Sessions
Click here or scroll down for the full list of sessions we know about.
The heart of folk muisic
To many people, sessions and singarounds are at the very heart of folk music itself; informal, welcoming spaces where the tradition comes alive.
No stage, no set list, just fun
Join a lively tune session or add your voice in a singaround – just people sharing songs and tunes together. Bring your instrument, bring a song, or simply come and enjoy the atmosphere
Sing or play, just join in
During the weekend there’s a variarty of sessions you can join in with, both music and singing. Scroll down to see the venues around the town.
Entry is free, but we ask that you buy a festival fringe wristband. It’s only £5 and supports our aim of making live music widely available.
Friday sessions
| Who | Description | Photo (click to enlarge) | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steve Tattum’s English Music Session | An informal English music session. Bring your instrument and join in, or simply sit back and listen. Mainly English tunes, with the occasional visit elsewhere. More about this sessionSteve has been playing violin since the tender age of 9, so some 60 years! Originally playing classical violin in a number of amateur orchestras, Steve entered the folk world whilst at University. He has played for Lancashire Clog, Rapper, Cotswold, NorthWest and Border Morris, currently leading The Hobos Morris band and also playing for Dorset Buttons Rapper and Arish Mel Ceilidh band |  | Red Lion Fri 19:30 |
Saturday sessions
| Who | Description | Photo (click to enlarge) | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Music Session | Turn up, play and enjoy. Nobody’s leading this open session but the landlady looks forward to hearing you anytime during the day (not evening). More about this sessionAlthough this session doesn’t have an official "lead", you are very welcome to turn up and play. Maybe on your own, maybe bring some mates, or maybe others will join you. You will be welcome during the daytime. |  | White Swan Sat 11:30 |
| Amy Hopwood ‘Funny Folk’ Song Session | A traditional session focusing on comic folk songs. Bring along your favourite songs or tall tales that have a humorous edge. All welcome to listen or perform. |  | Purbeck Plaza Sat 13:30 |
| Steve Tattum’s English Music Session | An informal English music session. Bring your instrument and join in, or simply sit back and listen. Mainly English tunes, with the occasional visit elsewhere. More about this sessionSteve has been playing violin since the tender age of 9, so some 60 years! Originally playing classical violin in a number of amateur orchestras, Steve entered the folk world whilst at University. He has played for Lancashire Clog, Rapper, Cotswold, NorthWest and Border Morris, currently leading The Hobos Morris band and also playing for Dorset Buttons Rapper and Arish Mel Ceilidh band | | Red Lion Sat 19:30 |
Sunday sessions
| Who | Description | Photo (click to enlarge) | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open Music Session | Turn up, play and enjoy. Nobody’s leading this open session but the landlady looks forward to hearing you anytime during the day (not evening). More about this sessionAlthough this session doesn’t have an official "lead", you are very welcome to turn up and play. Maybe on your own, maybe bring some mates, or maybe others will join you. You will be welcome during the daytime. | | White Swan Sun 11:30 |
| Kitty Vernon’s Song Session. | Kitty has been singing & running song sessions at festivals, for many years & together with her late husband, Derek Burgess, at Swanage. |  | Purbeck Plaza Sun 13:30 |
| Allan Winter’s Song & Music Session | An informal music and song session. Bring your instrument and join in, or simply sit back and listen. |  | Purbeck Plaza Sun 15:00 |