Who is playing at the Swanage Folk Festival

Gerry Colvin is a writer of great substance who is able to give us something that has been largely missing in English Music for a long time. His subjects and characters are clearly defined and his songs create strong images and stories which can make us both laugh and cry in the same breath. This man is unique and unforgettable. The songs are brilliant. He should be a household name. Go see
him.” Phil Beer, Show of Hands

Folk-pop legend Gerry Colvin must be one of the most endearing and energetic musicians on the planet, just as much at home playing small clubs as he is supporting Status Quo on their Aquostic Live Tour. This multi-talented singer-songwriter performs all his own material, combining catchy melodies with thoughtful lyrics on love, society, angst and Johnny Cash! His be-suited on stage performance combines Frank Sinatra, Lee Evans, and the afore-mentioned Man in Black. Genius? Madcap? Maverick? Yes, all of these things…and a lot, lot more.

A stellar musical CV includes co-writing with Alison Moyet, being a John Peel favourite with his 80’s band Terry and Gerry (recently reformed), winning best band (with his band Colvinquarmby) at Fairport’s Cropredy Festival as well as the Hancock Award for best live folk act. A Glastonbury stalwart, he has played several times and also acted as compere on more than one occasion.

Gerry will be playing songs from his ninth album ‘Back and Forth’ as well as favourites from his extensive back catalogue – just expect a great night’s entertainment from this extraordinary performer.

Gerry will be joined by musicians Jerome Davies, double bass, Trish Power, accordion Lyndon Webb, guitar and Michael Keelan on violin

Multi-award winning Merry Hell offer joyful, uplifting folk-rock, with a message of hope for troubled times. Native to the North-West of England, the 8-piece musical charabanc emerged from the embers of the much-loved folk-punk band The Tansads, before developing a life and feel all of its own.

Their energy and passion is complemented by their love of what they do and desire to share hope and togetherness with as many people as possible. Through 6 well-received albums and hundreds of gigs, they’ve offered voices of hope and beacons of light to anyone valuing both melody and positive humanity.

Their live appearances have won many admirers, a recent review referred to "every performance a celebration" and they are currently holders of Folking.com's Best Live Band Award.

The group performs as either a full electric 8-piece or a slimmed down, more acoustic 6-piece but offer all the songs, all the spirit and all the energy. Emergency Lullabies, their latest album, gained wonderful reviews, significant airplay and a place in the UK Official Folk Chart, with the 2021 single When We Meet Again hitting No.8 in the USA Folk Radio charts – all confirming that this is a band on the rise!

The Longest Johns formed in 2012 in their native Bristol. They have a passion for traditional maritime folk music, interwoven with a wry humour, a taste for all things digital. and a flair for their own songwriting – ancient meets modern down by the docks.

Constant gigging over land and sea,and a string of quality releases saw them build a devoted fanbase at home and abroad. Their breakout moment came in 2021, when their rendition of ‘Wellerman’ went viral on TikTok, sparking the ‘Shanty Tok’ craze that became a global resurgence in sea shanty music and saw the band sign to Decca Records.

Last year, they released their tenth album to round up the Pieces of Eight project – an EP a month for eight months culminating in the 24-track compilation. In the next 12 months they’ll continue to take folk music back to its roots by many routes, playing more than 100 shows across the UK, Europe, North America and Australia.

The English folk tradition is shot through with a melancholic strand. All English speakers experience melancholy because the language itself is melancholic. It has a natural “dying fall” as Orsino says in Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night”. And besides, it rains a lot here, especially at the seaside where “It’s Filling the drains with disappointment; Relentlessly washing away The fun.”
“A Fondness for Melancholy” is a celebration of this most British of emotions. Not sad, exactly but tugging at the heart-strings. And we hope there may be a few rays of sunshine and twinkles of humour amongst the rain drops.

Julian Harrow is a performer, song writer, and artist whose work spans 50 years from clowning to performance art. Over the past decade he has performed solo on a tin can ukulele and with a variety of bands and groups in Southampton. His songs are described as "slightly amusing, world-weary reflections on love and death."

Peter John Cooper has made his career as a playwright, poet and theatre director. He lived and worked in Swanage for over twenty years before he faded away to Bournemouth. Peter was associated with the Mowlem (briefly as Manager) and later when he brought summer seasons there, most notably as part of UK tour of Captain Pugwash. A great deal of his poetry is based on his experiences of Swanage and he was well-known through the Swanage poetry scene.

Julian and Peter have worked together on all sorts of wacky projects over the past 50 years, from versions of Mummers Plays, as street theatre performers throughout the Uk and onward into tours of Holland with Attic Theatre. More recently they teamed up to perform “Life and Death and Everything in Between” a bizarre event with actors and musicians that Peter wrote for the Bournemouth Emerging Arts festival. A studio version is available on line and as a podcast on Peter’s channel.

Alongshore is a traditional folk duo formed by singer and musician Vic Baines (also known as Pendlecheek) and poet Ledger De La Bald (also known as Boathook Bald). They are well known in the English folk and maritime scene.

Blending traditional and original song, archive material and field recordings into a soundscape of coastal lives-past, present and future. Boathook Bald's poetry meets Pendlecheek's music to tell of the overlooked stories of Dorset's inshore communities: touching, funny, evocative tales of struggle, change and survival where sea meets the land. Focusing on maritime folklore, local ghosts, shipwrecks, and the history of old coastal communities.

The duo has released an album entitled Diamonds, Rubies and Emeralds which features 13 tracks of original and traditional songs as well as Ledger’s poetry.

Andrew James is an in demand multi-instrumentalist, folk musician, singer and ceilidh caller.
A regular feature at local festivals, in recent years he has appeared at Purbeck Valley Folk Festival, Wimborne Minster Folk Festival and Dubs at the Mill – in various ensembles/guises. The Andrew James Band brings together a range of talented musicians from these various projects. Expect driving folk tunes, rousing choruses and lots of fun!

Salisbury-based folk singer and one half of award-winning folk duo Antoine & Owena, Antoine has been writing and performing for 25+ years and has an eclectic repertoire of original songs, mixed with traditional folk songs and a few more modern covers. Inspired by traditional and contemporary folk music, Antoine creates his own original blend of folk music that provides a feast for the ears, the heart and the feet. Antoine creates an eclectic mix of original and traditional material inspired by history, tragedy, love and hope. His original songs focus on story-telling, whilst his own take on traditional folk songs are stylishly sympathetic to the originals but given new tunes with a contemporary twist. Injecting a healthy dose of humour and storytelling into his live performances, Antoine keeps his audience entertained throughout.

Banter are a high-energy English folk band known for reworking traditional dance tunes with bold rhythms, inventive arrangements and a modern, groove-driven feel. Their sound blends melodeon-led melodies with strong percussion, bass and keyboards, creating music that works equally well for concerts, festivals and dance settings. They’re widely recognised for dynamic live shows that mix traditional material, original tunes and unexpected influences.

The band emerged from the English session and folk-dance scene and quickly built a reputation for powerful, rhythm-focused interpretations of English tunes, often pushing them into territory closer to world, jazz and contemporary folk.

Dark Sheep are an extension of the infamous Black Sheep trio of Johno (Bass) Plim (Drums) and Titch (Fiddle) with the addition of fiddle wizard Ashley Reed (Savage Rabbits / Albion Band / Wolf Maahn / Celtic Orbis).

Ashley and Titch have crossed bows since the 1980’s from their early exploits within the Christchurch music scene. Both are much influenced by the playing attitude of Dave Swarbrick (RIP), whom Ashley earned the greatest respect, sitting alongside in the London session scene; likewise Titch liaising and building, Swarb’s amplified violins.

In late 2024 Ashley stepped into the full Black Sheep line up whilst Titch recovered from a shoulder injury, this has developed into the Dark Sheep project, exploring the delights of twin fiddle harmony and hullabaloo. Titch’s dance influenced flair illuminates Ashley’s virtuosity, creating a unique symbiotic sound that comes from a deep comprehension of each other’s playing. Combined with the well-developed, rock solid backing of Johno and Plim this project has found its feet throughout 2025 and the path ahead will be full of fiddley twists and turns.

Made up of five choirs based in Dorchester, Sherborne, Bridport, Wimborne, Wareham and Winterborne. Singing acapella in four part harmony learning by ear (scores are available).

Trad Folktronica group Goldefynche perform English folk songs from the 13th to the 19th centuries, updated with synthesisers, vocoders and ambient samples.

Named after local landmark St Lucas' Leap, their music finds inspiration from their childhoods on the coast and in the Purbeck hills. Aside from their original music they play traditional folk tunes, assorted skiffle and bluegrass, and acoustic covers.

Hannah Cumming and David Mitchell are both experienced performers on the Folk scene. Having known each other for years, they have finally come together to form the dynamic folk duo Haze-Fire! They combine Hannah's rhythmic, often improvisational, fiddle style with David's particular classical/folk guitar, which mixes melody and percussive playing, to create their own unique sound.
Alongside keeping simple renditions of beautiful tunes, Haze-Fire’s sets also use varied arrangements of harmony and rhythm between the violin and guitar to take interesting and unexpected twists and turns to make the most of the music they arrange together.
As well as the instrumental music, Hannah’s soulful voice can be added; including more modern songs or tunes to mix up the Folk repertoire if needed!
Both are experienced musicians and as at home playing for listening as dancing audiences having performed for concerts, festivals, ceilidhs (Hannah is also an experienced caller), public and private events around the country at venues large and small.
Haze-Fire – luminous morning mist through which the dawn sun is shining (poetic).

Janice Burns & Jon Doran are an award-winning Anglo-Scottish duo who came together after discovering a shared love of traditional music. Their songs tell vivid stories about the nature of life and our place in the world.

Janice & Jon’s ‘clever and uncluttered musical storytelling’ (Songlines) comes alive through tight vocal harmonies and sensitive interplay between mandolin, bouzouki and guitar. Their arrangements have a spellbinding presence and an understated energy that transports songs from the pages of books and manuscripts into the imagination of the listener.

With their relaxed and personable approach to performance, Janice & Jon are renowned for the warmth of their connection with audiences. From opening Stage 2 at Cambridge Folk Festival, to playing at the likes of Celtic Connections, Edinburgh Tradfest and Cecil Sharp House, the duo are highly sought after across the UK and beyond.

Following the success of their self-titled EP in 2020, Janice & Jon released their debut album, No More the Green Hills, in Autumn 2022. The album had overwhelmingly positive feedback, finding its place in the Official UK Folk Albums Chart, as well as gaining airplay on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio Scotland.

Folk songs have always travelled, put down new roots, borrowed and evolved. Janice & Jon bring together songs that have survived through the ages, shapeshifting and adapting as they’ve been passed from singer to singer. Exploring humankind’s connection with nature,
love and loss, these are songs with an enduring resonance.

Kelp! shantymen are a small, eclectic group of local men who have discovered the pleasure of singing traditional sailor's working songs. Whilst Kelp! have more than 300 years of experience, most of it has nothing to do with singing shanties or songs of the sea. Neither do they have any formal training or coaching, which is reflected in the authentic delivery of their working songs, ballads and duets which takes the audience back to tough times at sea and wild times in port. Increasingly popular at local events over recent years, Kelp! has a wide appeal to young and old, their raw enthusiasm always proves infectious.

Maiden Oak is a Swanagebased ceilidh band which plays for weddings and parties throughout Purbeck.
The band was founded by Rollo Woods, who was awarded English folk movement’s highest honour, the Gold Badge.
The band continues to use Rollo’s arrangements of old tunes to play lively music in the old village style.

Man The Lifeboats began life in a shanty-punk folk mosh pit in 2016. Skinny Lister and Holy Moly & the Crackers were the two bands that lit the fire and blew the roof of the Garage that night. Fast forward 8 years and 100 gigs and counting and Man The Lifeboats are ploughing their full-throttle folked-up furrow on the festival circuit, winning over audiences at Moseley, Purbeck, Warwick, Swanage, Jurassic Fields, Beardy Folk, Folk in a Field, Bearded Theory, Deepdale, Ragged Bear and more, drawing comparisons to Bellowhead, Waterboys, Oyster band, the Levellers, and those folk-punk heroes the Pogues.

The second album Soul Of Albion hit no. 27 in the Official Folk Charts in 2022. Recorded at Rockfield Studios, it sounds like Led Zeppelin arm-wrestling Shane McGowan in a Birmingham brewery, like Jimbo band Fruitbat fronting Fairport Convention, like The Albion Band turned up to 11 with their fiddles on fire. Tonic for these troubled times.

“9/10. A stomping musical cocktail of alchemic proportions” – OUTLINE MAGAZINE

“Sounds like The Men They Couldn’t Hang at Their Height meet The Clash-it’s a belter” FOLKING.COM

“Think The Pogues in overdrive with the breath of the Dropkick Murphys down their necks” – TURN UP THE VOLUME

“Superior Stuff”- CRACK MAGAZINE

“Excellent album, full of high-octane folk and dark rumination” – AMERICANA UK

“An atmospheric and searching saga” – SONGWRITING MAGAZINE

Glastonbury-based singer-songwriter Mandy Woods has had a nomadic life in music, crafting songs wherever she has happened to find herself on her unconventional journey on both sides of the Atlantic. Her songs of hope, heartbreak, humour and the highway – in her unique style somewhere between Americana and folk – are inspired by her own life and adventures and the lives of those around her.

Murphy’s Lore Trio are multi-instrumentalists Steve, Noeleen and Alex. With two lead vocals; male and female, plus fiddle, 6 and 4 string guitar, mandolin, ‘Bass Stomp’, Bodhran and Whistle, their dynamic sound, wide-ranging repertoire, plus vocal and instrumental harmony arrangements, give them something quite unique amongst Dorset folk bands. The Trio have been described as ‘greater than the sum of their parts’, with a growing reputation for live performances of songs and tunes that meld trad folk with attitude, they can be rousing and rollicking but also wistful and whimsical

Ninebarrow (Jon Whitley and Jay LaBouchardiere) are a multi-award-winning folk duo, who are impressing audiences across the country with their innovative and captivating take on the folk tradition.

Described by Mark Radcliffe as sounding ‘like two halves of one voice’ and by Mercury Music Prize nominee Kate Rusby as ‘absolutely amazing’, Jon and Jay combine breath taking vocal harmonies and melodies, delivering original songs that are inspired and rooted in the landscape and history of the British Isles.

As well as crafting unique and engaging original material, Ninebarrow also take a wide-range of traditional folk songs and rework them in their own, distinctive way.

Although 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.

Powerful vocals, bluesy guitar and clarinet, mix in some folk and add a large pinch of humour.
John and Pauline have the recipe for making music that will have you coming back for more.

Performing laugh-out-loud funny songs, parody songs but also heartbreakingly
poignant songs, Polly Morris is a whirlwind of entertainment. Her songs have clever
lyrics and catchy melodies and with her eighth album of original songs just released,
she is never short of something new to make you smile.
Polly was awarded FATEA Best Track of the Year Award 2025 for her song “But I
do” which was released in aid of Alzheimer’s Society, and her latest album “Am I an
Alien?” was the winner of the GSMC Award for Best Album in January and also
listed as one of the best albums of the year by Readifolk.
Prepare to be engaged from start to finish, or as one audience member put it “Polly
took me through every emotion I had – from tears to laughter!”

Reg Meuross solo touring with Fire & Dust: A Woody Guthrie Story

“Reg’s terrific songs tell Woody’s life story with respect and affection, but also truth.”
Pete Townshend

Award-winning Reg Meuross was introduced onto the stage of the Albert Hall by Mike Harding as ‘one of this country’s finest’ and is a true modern troubadour, representing contemporary English folk writing at its best. Captivating audiences with his beautiful tenor voice, and with breadth and depth of material that is unparalleled, Reg has toured extensively for decades across the UK, Europe, North America and the Antipodes.

Masterfully accompanying himself on his ‘44 Martin six-string guitar, harmonica, tenor guitar, banjo and dulcimer, witnessing a Reg Meuross performance is to experience a journey into the heart, soul and songs of one of England’s most celebrated writers. Stories that need to be told; struggles that need to be known; injustice that needs to be uncovered; social conscience that needs to be celebrated – his music has an unrivalled power to reach and move the listener.

After 15 critically-acclaimed albums, Reg continues to prove how highly relevant his songs are, whilst reaching new audiences with consistently spellbinding performances.

Reg is currently touring with songs from his extensive back catalogue and his new song-cycle Fire & Dust, released March 2025. Fire & Dust, commissioned by Who legend Pete Townshend, delves into the life story of Woody Guthrie. A journey into the heart and soul of one of America’s finest folk musicians – highlighting racism, bigotry, corruption and inequality.

Solo shows begin with a set of songs and narration from Fire & Dust, with a selection of songs old and brand new in the second set.

“Compelling… Meuross captures Guthrie’s spirit with authenticity and depth. Rich classic folk instrumentation and poetic lyricism. This Isn’t just a homage but a vital, living continuation of Guthrie’s legacy” Maverick Magazine

“… the incomparable pleasure of Reg Meuross with his outstanding Woody Guthrie project Fire & Dust…. this album deserves attention and plaudits. The love and respect for these songs shines through. Joyful.” Ralph McTell

“… comfortable in styles from either side of the atlantic, as likely to bear comparisons with Dylan as with a Carthy or a Jones” At The Barrier

Formed in March 2024 and based in Wimborne, Rev. Green bring together six
experienced musicians with deep roots in the UK folk and acoustic scene. Their sound
blends blues grit, folk storytelling, Americana grooves and spirituals—usually up-tempo
and immediately accessible.
The band features Rev. Steve Utley (mandolin, mandocello, tenor guitar), Jeremy
Green (guitar, bouzouki), Nat Morris (banjo, tenor banjo, guitar), Andy Bridgeman
(bass), Jayne Chalke (percussion) and recent addition Stefan Defilet (fiddle/violin), who
brings exceptional musicianship and expressive range to the band's sound.
Rev. Green have played at venues and events including Wimborne Minster Folk
Festival Square Stage, The Big Camp Out Festival, plus The Old Thatch, The
Oddfellows Arms, The Tap House, The Portsmouth Hoy, Brunny Folk and Wimborne
Food Festival, alongside regular local showcases.
With a reputation for engaging audiences and reading the room, Rev. Green are as
comfortable leading a packed pub chorus as they are delivering a listening-room set.
Between them, the six members bring decades of live performance, recording, touring
and production experience, creating a band grounded in musicianship, professionalism and genuine love for the craft.

With a crowd-pleasing mix of Bluegrass energy and driving Old-Time rhythms, Sian & Rob Colquhoun deliver an authentic performance full of vitality. Toe-tapping originals and skilled interpretations of tunes and songs drawing on early bluegrass, old-time mountain music, country blues and their own Scots-Irish Roots. Expect gorgeous close harmonies, fiery flatpickin’, hypnotic old-time banjo and a flourish of percussive flat-foot dancing.

Purbeck Rising finalists in 2025, their performances have been described as “mesmerising” and “unforgettable” with “wonderful musicianship” and “amusing anecdotes that kept us enthralled”

Recent reviews

“a deep dive into Appalachian culture…great performance” Sam Simmons, Folklife.uk

“mesmerised the audience with a class performance” Newport Folk Club

“Beautiful arrangements – masterful banjo and guitar” Forest Folk Club

“a magical evening” Frome Festival

“Seemingly effortless, yet filled with vitality” Rosie Upton

“wonderful musicianship, harmonious singing and absorbing knowledgeable stories kept the audience fascinated – an excellent evening” Mick Tems, Editor, FolkWales Online Magazine

Richard and Sophie sing and play a variety of songs and tunes using accordion, guitar and voices. Richard is a veteran of bands including Diggory Venn and Murphy's Lore. Sophie has appeared solo or in duos on the folk scene and has written, produced and/or appeared in several folk-dramas including A Tolpuddle Man and To Win The Day with Time and Tide. Some of Richard and Sophie's material is traditional, some contemporary. It could range from an old ballad to a set of tunes to set the feet a-tapping or a jolly joiner-inner song. But, be aware that Richard may burst into an Eastern European tune or a Klezmer medley without warning!

Critically acclaimed duo, storming the uk folk scene, with headline slots at many folk festivals and only in their second year!

St. Fian play a genre bending blend of trad and contemporary music, to make you laugh, dance, think twice and maybe even shed a tear.

Often described as some of the most beautiful female voices you will hear, with top musicianship and comradery……a pure treat for the musical soul.

State of Undress Acoustic Trio blend the fire of rock with the storytelling soul of folk. Their sets mix powerful original songs, reimagined traditional tunes, and a few favourite covers, all delivered with irresistible energy and heart.

State of Undress Acoustic Trio are : Charlie Rose – lead vocals; Alan Rose – guitars and vocals; and The Bodhraness – Catie Lake, one of the region's finest percussionists.

"I absolutely loved SOU (Acoustic Trio), so lively and very different – I'd go out of my way to see them again" Sally, Lymington Acoustic, July 2026

Steve 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

Stringfellas think faces, rock classics blues and Irish. A fun, foot tapping , singalong, popular covers, band. Stringfellas, comprising Derek vocals/lead guitar, Rob percussion and Kevin vocals/fiddle/mandolin/guitar, are based in Reading. They have played in Swanage on the fringe of the blues and folk festivals for many years.

With their signature blend of gritty ragtime, country heart, bluesy stomp, and folk-fuelled fire, all served with a fistful of "musical talent and unbridled humour”, The Swamp Stomp String Band delivers brazen, theatrical live shows that turn dance floors into dust clouds and spontaneous cider-soaked singalongs into unforgettable nights.

Armed with gritty guitars, twanging banjos, howling harmonicas, a thudding double bass, pounding drums, and their distinctive flat-pack honky-tonk piano, they tear through everything from riotous songs of questionable life choices to heart-worn ballads and modern sea shanties. Play your cards right, and you might even get invited for a waltz!

Fiercely independent, they self-record and self-release every track, working with friends, family and loved ones at every stage they bring a true DIY spirit to every stomp, shout, and sweaty encore.

For over 10 years they’ve stormed stages across the UK, from muddy festival fields to ram-packed city venues. And with three successful, self-promoted, nationwide tours behind them, this band unapologetically continues to hold two fingers up to those algorithm-friendly, over polished imitations and prove it’s still possible to play with heart, energy and personality.

Following the release of her critically acclaimed album “Gone to flowers”, Amy has teamed up
with two excellent musicians for live performances this summer. Sherida Katerina joins her on violin and Siubhan O’Neill on double bass, with both of them providing vocals to help create the sublime harmonies Amy’s recorded music is known for.
Amy loves to get the audience laughing and singing along with her one moment, and then
maybe shedding a little tear the next, so you can expect an eclectic selection of extraordinary
songs from the new album, alongside older favourites and some more traditional folk.
Her new album “Gone to flowers” was released in February 2026 and has been receiving
glowing reviews and radio play by a whole host of national and international folk DJs including
Mark Radcliffe on BBC Radio 2 and Frank Hennessy on BBC Radio Wales.

What started out as a drunken dare between a singer and a poet in a potting shed has evolved into a collective of musicians that have been writing, performing and recording together for over 10 years and gained a devoted local following.
Wimborne based folk-country-punk outfit The Two Man Travelling Medicine Show deliver a heady mix of acoustic ballads, stomping anthems, fairground-like melodies and socially aware lyrics. With catchy songs reflecting influences from Crosby Stills Nash and Young to Joy Division and a lineup of bass, guitars, banjo, mandola, violin, drums, percussion and 5-part vocal harmonies, the sound is big and mayhem is always close by.
As a FATEA magazine reviewer put it: ‘if you like The Levellers then this is your new favourite band’.

Tim Lacey has performed for many years as a bass player in original bands and song writing has always been an important part of his life.
He has now stepped out of his comfort zone, performing a set of newly written songs at events and open mics, gaining confidence as a singer/songwriter.
His music comes from the heart, powerful storytelling and life experience delivered with melodic enthusiasm. His first solo release ‘Flickering Candles’, released on 28th February 2025, tells of the
tragic story of ‘The Halsewell’ shipwreck off the Dorset coast from the perspective of a visiting scuba diver.
He’s currently recording and producing his first album to be released in the coming months and is actively out performing at local venues and events, his songs being well received.

The Time and Tide Theatre Group is a Dorset-based collective of musicians and performers who specialize in powerful folk-dramas interwoven with traditional tunes and songs. The group frequently performs in the Purbeck and wider Dorset area, bringing local history and literature to life.

‘Who's Afear'd’ tells stories of Dorset folk – fishermen, lifeboatmen, sailors, soldiers (and some women too) – who have gone beyond the call of duty and shown that in extremis, they were not 'afear'd'.

Following the success of last years ‘To Win the Day’ Time and Tide are back with their newest production ‘Who's Afear'd?’ having been most recently performed at the Wessex Festival.

‘Who's Afear'd’ is the official motto of the county of Dorset. The motto reflects the historical resilience and unyielding spirit of the people of Dorset, which has been demonstrated throughout history, including the bravery of the county's regiments in major conflicts.

Featuring Sophie Wright, Richard Wirdnam and Martin Stephen on guitar, accordion and vocals.

Step back to the seaside and meet the women history forgot. Before beach huts, before lidos, before swimming became a leisure pursuit for all, there were the Dippers: the working-class women who guided bathers into the sea, season after season, in all weathers.

Created by Michele O’Brien, Amy Rose and Teresa Grimaldi, The Dippers is an immersive free outdoor performance that brings these forgotten figures vividly back to life. A purpose-built replica small -scale bathing machine takes centre stage, surrounded by costumed characters, intricate puppetry, automata and music.

Rooted in community and shaped by local voices, this is a show for everyone — curious children, seaside nostalgists, and anyone who has ever stood at the water’s edge and wondered.

Free to attend. No tickets required. Just turn up and be swept in.

Whalers have been singing shanties for over 20 years and have gathered many loyal supporters on the way. We enjoy singing shanties in the way sailors would have done, with feeling and purpose. In so doing, we like to transport our audiences back to those great days of sail.
We perform regularly at festivals in this country and in France as well putting on concerts with a variety of themes. Recent concerts celebrating 200 years of the RNLI raised over £10,000 for this worthy cause. We sing for all occasions including weddings and funerals.
We also put on workshops for schools and other groups such as cubs and guides, encouraging them to sing, haul, scrub decks etc. We believe that learning should be fun whatever the age of our audience. So wherever you are, come and join us and have a good sing!