Programme 2025
We are providing a one-page version for ease of printing
and a longer version which has more details about the dances and workshops.
Download the one-page version of the programme here.
Download the longer version of the programme - now revised for printing here.
Key to abbreviations:
A = American-style
P = Playford/English style
M = Mixed American/English
Mu = Music workshop
Dances
Get together, participate and enjoy!
Dance workshops
Led by our guest callers, Dance workshops focus on a particular style of dancing or a particular formation and offer an in-depth experience. See the Callers page for more information about the Artists and their specialisms.
Music workshops
Bring your instrument and enjoy playing with a group.
On Saturday morning Maureen Knight will lead two music workshops, "Music for Unsure dance musicians!" - Play in a friendly, supportive session for a small number of people and talk about how to survive!
These workshops are an opportunity for new folk dance musicians or those with new instruments to gain confidence playing straightforward tunes together. The supportive workshop will have time for talking about what to do if the music is too hard or fast, and could include 2nd part playing. The second workshop is another opportunity to gain confidence with playing folk dance tunes slowly.
Players who came along last time are very welcome.
If you would like more detail about the music please email Maureen via our "Contact us" page, using the Subject “Unsure Music Workshops.”
It would also help planning to contact Maureen (via "Contact us") to let her know the instrument and notes /chords you can play.
On Saturday afternoon, Larry Unger and Elke Baker will be leading a music workshop on Scottish Dance Music, for mixed instruments. They have prepared two workshops and will choose on the spot based on who is there and what they already know or are interested in knowing.
One workshop is called Strathspeys and Reels, and is designed to unlock the magic of strathspeys for those who may not be very familiar with the Scottish form, by relating them to the reels from which they were historically derived.
The other workshop is called Short and Sweet, and involves short tunes (jigs, strathspeys and reels) that are easy to learn.
"I usually teach with a combination of learn-by-ear with sheet music reinforcement. I have taught these sorts of workshops monthly for 32 years with the Potomac Valley Scottish Fiddle Club, and at many fiddle schools, camps, and festivals."
On Sunday morning Chris Dewhurst will be leading a music workshop to prepare for the Come All Ye. All musicians are welcome to join the band, and as usual, the festival callers have chosen an interesting and varied programme of dances. Music has been prepared and you can request a PDF copy in advance by emailing Chris via our "Contact us" page.
Worshipping Folk
The half hour Sunday morning service is a popular event at the Festival, led by the Festival Chaplain with music from a local band.
We worship God together with dance, song and prayer at the special service designed for the Festival. Each year there is a different theme for the service. Sunday morning in Room 10 (near the Dining Room). See programme for times.
Notes
Timetabling is always a delicate balance and is designed to give the best choice to the maximum number of dancers, with the constraints of artist availability and hall capacity. We welcome feedback, however, so please keep sending in your comments.
Priority will be given to season ticket holders where necessary.
To save on plastic cups, please bring your own water bottles.