Fans of Folk Music Flock to the City for the Folk Weekender

Fri 11 Oct 2019

For 13 consecutive years, Derby has hosted a folk extravaganza with people from all over the country travelling to enjoy the musical delights in the city.  Co-produced by Derby LIVE and PR Productions, 2019 saw a change from the usual festival format to the creation of Derby Folk Weekender which took place in venues surrounding the city’s market place. The programme was jam-packed with music, dance acts and fringe activities from the Friday to Sunday.

The weekender was kicked off by Rachael McShane and The Cartographers in Derby Cathedral, whilst The Old Bell Hotel hosted The Urban Folk Quartet.

Saturday saw the favourites such as Moirai, Kitty MacFarlane and Late Night with Kip & Dave delight audiences in the Old Bell Hotel’s Ballroom. Sunday’s events in the same venue included Nick Hart, Andy Irvine & Luke Jackson and the Willows.

As well as hosting fringe events on the Sunday, Derby Cathedral was the venue of choice for fans of Sam Kelly & Ruth Notman and Bob Fox & Katie Spencer whose wonderful music filled the glorious setting.

Throughout the weekend, international artists such as Kongero (Sweden), De Temps Antan (Canada) and Andy Irvine (Ireland) took to the stage too.

Thousands across Derby were able to enjoy the free fringe events hosted across Cathedral Quarter and programmed by Furthest From the Sea.

As is tradition, the weekender ended with the singing of festival patron John Tams’ Rolling Home, while festival flyer flowers, hand crafted by Folk 3D and their team of helpers, are handed to the festival goers.

Councillor Robin Wood, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:

“It was great that many fans of folk enjoyed the weekender, I know our production team have worked hard to continue this well-loved event that brings thousands to our city.”