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Southern Devon folk email circulation
Home Subscribe Privacy policy Draft next and recent circulars Southern Devon folk diary
Still relevant
parts of the most recent
emailed circulars are reproduced below, along with a developing Draft of the
next, but check out the
Diary for
full listings.
Circulars dated: 23/11/25 7/11/25
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Part One - A full listing for the coming month
Part Two below - Other stuff
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
***** Part One *****
text
***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****
text
NEW Tuesday 17
November 2026 - Bellowhead - Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2
5EZ
Burlesque 20th Anniversary Tour plus special guest Seckou Keita. Details
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/bellowhead/princess-theatre-torquay/.
General sale opens Friday 28 November at 10am. Doors 7pm.
All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.
Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these
circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link below to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.
John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
'Harberton Folk' recommends Plusnet:
Harberton Folk Circular - Sunday 23 November 2025
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Part One - A full listing to the end of December
Part Two below - Other stuff (a Burns Night event in Torquay)
The full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings appear as always on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
***** Part One *****
Sunday 30 November 2025 4pm - Knight & Spiers -
Maker with Rame Community
Hall, Fore St., Kingsand, Cornwall PL10 1NS
(map)
Both Peter Knight and John Spiers have made long lasting and significant contributions to the
English folk scene via their work with Steeleye Span and Bellowhead, and more
recently with the Gigspanner Big Band, and each has changed the perception of
what traditional music can be, simultaneously introducing it to much wider,
including global, audiences.
Details
https://wegottickets.com/event/675538.
Sunday 30 November 2025 7.30pm - Fishermans Friends
- Plymouth Pavilions
Details www.plymouthpavilions.com/whats-on.
Tuesday 2 December 2025 8pm - "Every Folkin’
Tuesday" at The Old Warehouse, Prince of Wales Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1DY
Featuring Eleanor Jacobs. Details
www.theoldwarehousekingsbridge.co.uk/theoldwarehouse-events. Free entry.
Friday 5 December
2025
- Noble Jacks -
Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
Standing. With the fiddle leading the charge, Noble
Jacks are out to take no prisoners with their high-energy footstompin’ rhythms,
which have taken crowds by storm across the UK and beyond. Details
https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/genre/music.
Friday 5 December
2025
- Sound of the Sirens -
Exeter Cathedral
Singer-songwriting duo Abbe Martin & Hannah Wood
based in Exeter. Honing their craft over the past decade, Martin & Wood have
cemented themselves as firm favourites as “one of the UK’s finest folk acts” not
only on the Westcountry scene, but nationally, and internationally too. Details
www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on.
Friday 5 December 2025 7.30pm -
The Jeremiahs - Crediton Arts Centre, East St, Crediton EX17 3AX
Superstar Irish-American band with a beguiling blend of original songs and tunes
and well-chosen traditional material. Details
https://www.creditonartscentre.org/events.
Friday 5 December 2025
8pm - Moscow Drug Club - Milverton Music, Victoria Rooms, Fore St,
Milverton, Taunton TA4 1JU
...where certain elements of 1930s Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo
Tango & Gypsy Campfire meet, have a few to drink and stagger arm in arm into the
darkness of some eastern European cobbled street on a mission to find the bar
where Django Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after hours jam with the local
Tziganes…
Details
http://www.milvertonmusic.co.uk/page7.html.
Saturday 6 December
2025 7.30pm
- Steve Knightley & The Winter Yards Band -
Exeter Corn Exchange, George St, Exeter EX1 1BU
Following the outstanding success of his Winter
Yards solo tour, Steve joins forces with three incredible musicians—guitar
virtuoso David Delarre, master percussionist Evan Carson, and double bass
maestro John Parker. This powerhouse ensemble promises a rich, dynamic live
experience, breathing new life into Steve’s critically acclaimed Winter Yards
album. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his music, this is an unmissable
opportunity to witness one of folk music’s most revered figures in a bold new
setting. Support: True Foxes. Details
www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on.
NEW
Saturday 6 December 2025 7.30pm - Družba - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street,
Ashburton TQ13 7DT
Družba: Music from Behind the Curtain. Popular local trio return with a night of
glorious East European folk music and songs (with plenty of room to dance!).
Details
https://wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts.
Saturday 6 December 2025 8pm - Gallery Bar Special: Annown -
Calstock Arts, The Old Chapel, Sand Lane, Calstock
PL18 9QX (map)
Acclaimed Cornish folkabilly duo. These style raiders incorporate Celtic
folk, 50s rock’n’roll, rockabilly and delta blues into a lively set guaranteed
to get feet tapping.
https://www.annown.co.uk.. Details
https://calstockarts.org/whats-on. Free entry - Bucket for the Band.
Sunday
7 December 2025 7.45pm - Dartmoor Pixies Trio -
Folk on the Moor, Moorland
Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
A first class, locally based act (the clue is in the name!) with their
own distinctive style, the Pixies play country dance music with great
verve from Dartmoor and further afield. The line up will include Mark
Bazeley on melodeon and concertina, Jason Rice on accordion and Rob
Murch on 5-string banjo. There’ll also be songs from Bill Murray and
some step dancing, so lots to enjoy! For reservations please contact
folkonthemoor1@gmail.com.
www.moorfolk.co.uk.
Sunday 7 December 2025 8pm - The Sandy Denny Project - Matthews Hall, Fore
Street, Topsham EX3 0HF (map)
Fotheringay MkII members Sally Barker (The Poozies, BBCTV's "The Voice", IOTA)
and guitarist PJ Wright (TradArrr, The Dylan Project) are joined by multi
instrumentalist Marion Fleetwood (voice, fiddle, guitars - Feast of Fiddles,
TRADarrr, IOTA), Gemma Shirley (keyboard and vocals - TRADarrr) and the rhythm
section of bassist Mat Davies and drummer Mark Stevens from folk-rock legends
Little Johnny England to form The Sandy Denny Project. Details
https://www.topshamfolkclub.org;
https://wegottickets.com/TopshamFolkClub.
Sunday 7 December 2025
8pm - Martin Harley
- Barrel House, 59 High St, Totnes
TQ9 5PB (map)
Partly seated / partly standing gig. Limited seating available on a first
arrival basis. Known for his spellbinding slide guitar and ability to blend
Americana, Blues, and Folk, Harley has captivated audiences for three decades.
Details
https://barrelhousetotnes.co.uk.
NEW Sunday 7 December 2025 -
Jim Causley & Miranda Sykes - Online
concert (Zoom)
Midwinter tour. Tickets from
https://www.jimcausley.co.uk/concerts. NB Live Starcross tour date (only one
in Devon) on Friday 19 December.
Wednesday 10
December 2025
8pm - Beans on Toast
- Barrel House, 59 High St, Totnes
TQ9 5PB (map)
A travelling troubadour for the ages, Beans is an entertainer, singer,
songwriter, storyteller and a master of his art. Support: Nuala, an incredible
up and coming songwriter and performer, equal parts wholesome and fiery, she’s
raw, honest, and bursting with charm. Details
https://barrelhousetotnes.co.uk.
Thursday 11
December 2025 - St Agnes Fountain -
Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14
1LZ
Chris Leslie, Chris While, Julie Matthews, affectionately known as 'The Aggies'
and 'The Christmas Band'. The beloved 'St Agnes Fountain' have toured every
December since 2001 bar one, and we all know which one that was! Now they are
ready to tread the tinsel boards once more this December, bringing Christmas
(and a new C.D) to the nation. Christmas, as they say, starts with St. Agnes
Fountain. Presenting carols with a curve. Details
https://beehivehoniton.co.uk/whats-book-tickets
NEW
Friday 12 December 2025 5pm / 7.30pm - The Apex
Singers - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street,
Ashburton TQ13 7DT
This special event is a festive celebration of global folk music, presented by
The Apex Singers - an award-winning Manchester-based vocal ensemble known for
their innovative a cappella performances. The evening will feature seasonal folk
songs from around the world, performed entirely a cappella. Ahead of the
concert, The Apex Singers will lead an uplifting vocal workshop open to
all. Details
https://wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts.
Friday 12
December 2025 8pm - St Agnes Fountain -
The Watermark, Erme Court, Leonards Road,
Ivybridge PL21 0SZ
(map)
Chris Leslie, Chris While, Julie Matthews, affectionately known as 'The Aggies'
and 'The Christmas Band'. The beloved 'St Agnes Fountain' have toured every
December since 2001 bar one, and we all know which one that was! Now they are
ready to tread the tinsel boards once more this December, bringing Christmas
(and a new C.D) to the nation. Christmas, as they say, starts with St. Agnes
Fountain. Presenting carols with a curve. Details
www.ivybridgewatermark.co.uk.
Friday 12 December 2025 7.30pm - Geoff Lakeman - Caroline's Kitchen, Churston
Farm Shop, Dartmouth Road, nr Brixham TQ5 0LL
Support: Maggie Duffy. Tickets £12. Doors 7pm. Plenty of onsite parking, and
lots of refreshments both liquid and edible available. Book via Maggie 07770
806083 or scotcraft@msn.com.
Friday 12
December 2025 7.30pm - Mad Dog Mcrea - Arena Torquay, 39-41 Torwood Street,
Torquay TQ1 1DZ
Mad Dog blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and
‘shake your ass’ music. Details
https://arenatorquay.seetickets.com/search/all.
NEW
Friday 12 December 2025 7.30pm - Ulrika Igraine - St James Church, Daimonds Lane, Teignmouth TQ14 9HX
Tales in the long night. Featuring the mesmerizing and talented
Swedish-Peruvian artiste Ulrika-Igraine, along with the expressive and
conceptual duo Folk Here Tonight, this event will weave light and shade, delight
and despair, and explore the delicate balance between myth and undeniable
truths. Joining the performance will be hurdy-gurdy maestro Steve Tyler,
multi-instrumentalist Jon Dyer, fabulous fiddler Alex Lord, and fine vocalist
Robin C-M. Refreshments available with proceeds to St. James' Church. Details
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on?q=teignmouth.
Saturday 13
December 2025
7.30pm - Seth Lakeman -
Beehive Arts Centre, Dowell Street, Honiton EX14
1LZ
2pm matinee added
(7.30pm sold out) With
Benji Kirkpatrick and Alex Hart.
Details
www.beehivehoniton.co.uk.
NEW
Saturday 13 December 2025 7.30pm - Chris Hoban: A Yuletide Ramble - Lustleigh Village
Hall TQ13 9TA
A seasonal musical celebration, with readings from Martin Reeve. Tickets £14
(U15 £10) from Lustleigh Dairy or (full details)
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/newton-abbot/lustleigh-village-hall.
Presented by the Lustleigh Entertainment and Arts Project (LEAP).
NEW Saturday 13
December 2025 7.30pm - d'Accord French & Breton dance and music -
St James Church Hall, Mount Pleasant Road, Exeter EX4 7AH (map)
With Steve Turner and Helena Torpy - to include an afternoon workshop with Annette Davies.
www.facebook.com/groups/149787688758876.
NEW Sunday
14 December 2025 7.45pm -
Folk on the Moor Christmas Party, Moorland
Hotel, Wotter, Plymouth PL7 5HP
Expect the unexpected and some delicious snacks! For reservations please contact
folkonthemoor1@gmail.com.
www.moorfolk.co.uk.
Club closed 21 and 28 December.
NEW
Monday 15 December 2025 7.30pm - Tim Edey - Ashburton Arts Centre, West Street,
Ashburton TQ13 7DT
Multi award-winning Tim Edey has been recognised as: BBC Musician of the year
BBC ALBA/Scotland, Best Traditional musician 2020, and BBC Radio 2 Musician of
the year 2012 (BBC R2 Folk Awards). After seventeen years of touring the world
recording with major names in Celtic and contemporary roots, Tim is now a name
on the global stage in his own right. He is one of the world's finest melodeon
and guitar players in the folk & contemporary scene today! Details
https://wegottickets.com/ashburtonarts.
NEW
Monday 15 December
2025
- Grace Will Lead Me Home -
Exeter Phoenix, Gandy Street EX4 3LS (map)
...tells the story of two men whose lives followed
astonishingly similar paths, but whose experiences were astoundingly different.
Both became revered and influential celebrities in the campaign for the
abolition of slavery. One was a slave trader. The other was a slave. The show is
inspired by one of 2024’s most critically-acclaimed folk albums. Featuring
Angeline Morrison, Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne, Jon Bickley and John Palmer. Full
details
https://exeterphoenix.org.uk/events/grace-will-lead-me-home/.
NEW
Tuesday 16 December 2025 7.30pm - Tim Edey: A Celtic Christmas by Candlelight -
Holy Trinity Church, The Square, Drewsteignton EX6 6QN
Tim tours the world and records with major names in Celtic/contemporary roots
music, including The Chieftains, Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon and many others,
and will be coming to Drewsteignton for a candlelit concert with a Christmas
theme. Tim's live solo shows are a stunning mix of world music, inspired
instrumental virtuosity and passion, and above all, a highly entertaining night
of musical genius, all held together by his dynamic and infectious personality.
"A ferocious passion and a beautiful tenderness, sensitivity, respect,
understanding & love perpetually shines out through the music of virtuoso
musician Tim Edey.” Sharon Shannon. Details/tickets (£10+)
https://wegottickets.com/event/680770. Parking available in the village car park on Netherton
Hill.
NEW Thursday 18
December 2025 8pm - Jackie Oates & John Spiers - Livermead Cliff Hotel, Torbay Road, Torquay TQ2
6RQ
Multi award-winning contemporary folk artists Jackie Oates and John Spiers meld
together their shared love of English traditional folk tunes and songs with
their fine voices and expertly played acoustic instruments. Audiences can look
forward to a fresh, uplifting and poignant evening. Their festive concerts are a
beautiful and heart-warming antidote to the materiality that can be a feature of
the Christmas season. The duo perform captivating traditional Christmas carols
and tunes from England and beyond. Details
https://fougoumusic.com/all-events/.
NEW Friday 19
December 2025
7.30pm - Rypen - Littlehempston Community Space, St John the Baptist Church, Grattons Lane,
Littlehempston, Totnes TQ9 6LY
Local trio Rypen returns to Littlehempston. Louis Bingham, James Dumbelton
and Griselda Sanderson will perform a seasonal range of music and song on
the theme of midwinter in the lovely setting of the church. Tickets
https://wegottickets.com/event/681820.
NEW Friday 19 December 2025
7.30pm -
Jim Causley & Miranda Sykes - St Paul's
Church, Church Street, Starcross EX6 8QB
Midwinter tour (only Devon date). Join Miranda and Jim in celebrating the
festive season with some gorgeous West Country carols, medieval and secular
carols from around the British Isles, moving settings of Christmas poems by
Cornish poet Charles Causley as well as a choice selection of seasonal songs by
contemporary songwriters on the UK folk scene. All delivered by two of Britain’s
best-loved voices, accompanied on a variety of instruments and ‘gurt’ dollop of
festive fun! Tickets £15 from
https://www.jimcausley.co.uk/concerts.
NEW Friday 19
December 2025 8pm - Club Ceilidh
Christmas
with Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band
- Cafe Momus, 14-17 Manor St.,
Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 1TL
Club Ceilidh hosted by Freedom Fields Ceilidh Band with invited special guests.
18 and over. Details
www.ceilidhnetwork.com/public-ceilidhs.
Sold out
Friday 19 December 2025 -
Mad Dog Mcrea
- The Rum Store, Carnglaze Caverns, St Neot,
Liskeard, Cornwall (map)
Details
www.carnglaze.com.
NEW
Saturday 20
December 2025 7pm - Ceilidh with Rusty Mable
Ceilidh Band -
Cadeleigh Village Hall, Visitor's Hill,
Tiverton EX16 8HW
Plus support form local bal folk trio Dusk. Maintenace fundraising dance for
Cadeleigh Arms community pub. Tickets on door. £15; 16-18 £10; 11-16 £5; Nippers
free. Please support the bar. Food available by donation.
NEW Saturday 20
December 2025 7pm - Harbottle & Jonas + + Richard Trethewey - St Petroc`s Church,
12 Wellington Square, South Brent TQ10 9AG
Come and join us for an evening of winter songs, carols and smiles in this
beautiful setting. Tickets
https://www.harbottleandjonas.com/live.
NEW Saturday 20
December 2025 7.30pm - Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band - Royal Lyceum, 27-29
Abbey Road, Torquay TQ2 5NQ
Step into a world of poetic lyrics, timeless melodies, and folk-rock magic as
The Big Yellow Tambourine Man Band bring the legendary music of Bob Dylan and
Joni Mitchell to life. Details
https://www.unleashedtheatrecompany.com/whats-on.
NEW Sunday 21 &
Monday 22
December 2025 7.30/8.30pm - Mad Dog Mcrea - Tavistock Wharf (map)
Seated+standing. Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy
jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure,
drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless
pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with
their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every
festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in
every sense of the word, a live, band. Details
https://tavistockwharf.com/home.
NEW
Saturday 27
December 2025 - Twixt Christmas and
New Year
Céilidh with
The Offshoot Band -
South Brent Village Hall, Station Approach TQ10 9AQ (map)
The annual ‘Twixt and Between’ ceilidh with The Offshoot Band (from
‘Spinach for Norman’). Details
http://www.southbrentfolk.org.uk/.
NEW Saturday 27
December 2025 8pm - Twixmas Ceilidh!
with Barnstormers - Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter EX6
7UE
Exeter Ceilidhs is a series of ceilidhs (barn dances) held on Saturdays. £8 - £15 (voluntary pricing);
U16 £4, U10 free. BYO water / alcohol. See www.exeterceilidhs.net
for full details of pricing, band information etc. Contact: Jeremy on 07969 297633, email
contact@exeterceilidhs.net.
***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****
I've been asked to give the following event an
e-circular listing ahead of the usual inclusion timescale
NEW Sunday 25
January 2026 6pm - Burns Night Celebration - The Grand Hotel, Sea Front, Torbay
Rd, Torquay TQ2 6NT
An evening of fine food, poetry, and timeless tradition awaits. Set within our
elegant restaurant, this special evening honours the rich heritage and poetic
spirit of Burns Night with a refined touch. Arrival drink, followed by a
carefully curated 4-course dinner, inspired by the flavours of Scotland.
Performing live, the ceilidh band "Piping Hot". £49.95 pp. Full details
https://richardsonhotels.co.uk/the-grand-hotel/events/burns-night.
All information is given in good faith but no responsibility can be accepted for its accuracy. Do check with the organiser before setting out on a long journey. A listing here does not guarantee that tickets are still available.
Changing your email address?
Should you need to change your email address for receiving these
circulars, please use the 'Update subscription preferences' link below to update your details. There is also an 'Unsubscribe' link.
John Culf
johnculf@harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertondevon.co.uk
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
'Harberton Folk' recommends Plusnet:
Harberton Folk Circular - Friday 7 November 2025
Part Two below (incl Seth Lakeman Freedom Fields 20th Anniv tour dates in 2026)
Do spare a few minutes occasionally to scan through
the full open-ended Diary listings on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which currently extend well into 2026.
***** Part Two - Other Stuff *****
Tickets for both following gigs went on sale Monday 13
November 2025
Friday 26 May 2026
7pm - Seth Lakeman + Band - Exmouth Pavilion, The Esplanade, Exmouth
EX8 2AZ
Freedom Fields 20th anniversary tour. With full band, playing the album plus
other favourites across two sets each night! Details
https://www.exmouthpavilion.co.uk/whats-on.
Also at Exeter Corn Exchange Monday 12 October 2026 7.30pm. Details
https://www.exetercornexchange.co.uk/whats-on.
New Folk Club - Phoenix Folk Club, at Honiton Golf Club, EX14 9TR.
...rising from the ashes of The Beehive Folk Cafe.
David, Rob & Sue are happy to announce their curated club, where they will
invite 4 or 5 different guests to play an extended set of up to six songs, each
month. Running monthly, on the 1st Sunday of the month, from 5pm to 8prn, the
first ever event will be on Sunday 5th October, in the comfortable setting and
beautiful surroundings of Honiton Golf Club. There will be a bar, and also tea
and coffee. Aiming for a natural sound, the music will be primarily acoustic, or
with very little amplification, and only where necessary.
We welcome you to come, listen, and enjoy quality music in quality surroundings.
With free admission, Phoenix Folk club is open to all!
General items retained from previous circulars
Upcoming guests at Topsham Folk Club
(details
www.wegottickets.com/TopshamFolkClub):
Sundays 8pm 16/11 Kris Drever; 7/12 The Sandy Denny Project; 1/2/26 Jim Moray;
8/3/26 Spiers & Boden
B-Bar / Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican,
Plymouth PL1 2NJ
(map)
Check out the multi-genre programme of music and other events here:
www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.
NEW Friday Folk at The Old Inn, Widecombe in the Moor TQ13
7TA
A mix of guest nights and sessions (S) for acoustic folk tunes and songs. From
7.30pm
10/10 Tim Jones & Em Marshall; 17/10 (S); 24/10 The Lazy Divide; 31/10 Halloween
Event; 7/11 (S); 14/11 Aquara & Seamo; 21/11 (S); 28/11 Geoff Lakeman; 5/12
Holly Ball with Go Tell Alice; 12/12 & 19/12 (S); 31/12 NYE Party - Banned from
the Moor
Details
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576585211338.
Denbury Folk Sing-arounds - Union Inn, Denbury, Newton Abbot TQ12 6DQ
These sessions have been a regular feature in the Union Inn at Denbury for well over 20
years. Every Thursday evening we gather at the pub and start singing from
8.30pm. A lot of local singers owe a lot to these inclusive and supportive song
sessions. If you can perform it in the pub then we will listen, may even join in
as we all enjoy harmonies and raising the roof!
The pub has just seen a change of landlords and we would like to impress them
with some really good sessions so now is a good chance to join us and become a
regular if you enjoy it. Sing and/or play if you can but those who want to just
listen and maybe join a chorus or two are also welcome.
New folk club for Okehampton
Wren Music have launched a new folk club at the Plume of Feathers in Fore
Street, Okehampton, on the first Thursday of every month. The second one (sorry,
I missed the first) is on Thursday 2 October from 8.30pm. It’s a chance
for singers and players to show their repertoire in a friendly, welcoming
atmosphere, and for people to come along and be entertained. Entry is by
donations.
www.wrenmusic.co.uk
Calling all Ceilidh Dancers
I've updated the page
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk/ceilidhs.htm to include all the regular (mostly)
monthly ceilidhs run by Exeter Ceilidhs right through to June 2026, plus new
regular monthly ceildhs in Plymouth, along with a few other individual events.
Booking now Sunday 25
January 2026 6pm - Burns Night Celebration - The Grand Hotel, Sea Front, Torbay
Rd, Torquay TQ2 6NT
An evening of fine food, poetry, and timeless tradition awaits. Set within our
elegant restaurant, this special evening honours the rich heritage and poetic
spirit of Burns Night with a refined touch. Arrival drink, followed by a
carefully curated 4-course dinner, inspired by the flavours of Scotland.
Performing live, the ceilidh band "Piping Hot". £49.95 pp. Full details
https://richardsonhotels.co.uk/the-grand-hotel/events/burns-night.
Music for Dance Autumn Course (Tunelink) - Berry Pomeroy Village Hall, Totnes
TQ9 6LH
Six sessions on Monday evenings from 15th September to 20th October, at
Tutors: James Dumbelton & Griselda Sanderson
This course is for folk musicians who are interested in playing for dance. On
this dynamic course you will learn a range of European dance tunes from
Scotland, Cornwall, Guernsey, Brittany & Romania. The simple dances associated
with them will give you a deeper understanding of the rhythms and traditions of
the regions. Sessions will be taught by ear. The course will culminate in a
social dance on 20th October for family and friends, at which you will have the
opportunity to display your newly acquired skills! Level: intermediate-advanced.
Please note, you will be learning by ear. Price for full course: £95
Contact: please email James or Griselda at
tunelinksouthwest@gmail.com.
New Next May! 8-11
May 2026 - BanterFest SouthWest - Christow, Teign Valley
After three hugely successful sell out years of BanterFest Lincolnshire,
BanterFest SouthWest is making its debut in the beautiful Teign Valley.
Spiers & Boden, Granny's Attic, Track Dogs, Harbottle & Jonas, Hannah Sanders &
Ben Savage, Lauren South, Geoff Lakeman, The Bismarcks, Windjammer, + surprise
special guest.
Details
https://www.banter.band/banterfest-home/banterfest-southwest.
Tunelink Workshop Series - Berry Pomeroy Village Hall,
nr Totnes TQ9 6LH
Calling all musicians! We are excited to be offering two new courses led by
James Dumbelton and Griselda Sanderson.
We are keen to encourage a feeling of community participation!
Course 1: 15th September to 20th October: 'Playing for Dance', including a
social dance to finish the series in style.
Course 2: 10th November to 15th December: 'Winter Music, Carols &
Wassailing', culminating in a festive musical gathering for friends and
family.
Six 90-minute weekly sessions on Monday evenings 7.30-9pm for each course.
Bookings are now being taken.
Level: intermediate-advanced. Please note: Music will be taught by ear.
£95 per course. For more information and booking enquiries, email us at
tunelinksouthwest@gmail.com.
Tel. landline 01803 927470 Griselda 07792 310809 James 07846 377698
www.facebook.com/TunelinkSW
New Session - at The Albert Inn, Bridgetown,
Totnes
Acoustic session, first Monday of every month, 7pm start. All musicians /
abilities. Songs of all genres. For more information email
markjefferys7@gmail.com.
B-Bar / Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican,
Plymouth PL1 2NJ
(map)
Check out the multi-genre programme of music and other events here:
www.barbicantheatre.co.uk/whats-on.
Bradninch Folk Club News
BRADFOLK, the in the round song and music session is now changed to 2nd
Wednesdays of the month starting from 14 May at the Castle Hotel, Bradninch,
from 8pm.
Session for shanties and sea songs, 4th Tuesdays, Castle Hotel, Bradninch, from
8pm.
Jon Wilks. Guest Night at Bradninch Folk Club, Tuesday 20 May, Bradninch
Guildhall, 8pm.
Important note:
Do spare a few minutes occasionally to scan through
the full open-ended Diary listings on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which currently extend well into the year.
Session news:
New Acoustic
Singaround - Momus Folk - Café Momus, Manor St, Stonehouse, Plymouth PL1 1TL
Launched Tuesday 28th January 2025. 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month. From 7.30pm (for 8pm start) until
10.30pm. Accompanying and solo instruments welcome. Sing a song, play a tune.
Folk, Roots and World music welcome. 20-minute feature spots, by arrangement,
for groups and/or soloists. Wide range of drinks from the bar. Free parking
available nearby. 21 bus route between Plympton and St Budeaux. More information
from Marilyn Cowan on 01752 309983.
Session news
The Tuesday folk sessions at the Artillery Arms, Stonehouse, Plymouth have
ceased at the request of the landlady.
Sid Valley Radio Folk Show
Mondays 6-8pm. The Folk Show with Steve and Barry.
www.sidvalleyradio.co.uk.
If you know of any other folk shows on local (online) radio, please let
me know the details.
Bicton Inn in Exmouth
The Bicton Inn at 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU has a regular monthly
music programme of various genres including folk; usually: 3rd Thursday -
Acoustic folk with Becky Brooks; 4th Thursday - Bicton folk night (recently
updated contact no. 07876 064108). www.bictoninn.co.uk.
I've managed to have a fairly major updating session at the full open-ended Southern Devon Folk Diary listings on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk which include events well into 2026. In my e-circulars I usually list the upcoming events for the next 2 months at most, but some events are so popular that they sell out weeks or even months in advance, so it's well worth a quick glance through the whole Diary on the website from time to time, even if it's just to get your favourite seats at your venue of choice.
East Devon session news: Tale Valley Folk Sessions...
...have just celebrated their first anniversary.
www.facebook.com/TaleValleyFolkSessions. Sessions take place on the first
Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm at the Nog Inn, Feniton EX14 3BT the third Sundays 12-3pm
at the Talaton Inn EX5 2RQ.
Wild Goose Choir - A new folk-based community choir in South Brent
Freya Harbottle writes: "I'm soon to be starting a new folk-based community
choir. The first session will be on Tuesday 6th June (7 to 9pm) and the
choir will run on a regular weekly basis at The Village Hall in South Brent.
We'll be learning material from across the folk canon, from the very traditional
to the contemporary. Open to ages 18+. No previous choir experience required.
Get in touch for more info or to book a free taster session:
freyaharbottle@gmail.com.
Folklife
If you'd like to read and learn more about many aspects of folk throughout
the West Country and beyond. then check out the following:
Free entries in Folklife's online free-to-all Directory (incl. Zoom):
www.folklife-directory.uk, entry forms on site.
Folklife West folk magazine (56 A4 pages) printed & posted (paid-for) - or free
online!
Read or download:
www.folklife.uk, Members' News, Festivals Diary;
www.folklife-traditions.uk, researched articles + archive.
Plus Updates on
www.folklife.uk/updates & you can sign
up for our free emailed Newsletter.
Contact sam@folklife.uk.
Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis
I've always thought of Lyme Regis being well outside my normal coverage
(loosely defined as "within a 30-mile radius of Totnes as the crow flies" or
"the southern half of Devon), but Google Earth tells me that the town is only
about 39 miles in the former category - and the Marine Theatre is putting on a
great programme of major folk concerts these days, with some of the acts
probably not coming any further west on their tours, so I will give the venue a
listing from time to time. The main one below caught my eye in Steve Cunio's 'Sadfolk'
(www.sadfolk.co.uk)
latest Somerset & Dorset email circular listings as Harberton Folk put on Blazin'
Fiddles at the Ariel Centre in Totnes way back in 2003 and 2005:
Eliza Carthy & Saul Rose: I've been enjoying lots of music on Youtube
and only recently came across a 2014 concert performed by Eliza & Saul in St.
George's Church, Headstone, Harrow which reminded me of the wonderful show they
did for us at Harberton Parish Hall back in January 2001.
Enjoy the high quality video and audio at
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef22ID0qb0Q&list=PLjeyCtW07nIs5YQ41j9ASZwKUHlpMJprk&index=1.
Cecil Sharp's People.org.uk
A one-stop website for all the singers, musicians and dancers who met Cecil
Sharp, as he travelled around England collecting folk music and dance between
1903-23. You can read about their lives. Over 650 individuals in hundreds of
locations. They were working people – agricultural labourers, glovers,
laundresses, sailors, shoemakers etc. Their stories should be told!
https://cecilsharpspeople.org.uk.
The Mike Harding Folk Show
The former BBC folk show host presented a weekly show of his own online from
30 December 2012 to 22 October 2017 (over 250 programmes), and since then has
presented further roughly monthly shows which still continue. All 270+ shows are
available as podcasts
at
www.mikehardingfolkshow.com.
Folk news slightly further afield:
Somerset & Dorset (SaDFolk) folk events - Regular email updates
A regular and
comprehensive emailed listing is available through
www.sadfolk.co.uk
(Somerset and Dorset folk, Steve Cunio) for folk events in venues large and small in those two
counties, some of which are not too far away from the Harberton Folk area.
SaDFolk always includes full details of upcoming
events, workshops and courses at Halsway Manor in Somerset which is
owned by the Halsway Manor Society who operate the manor as a national centre
for the folk arts, the only residential folk centre in the UK.
Folk in Cornwall
What it says on the tin -
www.folkincornwall.co.uk - clubs, sessions, events
A quick note on what gets
listed below (and in the Diary on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk):
The listings are of course primarily intended for 'folk' events; they will
occasionally include Americana, blues and other genres, particularly if the
event organisers have taken the trouble to send me material. Be assured though, they
will never include tribute bands! (excellent though many of these are) These e-circulars usually cover the full Diary
for the coming 4 to 5 weeks, while the website Diary is completely open-ended.
Important Admin note: Email delivery problems
I've had problems sending the previous two circulars to 190+ addresses (mainly
BTInternet, BTOpenworld, Yahoo,
Sky, AOL, plus a few others, all of which use the Yahoo email platform). The
circulars have been soft-bounced, i.e. rejected, on both recent occasion by most
of those addresses "for policy reasons".
When the same address soft-bounces several circulars in succession, MailChimp
(the system I use to send circulars) eventually hard-bounces that address, i.e.
permanently removes it from the circulation and I, as Admin, cannot then
reinstate that address, although the person in question can re-subscribe
themself.
This has happened a couple of times over the last 12 months and I have no real
idea why it happens, so it's very difficult trying to do anything about it. But
this present circular is a trial inasmuch as it employs simpler formatting with
less complex underlying code in the hope this may increase the acceptance rate.
In the interim I have been communicating directly with the 190+ about this problem and I would like to thank the large number of them who very helpfully responded to my last communication when I sent a copy of the latest missing circular as a PDF file attachment, apparently successfully, whereas an attempt to simply forward a copy of the original circular to a test group of 10 addresses failed.
Several people also mentioned that they had an
alternative email address which could be used for receiving the circulars - and
I would ask anyone in this position to please use the 'update subscription
preferences' link at the very foot of any circular to update their email address
in the MailChimp data base accordingly. Should you no longer be able to access
any original circular, I can update your email address for you on request (but
it's best if you do it yourself if possible).
If you change to a Gmail address, please note that my circulars may arrive in
your Promotions inbox folder.
It remains to be seen whether the 190+ will actually receive this circular.
[version sent on 8/6/18 to remainder of 270 contacts 'cleaned' by MailChimp,
inviting re-subscription]
Once again this copy of yesterday's Harberton Folk email circular is being sent
directly from my laptop (not via MailChimp, nor in MailChimp format this time)
to those mostly btinternet / btopenworld / yahoo / aol / sky email addresses who
were removed a while back from Harberton Folk's MailChimp database due to
unknown circumstances and have not yet re-subscribed.
If you wish to continue receiving the regular
circulars, please re-subscribe by going to
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk
where you’ll find a link to a short form to complete – and you’ll be back on the
list.
Or simply reply to this email and ask me to
re-subscribe you.
You can view Harberton Folk's GDPR-compliant Privacy Policy on the website.
Note that the e-circulars are now being sent from
hfolk@johnculf.co.uk.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
At some point in the not too distant future I will no longer be able to continue
sending these separate copies to you.
Best wishes
John Culf
[version sent to NON-GDPR segment on 8/6/18]
GDPR - Still time to update your preferences to
continue receiving Harberton Folk Circulars - Please act now
The new GDPR data protection law came into force on May 25th.
I'm still hoping some more of the people who have not yet UPDATED THEIR
PREFERENCES appropriately (see the link at the very foot of this circular) will
do so to enable me to continue sending them the circulars. You will also find an
'unsubscribe' link there, should you need it.
The full list of 1350+ contacts is now effectively split into two parts, one
containing the 955 contacts who have already updated, the other (to which this
customised version of yesterday's circular is being sent) containing the
remainder.
Alternatively, you can simply reply to this email and I
can do the updates for you, if you tell me that is your wish.
New contacts can subscribe to the circulation at any time via a link provided on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf
[version sent to GDPR CONSENT segment on 7/6/18]
Firstly, my thanks to the 955 contacts who have (thus far) confirmed their
consent to continue receiving Harberton Folk emails. My list is now effectively
divided into two parts, i.e. those who have, and those who have not (yet),
re-confirmed. I'm now able to send separately to the two groups and will be
sending further GDPR reminders (with the circular) to the latter group, and can
assure everyone receiving this version of today's that this is the last time I
will mention GDPR! Many thanks for your understanding and cooperation. John Culf
Harberton Folk Circular - Friday 25
May 2018
If you would like to
continue receiving Harberton Folk email circulars...
...you must confirm your consent to do so - or your contact details will soon be
removed from the circulation!
I know many of you will be fed up of receiving emails about GDPR - but today May 25th is the day the new law comes into force.
To date, barely half of my 1300+ contacts have signed up for continued circulars
and I am sure there are many more who wish to remain on the list but just
haven't got round to taking the appropriate action yet.
Even if you don't read any more of this circular, jump to the
"Update subscription preferences"
link at the very foot of this email which will offer you a very short simple
form to complete - your existing details will already be there (with asterisks
blanking most of your email address for security) - just
tick both the vacant boxes and click 'Update Profile'. You can enter
a completely different email address if you wish. (You could even
'Unsubscribe'!)
I intend to send several further reminders about this in the coming days because
I really want to lose as few contacts as possible from the list.
Harberton Folk Circular - Tuesday 15
May 2018
Sorry it's been so long since the last circular. GDPR stuff has been taking up a
lot of my spare time, but I think I'm almost there now.
GDPR Update - My Next Email will Require Action
on Your Part
My next email (hopefully tomorrow) will be particularly important as it will
hopefully ensure that the Harberton Folk email circulation is operating in
compliance with the new General Data Protection
Regulation (GDPR) coming into force with effect from 25 May 2018.
You must take action as indicated in that next email (or any subsequent
reminders) if you wish to continue receiving the e-circulars, i.e.
re-confirm your consent to receive Harberton Folk e-circulars.
If you do not, we will unfortunately be obliged to remove your name and
email address from the circulation.
Sorry to sound rather 'technical' or officious, but this IS REALLY IMPORTANT and we don't want to lose you!
Please also note that a few changes are also being made at the same time in
the hope of reducing the likelihood of these circulars being regarded as
spam/junk by some email systems/providers. For example, the sending address
will in future appear as
hfolk@johnculf.co.uk (in case you need to 'whitelist' this address or
otherwise approve it for receiving Harberton Folk e-circulars.
John
Update on the New Data Protection Law (GDPR)
My thanks to the significant number of people who have sent comments and
offered advice on this subject, following my piece last week. I'm
beginning to get a good idea of what I need to do to keep the Harberton
Folk email circulation 'legal' and will share this with you soon. It
will require simple action on your part to enable you to continue
receiving the e-circulars.
New Data Protection Law
Some of you may have heard recent mention of a new
(EU) data protection law coming into effect on May 25th; some may have even
heard its name: General Data Protection Regulation 'GDPR'. I am still struggling
to understand the possible implications of this for my Harberton Folk
email circulars and the MailChimp data base containing your details which
underpins the circulars, and what I may have to do - and ask you to do - to
ensure compliance with the new law and thereby allow you to continue receiving
these circulars. Watch this space! JC
Flaxey Green Website -
www.flaxey-green.co.uk
This excellent Devon website contains a wealth of folk-related information in
addition to an events diary, such as comprehensive listings for folk dance
clubs, pub sessions, bands, solo artists, callers, musicians wanted/available,
morris sides, a For Sale section (currently including a couple of melodeons, a
Peavey KB3 amplifier and other sound equipment.
Reminder for Gmail users:
As well as probably putting these circulars in the Promotions inbox folder
(rather than the Primary folder), Gmail also 'clips' long emails, such as these
circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just
that.
'Roots and Shoots' on Exeter's community
radio station Phonic FM
www.phonic.fm
Listen on 106.8 FM and online on 1st, 3rd, 4th (and 5th) Mondays of the month
6.00pm to 8.00pm. Featuring the best in folk/roots music with a strong emphasis
on local music - both live in the studio and recorded. News too of folk/roots
events in Exeter and south and east Devon. We welcome contributions from
musicians, singers and anyone involved with folk/roots/world music in and around
Exeter. Most importantly, listen in, then get in touch to tell us your reactions
and suggestions. Contact Roots and Shoots: Telephone 01837 871498 (Martin
Henning), email m.henning@hotmail.co.uk.
A message from Adrian Bull
"I co-host the 'Roots and Shoots' radio show. I specialise in playing all things
folk(ish) and am particularly keen to promote local artists and events/clubs. If
you are a musician and would like me to play some of your music on the show, or
even come on as a guest, then I would love to hear from you. I am also keen to
have promoters, folk club organisers on the programme."
'Technical' Notes
1) I send copies of my circulars to several different email addresses of my own
(Plusnet, Hotmail, Gmail) to help check that as many as possible are reaching
their intended recipients. Last week the copy to my Plusnet address unusually
finished up in my spam folder. Very occasionally a copy may disappear without
trace. I have no idea why - the joys of email! Anyway, if you think you may be
missing a copy at any time, you can always find the full open-ended southern
Devon Folk Diary listings on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk, along with the most recent circular(s).
2) A chance communication with a recipient of these circulars has revealed that
Gmail, as well as probably putting the circulars in the Promotions inbox folder
(rather than the Primary folder), also 'clips' long emails, such as these
circulars, and you need to select the 'View entire message' option to do just
that.
The person in question had failed to see the 'Christmas events' section in Part
because of the above clipping.
The following interesting item appeared in Steve Cunio's Somerset & Dorset
Folk Events Diary email today - Have any Harberton Folk recipients experienced
this issue yet?
"Do you use Gmail?
I've had a couple of emails from people asking why SaDFolk had started to send
them Google Calendar invitations to events they had no interest in. I haven't
changed anything here, but following a bit of searching round the Net, I found
that Google had made this 'improvement' to their service.
If you have a Gmail account and a Google Calendar account and any email you
receive contains something which Google interprets as an event you might want to
go to, it automatically adds the invitation to your calendar and sends you an
email about it.
To turn this off, you need log into your Google Calendar then click on the gear
wheel icon in the top right, select ‘settings’ then look for ‘Events in Gmail’.
Under that there should be a ‘Add automatically’ setting. Deselect that and the
problem should go away."
Please let me know (by reply to this email) if you as a Harberton Folk
recipient have experienced this issue. Thanks. JC
Folklore & Mythology Resource Guide
I've added the following link
www.supersummary.com/folklore-mythology-guide (Folklore and Mythology
Resource Guide) to the Links page page on
www.harbertonfolk.co.uk.
An 'interesting' email problem
Those of you who read my recent notes about the various problems I experience
when sending these e-circulars may be interested/amused to see a (new) rejection
message received from a recipient at a local educational establishment. I have
highlighted the offending word in bold/red and added spaces so it's not rejected
again. This word appeared in the item about Hayseed Dixie:
Microsoft Antigen for Exchange found a message matching a filter. The message is
currently Identified.
Message: "hf21_30 080226"
Filter name: "KEYWORD= racial discrimination: h i l l b
i l l y"
Sent from: "John Culf"
Apologies for such a long gap since the last circular. Remember, the full open-ended Diary is always available on www.harbertonfolk.co.uk contains gigs right through to June 2025, many of these added in the last couple of days - so do have a quick scroll through to see if there's anything that takes your fancy. Tickets will usually be on sale for any gig listed.