to remember so their style and repertoire is distinctly their own. The band has their own resident caller Sarah Bazeley who’ll help you through the night, she’ll throw you a challenge but also let you enjoy your favourites!
|  Random
Add the exciting melodeon-playing of Saul Rose and Paul Nye to the classy bass guitar of Keith Holloway, the guitar rhythms of Ian Woledge, the matchless bass trombone harmonies of Glynn Burch, and the rock-solid drumming of Roger Smith, and you've got the unique Random sound. ‘Electric ceilidh music with guts’.
|  Whapweasel
are emerging even stronger and more dynamic with the reintroduction of melodeons players in the majestic form of Simon Care and Saul Rose - box players of the highest quality. The twin-box front line has proved a roaring success and has given the mighty Whaps sound a thrilling edge that you won’t hear anywhere else. Whapweasel released their 5th album ‘Colour’ in June 2008.
|  Toothless Mary
Funk, Folk, and 80's Disco! That is what you can experience when getting down to Toothless Mary, whether on the ceilidh dance floor or just leisurely taking in the eclectic grooves and melodies from the sidelines. Formed in September 2001 this London based five piece ceilidh band will entice you to "get on up" and party hard to their James Brown and Jamiroquai like riffs that sit under a mixture of traditional and original ceilidh tunes played on melodeon and saxophone. They will be launching their long awaited debut album this year at Sidmouth, so come along and join the party.
|  Spinach for Norman
Devon based folk dance band, celebrating their 25th year as a performing band and consisting of Joel Segal: fiddle, Ben van Weede: 5 string fiddle/ viola/melodeon, Howard Harrison: guitar/flute, Martin Henning: bass guitar/double bass/mandola/guitar. For Sidmouth we will be joined by Steve Verge: Mandolin, Guitar, Harmonica and Tim Heming: Clarinets, both of whom often play with us at larger events. We will also be joined by Pam Hayes, well known to Sidmouth regulars, who will encourage you and help those who are not quite sure of the dances. From the musicians' diverse backgrounds the band has developed a repertoire of traditional dance music drawing on Celtic, English, Yiddish, European and American folk traditions - together with some more modern musical influences!
|  Dalla
Top dance band Dalla are at the forefront of Cornish celtic music, Their high energy line up of bouzouki, fiddle, clarinet, darabuka, guitar and vocals was enthusiastically received at last year’s festival. “Sublime …a kind of World Music with a Cornish accent” (Rock ‘n’ Reel)
|  Poisson Rouge
Devon based Poisson Rouge is a five piece band playing French and Breton inspired dance music, both original and traditional. The group was formed from musicians at the French/Breton dance club, d’Accord, which meets on the 3rd Friday monthly in the Village Hall at Ide, near Exeter. The band has performed at the last 3 Sidmouth FolkWeeks and last year’s combined event with Cornish band Dalla was so successful that we’re repeating it this year in a bigger venue.
|  The Serendipity Band
“The effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely.”
| Glorystrokes
began as a one-off that refused to die, and have since gently steamrollered festival audiences into states of fear, awe, and ultimately family-grabbing enthusiasm. With thousands of internet fans and rave reviews from the last twelve months of festival gigs, they’re certainly a band to watch out for. With tongues firmly in cheek, they meld traditional  English tunes with rock and metal references. Take double kick drums, twin melodeons, detuned distorted guitars, beats, samples and weird keyboard noises and you're left with traditional music as it hasn't been heard before, bridging the barrier from barn dance to mosh pit. Parents, take your teenagers to see them. Teenagers, take your parents. |  Hekety
The Hekety sound is a fusion of English tradition with a wide range of influences (rock, kletzmer, jazz, baroque... you name it), combining seamlessly to make an eminently danceable whole. Featuring strong melodies, rich harmonies and intricately woven improvisation from melodeon, fiddle and clarinet, alongside chunky, funky, driving rhythms from guitar, cittern and bass. Having firmly established themselves as festival favourites over the past decade, Hekety continue to add fresh ideas to the melting pot!
|  Phoenix
is a five-piece band comprising Caller, Melodeon, Electric Guitar, Electric Bass and Drums. They play English country-dance music with an underlying rock rhythm. Their aim is to ensure that everyone goes away having had a really good time.
| The Watch
They play the tunes, play around with the tunes, and get you dancing. All three have played on the English music scene for many years and are keen advocates of the importance of re-engaging with our own musical tradition. Most of the tunes are English, although there are imports from Quebec and Cajun styles. They have also taken tunes from the 'end-of-the-pier' tradition where the banjo was so important. Rob has re-invented many of these tunes to make them work for dancing. |
Callers
|  Pete Rees
From being an unknown name a few years ago, Pete is now one of the best known and popular callers on the circuit performing at ceilidhs and festivals all over the country. Still only in his early twenties his energy and love of many other types of dance music are heavily reflected in his calling style. Pete's also been writing a lot of new dances over the last year so he'll be keeping the regulars challenged whilst also gently easing in the newcomers.
|  Gordon Potts
Gordon never really set out to be a caller, but he likes to be useful, and it mostly keeps him out of trouble. He is really very interested in loads of stuff to do with music, dance, song and folklore. Apart from the calling, he also plays in the Committee Band, aand would go back to dancing with Hammersmith morris if his knees would let him.
|  Sarah Bazeley
Sarah has been calling with the Dartmoor Pixie Band for more years than she can believe and having a great time doing it! She still calls many of the dances Bob Cann passed on to her, but over the years has developed a repertoire of her own, with the objective that dancing should be enjoyed by everyone young, old, experienced and novices alike.
|  Kerry Fletcher
A traditional dancer of many styles, from waltzing to clogging, Kerry is an experienced dance workshop leader and anaccomplished performer. She is particularly keen to encourage those new to dance as she believes no one has two left feet, they just need to discover the music that moves them!
|  Martyn Harvey
Simply one of the country's top callers. It doesn't matter if it's the glorious sunshine of the Anchor Gardens, the buzzing Blackmore full of dancers or a riotous LNE Martyn delivers.....big time.
|  Fee Lock
Meltdown with ceilidh goddess Fee Lock who regularly rocks the circuit with her leather trousers. Experience the real deal when you boogie to her clear concise calling. A guaranteed good nights dancing, everyone will learn something.
|  Phil Bassindale
Fresh faced, with plenty of enthusiasm - Philip promises to deliver a lively and energetic ceilidh whatever the weather. He can be found regularly calling on the folk circuit, dancing or in the pub; essentially avoiding working for degree.
|  Dave Hunt
Widely recognised as one of the top callers in the country, Dave has been the resident caller with the Old Swan Band for over thirty years. (as well as working with nearly 200 other different bands during that time!) During the last three decades he has written dozens of dances…many of which have become extremely popular with the dancers, as well as having been taken up by many other callers. Dave is well known for his clear and effective explanation of any dances, which always ensures a fun and memorable evening for everyone
| Plus
Nick Walden
Pam Hayes |
Social Dance
Bands and callers booked so far include | Vertical Expression
English Contra Dance Band
Pendragon
The Bristol Players
3D
Wendy Graham
Rhodri Davies
Frances Richardson
Trevor Monson |
Display Dance
|  Chequered Flag
A Portsmouth based Appalachian Clog Team, easily spotted in their striking black and white kit. The team aims to present a dynamic and varied programme of dances and has a reputation for exciting choreography, precise stepping and excellent workshops. Their repertoire reflects influences from various traditions as well as the Appalachian style, including Canadian step dance, Highland dance, Irish step dance, and English clog, performed to music played by their band, affectionately known as “Lost the Plot”.
|  Valérie Romanin
Barefoot Flamenco is an innovative dance fusion created by Valérie Romanin which returns to the Flamenco's roots, putting strong emphasis on Moorish and Gypsy influences. Barefoot Flamenco is an elegant blend of move and energy from Flamenco dance, Belly dance and Gypsy dance.
|  Instep
Instep is a clog and step performance team of seven dancers and two musicians. A truly national side, the members of the team live as far apart as Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Cardiff. Starting from the base of carefully researched traditional material, the team uses a range of ideas for choreography, mixing music styles and rhythms to create exciting performances. The team have performed at festivals in Romania and Sweden over recent years.
|  Harberton Navy
is a mixed Cotswold Morris side from the village of Harberton in Devon. Their repertoire is largely taken from villages in north Oxfordshire that lie within 10 miles of each other, demonstrating the relationship between different traditions as they spread from village to village. As well as dancing both well known and obscure Cotswold dances, Harberton Navy are well know for their innovative flag dances which bring a spectacular splash of colour to any street or stage.
|  Hexhamshire Lasses
now in their 16th year have a solid core of dancers based in and around the Hexham area. They perform in their own style a repertoire which includes traditional dances using garlands, sticks and handkerchiefs together with one or two compositions of their own. The team can also perform a selection of clog dances. Their outfit consists of royal blue dresses and white blouses. Hats, black shoes and bells complete the outfit. They are frequent travellers abroad and have represented the UK in Poland, Tokyo, Bulgaria, Hungary and The Azores.
|  Hexham Morrismen
have earned an excellent reputation for their dancing and are now established as one of the best Cotswold Morris Dance teams in the North. In their costume of whites with individually embroidered blue waistcoats and grey top hats Hexham Morrismen perform a full and varied programme throughout the season. The team also perform border and rapper dances. They are frequent travellers abroad and have represented the UK at many international festivals most recently The Azores in 2007.
|  Oyster Morris
Canterbury based joint side formed in 1976. The women’s dances are based on the Fieldtown tradition and the men’s on Badby. The music, played mainly on melodeons or sometimes a flute, is a mixture of traditional and original tunes arranged to complement the vigorous style of dancing. Oyster’s Green Man, who combines the roles of jester and announcer, symbolises in his make-up and costume of white and green the endlessly changing seasons and, in particular, the new life of springtime.
|  Chiltern Hundreds
An energetic, mixed North West Clog side based in Watford. Mixed in most ways that is. Short and tall, big and small, young and slightly less young, women and men – they’ve got at least one of each. Can’t miss ‘em – green, black, green, more green, gold and green. Keep an eye out for Chiltern Hundreds, and with their big, big band you’ll probably hear them before you see them. They’ve danced at festivals all over the UK, in Ireland, in the Chinese New Year festivities in Hong Kong and most recently a tour of the USA and Canada.
|  Ouse Washes Molly
From the midst of the deepest, darkest and dampest fen emerge The Ouse Washes Molly Dancers. In true "ploughboy-style" they perform modern versions of the winter dances of East Anglian farm workers in a vigorous and eccentric fashion and will enthral you with fenland tales to make you spine tingle. Be sure to put a penny in their hat or they may plough up your garden!
|  Gaorsach Rapper & Step
Formed in Aberdeen in 2002, the current team have been together since summer 2007. We perform rapper sword dance, clog, and Scottish/percussive stepdances which we have learnt from some ace people including Dannsa and Nic Gareiss, or written ourselves. We have spent the last year dancing at various events all over Britain, including Shepley Spring Festival, the Lourin Fair, Portsoy Boat Festival, and were DERT open class winners in 2008.
|  Stroud Morris
were formed in 1978. They aim to present a high quality of dance, while enjoying themselves, and giving enjoyment (hopefully) to their audiences. They were the first women's Cotswold side to be invited to dance in the arena at Sidmouth and have had the pleasure of returning several times. Their dances are loosely based around the Ducklington and Upton upon Severn traditions, but have evolved over the years to give a wide repertoire accompanied by tunes not often associated with Cotswold Morris.
|  The Witchmen
began life in the mid 80s as an allergic reaction to the Morris politics that was so abundant at that time. They perform all self penned dances: with ‘Wild Hunt’ and ‘Wickerman’ proving they are masters of the ‘other’ morris, the kind with a slight pagan bias! Black faces and clad in black and amber rags they look positively aboriginal. With driving music adding to the performance, the final result is quite primal. Festival favourites up and down the country, this really is only their second time at Sidmouth! ‘The Witchmen – wow!’ - Ashley Hutchings, Sidmouth, 2002
|  Smutt Rapper
is a nomadic team of barely post teen traditional Rapper sword dancers. They like to dance, drink beer and be in pubs, ideally at the same time, and will be giving workshops and performances of all three of these throughout FolkWeek
|  Tanec Bulgarian Dance Group
are based in London and have been performing together for five years. Their displays include choreographed dances, with their regional diversity, all based on traditional Bulgarian folklore. They also organise regular workshops.
|  Rose and Castle
A men's North-West Clog Morris Side based at the Boat Inn, Stoke Bruerne, Northants., opposite the Canal Museum. The Side, founded in 1978, takes its name from the Rose and Castle motif on narrowboats plying the Grand Union Canal beside their home pub.
|  Bampton Traditional Morris
One of only four surviving traditional Cotswold morris teams with an unbroken history stretching back for at least 600 years
|  Sidmouth Steppers
were formed in 1998 following the 45th Sidmouth International Festival. Most of their dances originate from the Northwest of England where they were performed by the mill workers at holiday time and also in the processions. They perform in authentic kit and clogs and pride themselves on the precision of their dancing and their straight lines. They use authentic bobbins and perns from the mills to perform some dances as well as garlands, handkerchiefs and decorated sticks. They have danced at festivals all over the country and were the first Morris team to dance in Rochester Cathedral as part of "Grandson of Morris On."
|  Tan Ha Dowr
Tan Ha Dowr are a young dance team specialising in traditional step dance from Cornwall. The dances varying from the graceful harvest dance “Cock in Britches“ to the heavier steps of the fisherman’s dance “Boscastle Breakdown” traditionally danced on a barrel. Their performance will include everything from broom dances from all over Cornwall to more recent dances written for the Cornish dance competitions held annually.
|  Great Western Morris
Great Western likes to put on a good show of “Performance Morris"; dancing with character, audience contact, and a high entertainment value. "We don't take it too seriously!"
|  Sidmouth Traditional Mummers
Revived in 1979 to perform the local play, collected in 1954 from Arthur Baker, who remembered performing it in 1905 to celebrate the centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.
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