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Charnwood Borough Council
Arts Council England
The Association of Festival Organisers

Workshops and Special Events

Confirmed so far...

Saturday

In conversation with...John Kirkpatrick

Derek Schofield talks to one of folk's living legends. Veteran of bands such as Brass Monkey and Steeleye Span, with a solo career that has seen him hailed as one of England's leading squeezebox players, John has a lot of tales to tell! There will be reminiscences, laughs - and maybe a song or two.

Accordion masterclass with Paul Hutchinson

Paul is acknowledged as one of the leading exponents of the accordion, possessing a refreshingly original style. This workshop is suitable for intermediate to advanced players.

Care of the Voice with Shan Graebe

The human voice is a wonderful instrument that needs to be cared for if it is to work well. In this illustrated session you will hear about those things that protect and help your voice, as well as those things which should be avoided. There will be time for questions and open discussion within the group.

Finding Out About Folk Song with Martin Graebe

For people who want to know more about the origins of the songs that they sing. Martin will suggest ways of going about folk song research and key sources of information.

In conversation with...Vic and Viv Legg

Derek Schofield talks to the children of reknowned Traveller singer Sophie Legg. Both respected singers in their own right, Vic and Viv will share stories, songs, and memorabilia from their family's singing and travelling tradition.

Beginner's clog with Hannah James of Kerfuffle

Former Fosbrook and Lancashire and Cheshire Junior Clog Champion, these days Hannah dances with both Kerfuffle and the Demon Barber Road show.

Beginner's melodeon with Joe O'Connor of Last Orders

Joe is the great young melodeon player from BBC Young Folk Award-winning band Last Orders. An introduction to the instrument for newcomers young and old.

Doc Rowe: The Copper Collection

An exclusive showing of Doc Rowe's films of the Copper family.

Sunday

America over the Water

Shirley Collins's wonderful audio-visual show about her folk song collecting, with Alan Lomax, in the southern states of America.

In conversation with...Martin Carthy

Martin Carthy's singing and playing has influenced generations of musicians and fans. One of the greatest talents - and nicest people - in folk will talk to Colin Irwin about a career that has spanned four decades and encompassed many of folk's seminal moments.

In conversation with...Maggie Holland

One of England's finest songwriters talks to Notts Alliance's Chris Orme about her career and approach to her craft.

The folk song collecting of Percy Granger in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire singer and folk song expert Brian Dawson will give a revealing insight into Percy Grainger's collecting. Brian's talks are well known, and a much-anticipated feature of many festivals.

Harmony workshop with Crucible

Improve your harmony singing in an enjoyable and informal session with one of England's finest traditional bands.

Cotswold Morris workshop

With Oli Matthews of Dogrose Morris. Dogrose is comprised of some of the best Cotswold morris dancers from across the country. Oli will help you to learn the basics, or brush up your technique.

What About the Kids?

This year, there's lots to do for both children and young people. Ray and Bev Langton bring us their wonderful Cuckoo Crafts to entertain young hands and minds with fun, varied craft and music activities. Ray and Bev provide children's activities at folk festivals like Towersey and Oxford, and we're delighted to welcome them to Loughborough.

Young musicians aged 12+ are in for a treat, as Shooting Roots will be on hand to provide workshops in music and song. Shooting Roots' tutors are some of the best young musicians around, many of whom have graced the mainstages of the leading festivals and venues in the UK. Their recent folk summerschool here at the Town Hall was a great success, and we can't wait for them to return!

And we're also pleased to welcome back the best storyteller in the whole world, Taffy Thomas. No matter what your age, his stories, drawn from the magnificent Tale Coat, will enthral and delight you.