Born to Folk: Introducing Tenterden Folk Festival 2015

Sometimes a festival comes along that truly nails the concept of community spirit and the real power that music has to bring people together. The Tenterden Folk Festival (1-4 October) is one of those inspiring events that sees many people and businesses from across the town do their bit to make it a truly memorable occasion. They’re also now encouraging their fans to travel green and save money with Liftshare.

It’s the brainchild of Alan Castle, who has been running folk clubs and gigs since the early ’70s, and thanks to the immense backing of local bodies and companies, the festival has blossomed into a show-stopper that fans of folk simply must check out in 2015.

We’ll have a full interview with Alan on the Liftshare blog soon, but as an introduction we thought we’re give you the bare essentials of what makes Tenterden Folk Festival so popular, as well as a glimpse at this year’s big acts.

Festival venues are spread across Tenterden, and include The Evans Bar and Moulton Hall upstairs in the Tenterden Club, St Mildred’s Parish Churchand the Town Hall – so you can expect to gain a great insight into the town during your visit. one of Alan’s key aims is to preserve and advance the appreciation of traditonal folk music, crafts and dance in the UK, so you can expect a broad remit here.

There’s an English Barn Dance, a craft fair with street stalls, dance and music workshops, meeting in local pubs and restaurants, along with meet-and-greet sessions where fans can meet the performers in person.

Alan has already confirmed a number of 2015’s acts and activities so far, with more to follow. Here’s a rundown:

• Thursday evening fundraising concert: Jez Lowe, Hudson and Cuttler and Mark Gibson
  Festival guests include: The Askew Sisters, Dick Miles, Gordon Tyrrall, Jim Bainbridge, Mick Ryan and Paul Downes, Paul and Liz Davenport, Pete Castle, Phoenix Dance Band with caller Vic Smith, Roy Clinging, Scoulds Bridle, Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer, with more to be announced.
• The hard working local and regular guests who we cannot do this without include:
  Chris Roche, Gavin and Julie Atkin, Malcolm Ward, Mark Gibson, Peter Collins, Roger Resch, Spare Parts, Sue Watson and Lizzie Stephens, The Tonic, Travelling Folk, Vic and Tina Smith, Vic Ellis One Man Band and more to be announced.
• Music Marquee and other music showcase guests include:
  Earwig Corner, The Sussex Folk Orchestra, The Yardarm Folk Orchestra, with many more to be announced.

We’ve only just scratched the surface of Alan’s incredible story and the wealth of musical heritage, innovation and fun to be had at this year’s Tenterden Folk Festival, so stay tuned for our interview with Alan and more updates throughout the year.

Full details can be found at the festival’s official site.