BEVERLEY FOLK FESTIVAL RETURNS IN 2024 WITH ITS MOST AMBITIOUS LINEUP EVER
Tue 18th June 2024
The beloved Beverley Folk Festival, a staple in the town’s calendar since the mid-80s, is back from 20th - 23rd June 2024.
Boasting its most ambitious lineup since the festival's revival in 2018 (when it was known as Beverley Fringe Festival from 2018-2021), this year’s event promises a truly international and diverse selection of the best in folk, Americana, and acoustic music.
The festival kicks off on Thursday with a warm-up at the popular independent café Poma, featuring rising star Rachel Croft, a past performer from 2021, and local ‘AngloAmericana’ artist Jessica Lawson.
Friday’s main concert features the internationally acclaimed British singersongwriter and virtuoso guitarist John Smith at St Mary’s Church, supported by renowned musician and author Tara MacLean from Prince Edward Island, Canada.
Saturday, traditionally the festival’s biggest day, includes the famous ‘Charity Buskathon’ raising funds for Hope into Action, a parade of folkdance teams, dance performances throughout the town, and ‘Acoustic Brunch’ events at Atom Bar and St Nicholas’ Church - all before noon!
Saturday evening highlights include the famous Ceilidh at Armstrong Centre and a performance by Celtic-folk supergroup CALAN at St Nicholas’ Church, supported by local folk trio Hase Waits.
The celebrated ‘Late Night Club’ at Atom Bar will cap off an action-packed Saturday, preparing attendees for another busy day on Sunday, which culminates in a performance by the much-loved a cappella group from Zimbabwe, Black Umfolosi, at East Riding Theatre.
The festival also features numerous free events and opportunities for musicians to get involved. The Monks Walk and The Sun Inn will host popular acts such as Hillbilly Troupe, Paddy and the Portermen, and The Laggy Band, along with numerous open sessions for anyone to join.
One of the organisers Phil Simpson 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 for everyone. ‘Folk’ to me is less about genre and 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 feature additional activities parallel to the main program, including school workshops at Tickton and Molescroft primary schools and a special performance for residents at Beverley Parklands Care Home.
For more information and tickets,
visit https://www.beverleyfolk.com
Email: beverleyfolkfestival@mail.com
