The Holmfirth Festival of Folk 2018 will see international and Yorkshire performers with their varied acts in the Holme Valley, from 11th to 13th May. The festival has Morris, maypole and clog dancing and more than 50 live acts are to be hosted at concert venues and pubs.
The weekend will offer everything from international talents to local performers, from ceilidhs and a big procession to a programme of activities, aimed at young people and children. Alex Bywaters, the festival chairman, said there is something for everyone, as they have one of the most varied and best line-ups this time. Kaladra, the Norwegian band, will open the festival with Rob Sharp, the singer-songwriter, as these acts feature in the headlines on 11 May (Friday).
Of the 5 gigs ticketed, the Parish Church concert is one. Long-time festival supporter, Roger Davies, the singer-songwriter, will offer folk lovers on Saturday, songs from his band’s new album. On Sunday, musician and singer of jazz, blues and folk, French-born Flossie Malavialle, will perform with Keith Donnolly, at Holmfirth Civic Hall.
Saturday will see a procession in the afternoon of musicians and dancers, which will start at 3pm from Holmfirth Memorial Gardems and make its way to reach just after 4pm, the Victoria Park, where more than 20 dance sides will take part.
Popular bands of previous years have been recalled. For the first time, organisers have joined hands with Marsh Blues Club, to offer at the civic Hall, music by Flock of 3, The 844 and The Rusty Nails. A ceilidhs for families will be hosted on Sunday, 13 May, at Holmfirth Methodist Church at 2m. Another new ceilidh band Powerhouse will perform at the civic hall on Saturday at the civic hall.
Holmfirth has hosted folk festivals for 3 decades and the current one is the 13th festival, run by volunteers and as a non-profit concern. Alex Bywaters explains that there are a number of free events, but tickets are sold to recover costs. Those businesses in support of the festival will be displaying on their shop windows a sticker. For more info, go to the website – holmfirthfestivaloffolk.co.uk, or follow their Facebook page.
