WORKSHOPS 2026
Here we are, a fantastic and diverse range of workshops: Education, Fun and Inspiration!
Saturday
Jim Crawford, Open Tuning Guitar Workshop
Steeples 10:00 to 10:50
Renowned blues guitarist, Jim Crawford, will provide an introduction to open tunings, concentrating on chord forms to use for song ideas with examples from well-known blues & folk standards
Katie Rockliff Family Singing Session
The Song House 10:00 to 11:00
A gentle singing start to the morning for all the family, Katie’s view is that the best way to encourage children and young people to love music and singing is to see their grown ups joining in and enjoying it. Simple harmonies and rounds will be learnt and repeated until everyone knows the songs, open to everyone across the generations.
The Rye Sisters Singing Workshop
Frontier Stage 10:30 to 11:30
Sue Pomeroy and Ishani Siriwardena lead one of their renowned singing workshops.
Tuneworks Beginners Workshop
Barleycorn Bar 11:00 to 12:00
Learn to play a few tunes slowly and with repetitions (need to know the notes of your instrument)
Matthew Byrne & Sherman Downey: Comparing Traditional & Contemporary Folk Music
Steeples 14:40 to 15:30
For his whole life Matthew Byrne has been immersed in the traditional songs of his native Newfoundland. Sherman Downey charms audiences with his songs of everyday life. Here, they’ll compare those two sides of folk and explore how they can coexist in a meaningful and impactful way.
Tuneworks Intermediate Workshop
The Song House 14:40 to 15:30
For people who know a few tunes, and would like to learn more, played at a steady pace and in sets.
Alice Jones & Bryony Griffith, A Cappella Harmony Workshop
The Song House 16:00 to 17:00
Yorkshire folk singers Bryony & Alice will guide you through an a cappella harmony arrangement of a traditional Yorkshire folk song. All voices welcome. No previous singing experience necessary.
Sunday
Matthew Byrne, The Songs of Newfoundland & Labrador
Steeples 10:00 to 10:50
Newfoundland and Labrador is known for its strong folk traditions many of which date back the early settlers that came over from England to work the migratory fishery. Matthew will explore how these songs and melodies remained true to their origins while developing their own attributes unique to the province.
Katie Rockliff Family Singing Session
The Song House 10:00 to 10:50
A gentle singing start to the morning for all the family, Katie’s view is that the best way to encourage children and young people to love music and singing is to see their grown ups joining in and enjoying it. Simple harmonies and rounds will be learnt and repeated until everyone knows the songs, open to everyone across the generations.
Black Umfolosi Harmony Singing Workshop
Frontier Stage 10:15 to 11:15
Black Umfolosi introduce participants to traditional Zimbabwean styles of harmony singing resulting in a rewarding and memorable experience.
Tuneworks Beginners Workshop
Barleycorn Bar 10:30 to 11:30
Learn to play a few tunes slowly and with repetitions (need to know the notes of your instrument)
Bryony Griffith Fiddle Workshop
Steeples 11:00 to 11:50
Renowned English fiddle player Bryony Griffith will teach an 18th century Yorkshire dance tune by ear, looking at technique, tone, ornamentation, style and drive. Notation can be provided. Intermediate level.
Stuart Green Shanty Singing Workshop
The Song House 11:00 to 12:00
Stuart ‘s shanty workshop is suitable for groups of all ages and is designed to teach a little history of shanties as well as having fun and singing along with some. It includes a variety of activities and group singing, but “it’s a singalong workshop, not a choral masterpiece!”
Alice Jones Body Percussion Workshop
Steeples 12:00 to 12:50
Learn the basic skills to turn yourself into a human drum machine! Working with stamps, taps, clicks and slaps you’ll create rhythms using your body as the only instrument. No previous experience is needed and all levels are welcome.
Black Umfolosi Gum Boot Workshop
Children’s/Dance Area 13:00 to 14:00
Come and have some fun and learn some traditional dance steps the Zimbabwean way and if you have your wellies with you bring them along!
“You just blew us away!! it was so much fun learning your brilliant moves and songs with you… we were taught by the best!” School children – Workshop in Cheshire.
Tuneworks Intermediate Workshop
The Song House 14:40 to 15:30
For people who know a few tunes, and would like to learn more, played at a steady pace and in sets.
Rennie Pearson Flute and Whistle Workshop
Steeples 16:30 to 17:20
An intermediate workshop for flute and whistle players who want to take their playing to the next level. The focus will be on bringing traditional Irish tunes to life through ornamentation, articulation, breath, phrasing, rhythm, and musical expression in a fun and relaxed environment.
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