Folk festival to return for third year in Staveley

This will be the third year for this music and dance event which attracts folk fans from all over.

They came last year to support the village during the ‘bridgeless’ period and were made to feel so welcome that a lot of repeat bookings have resulted. A ticket enquiry has even come in from the USA this year.

As well as evening concerts in the village hall and the River Bar at Hawkshead Brewery, there is a ceilidh this year, with the Giggleswick Temperance Band, whose musicians include the well known Mike Harding.

Taffy Thomas is just one of the storytellers coming back to the village, bringing a wealth of both children’s and adults’ stories, and he’s joined by the Fallon family to embellish his stories with music.

Popular artists that will feature on the bill include Greg Russell and Ciaran Algar, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, Anna Shannon, The Waite Collective, Derek Gifford, Winter Wilson, Jacqui McDonald and JC and the Moonshine Band.

Local acts such as The Bryce Street Strummers also feature on the programme, which brings folk music to an area well accustomed to hosting events surrounding the genre, as home to Kendal’s Folk and Acoustic Club.

There will be traditional dance displays by Crook Morris, from Kendal, who will be joined by sides from Lancashire and Yorkshire so watch out for them on the mill yard.

The weekend is packed full with an extensive list of daytime events, sessions, workshops and performances, all of which are free. There are many opportunities to get involved too if you sing or play an instrument.

The village cafes and the Eagle & Child are hosting events too.

For those interested in local music there is the ‘Local Tunes Workshop’ on the Sunday afternoon where there is the opportunity to learn the tunes and play along.

The festival is organised by the Lake District Folk and Acoustic Club. It will take place from August 11 to 13. Details are available on the website.