BEVERLEY FOLK FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2024 FOR ITS MOST AMBITIOUS LINEUP TO DATE.

The popular Beverley Folk Festival, an annual event in the town’s calendar since the mid-80’s once again returns from 20th - 23rd June 2024.

Offering its most ambitious lineup to date since the reemergence of the festival in 2018 (and called Beverley Fringe Festival from 2018-2021), on offer is a truly international and diverse lineup of the best in folk, Americana, and acoustic music.

A Thursday warm up at popular independent cafe Poma kicks the festival off with fast-rising songstress (and previous performer at the festival in 2021) Rachel Croft, with support from another popular local ‘Anglo-Americana’ artist Jessica Lawson.

Friday is typically the big concert and this year is no different; the internationally renowned British singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist John Smith takes to St Mary’s Church, with support from high-profile musician and published author (Harper Collins) Tara MacLean - all the way from the province of Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Saturday is traditionally the biggest day and 2024 will be no different. With the famous ‘Charity Buskathon’ (this year raising funds for Hope in Action), extensive parade of folk-dance teams - and dance performances - throughout the town, ‘acoustic brunch’ events at Atom Bar and St Nicholas’ Church, there’s a lot happening before even noon!

Saturday evening sees the famous Celidih (Armstrong Centre), and Celtic-folk supergroup CALAN perform at St Nicholas’ Church on Saturday evening, suppored by upcoming folk trio (and from Beverley!) Hase Waits. In 2024 the celebrated ‘Late Night Club’ will take place at Atom Bar and will prove to be a great way to finish off an action-packed Saturday - in preparation for another busy day on Sunday culminating in the much-loved a cappella group from Zimbabwe: Black Umfolosi at East Riding Theatre.

As always there are lots of free events on offer and lots of opportunities for musicians to get involved. The Monks Walk and The Sun Inn will be providing their own (free) offerings with popular acts such as Hillbilly Troupe, Paddy and the Portermen, and The Laggy Band - and will be the host of numerous open sessions where anyone can join in.

Phil Simpson, organiser said “We’re delighted to welcome such a varied lineup this year - we’re particularly proud to have secured John Smith who is having his biggest year to date - but as always there is something on offer for everyone. ‘Folk’ to me is less about genre, more about ‘community’. We hope you’ll join in the fun!”

Involving the town is at the heart of the event and 2024 will also see the usual extra events happening in parallel to the main programme; school workshops at Tickton and Molescroft primary schools, and a special performance to the residents at Beverley Parklands Care Home.

For more information and tickets, visit https://www.beverleyfolk.com/

Contact beverleyfolkfestival@mail.com