The Festival is inspired by the folk song collecting of Sabine Baring-Gould (1834-1924) - one of the Victorian era's great social historical researchers, as well as novelist and hymn writer. more

Since its establishment in 1999, the Baring-Gould Folk Festival has developed a strong reputation for the wide range of traditional music and singing presented, as well as for its friendly and welcoming character.

Last year, the Festival moved into its new home, the delightful Devon town of Okehampton, enabling the programme to grow as well as to accommodate a developing fringe.

The Festival features national and international bands, singers and artists, and a host of Westcountry artists. There will be over 25 events taking place over the weekend, in a wide variety of comfortable venues all within easy walking distance in the centre of Okehampton.

Alongside Wren's home team of the best of Devon artists, including Marilyn Tucker & Paul Wilson, piping wizard David Faulkner, mandolin ace Matt Norman, delightful young vocalist Jackie Oates and the fiery fiddles of Nick Wyke & Becki Driscoll, this year's headliners include Dave Pegg (of Fairport Convention fame) & PJ Wright, the legendary Tyneside folk singer Louis Killen; ceilidh dance sensations Token Women, Keith Kendrick, Sos Cantores de Garteddi (Sardinian nine-voice harmony), Martin & Shan Graebe, Rough Music, Voices In Common, open song and music sessions in local bars and cafes,
and much more.

Alongside the programme of concerts, the popular Saturday Festival Feast, and of course the conker competition, there will be a ceilidh (folk dance), lectures in the Museum of Dartmoor Life, morris dancing, and other fringe activities, as well as instrumental, singing, morris and dance workshops for all ages, a guided walk on Dartmoor (courtesy of Okehampton Youth Hostel's outdoor pursuits experts), and a special steam train journey on the historic rolling stock of the Dartmoor Railway with music, song and dance.

Dates

Baring Gould Festival 24/10/2008 - 26/10/2008

Friday 20:00 - 22:30

Saturday 10:00 - 23:15

Sunday 09:00 - 22:30

Additional Images

Click to enlarge images below: