Derby Folk Festival is back this autumn bringing amazing acts and a great atmosphere right into the heart of the city.
Produced by Derby LIVE and in association with Bob on Arts this year’s festival will run over three days from Fri 30 Sep to Sun 2 Oct.
After the sell-out success of last year’s festival, which saw visitors travel from around the UK and Ireland to attend the 15th Derby Folk Festival, this year’s impressive line-up continues to prove that Derby is the place to be for all things folk.
This year, as usual, events will be taking place in fantastic venues including Derby Market Place, The Old Bell Hotel and Derby Cathedral. The festival will also be working with the Museum of Making and QUAD on more activities.
Organiser Bob Rushton from Bob on Arts said
This year’s list of artists continues our long tradition of mixing well known established acts with those who are newer to the scene. We’ve tried to reflect the wide range of genres from across the folk scene and really hope you’ll enjoy it as much we know we’re going to!
The festival will kick off on Friday on the Mick Peat Stage in the Market Place with performances from Lady Nade, and Sound of the Sirens – all introduced by festival patron, Lucy Ward. Saturday sees concerts in Derby Cathedral as well as the main marquee, and includes Granny’s Attic, The Carrivick Sisters, Hannah Sanders & Ben Savage, Bob Fox & Billy Mitchell and more. There’s even a special performance of the fantastic show, The Pitmen Poets. Spiers & Boden will make a welcome return to the city as Saturday’s final act. Sunday kicks off with another show Nelly; a folk musical, about Nell Gwynne – along with Jez Lowe, Old Sea Legs, Narthen and more. The festival closes with special guests Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman.
Councillor Ross McCristal, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:
We are pleased to be welcoming back Derby Folk Festival for its 16th year. This hugely successful event attracts both residents and visitors from around the UK and beyond, right into the heart of Derby.
This unique weekend provides a fantastic range of folk events with an ever-growing fan base. We’re particularly proud to be involved in this event, as it continues to go from strength to strength working with more cultural partners across the city.
Featuring events in Derby Cathedral, Derby Market Place and The Old Bell Hotel, we look forward to Derby City Centre having the vibrant atmosphere that only the Derby Folk Festival can bring.
This year’s festival will also see new addition of an exciting concert on Friday 30 Sep in Derby Cathedral. From Pub to Pulpit is a celebration of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary, and includes music from Broomdasher, Coracle, and the Cathedral’s own choristers.
Weekend Tickets - giving you access to all concerts on the Mick Peat Stage from 6pm Fri 30 Sep to Sun 2 Oct, all shows in Derby Cathedral on Sat 1 Oct, plus more events yet to be announced – cost £90 for an adult, £25 for a child (aged 5 to 16), and £210 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). Under 5s go free.
Book your weekend tickets before 31 Jul to take advantage of the early bird offer of £85 for adults, and £200 for a family ticket (child tickets are the same price), plus entry into a prize draw, to be drawn on 1 July, with the chance to win a refund on your ticket plus a mystery bundle of festival goodies!
Tickets for From Pub to Pulpit can be added to the weekend ticket for £5 (full price £15).
Tickets are now on sale online at www.derbylive.co.uk or from our Sales and Information Centre, which can be contacted by phone on 01332 255800.
Concerts, further acts and additional events, along with ticket prices for individual shows, will be announced soon. You can keep up to date with more details at www.derbyfolkfestival.co.uk