Guest nights at Bideford start at 8pm unless it says otherwise below – we advise you to arrive at 7:30 or thereabouts to be sure of a seat. They finish between 10:30 and 11. There’s no singaround on guest nights, support performers are invited in advance by the MC for the evening.
We don’t charge for tickets but we do pass the box round – please consider how much you might pay for a public concert and then contribute at least the cost of a drink. All club events are financed by the collections taken each week.
2018
John Conolly 19th April
John Conolly makes a welcome return to Bideford. John has been around the British folk scene since the early 60s, he has written many songs – particularly about the east coast herring fishing community of which “Fiddler’s Green” is probably the best known.
More recently John has written many love songs and has also taken to writing some outrageously funny ditties. He plays melodeon and guitar.
Readers will, I’m sure, need no introduction to John’s enthusiastic, involving and entirely accessible performing style and his enviable songwriting versatility is well showcased on this latest collection
Living Tradition
Johns facebook page
John singing Fiddler’s Green
Carolyn Robson and Iris Bishop 31st May
Carolyn Robson specialises in traditional songs (and dance). Most of her songs are from her native Northumberland bur she also sings Scottish songs and songs from other parts of the British Isles
Carolyn has recently teamed up with the fine accordionist and concertina player Iris Bishop.
FOLK IN THE CHAPEL with Carolyn Robson and Iris Bishop
This duo is very special – two accomplished performers who have come together to provide a mature and satisfying sound. It is good to hear Carolyn’s fine voice sensitively accompanied by Iris on concertina or piano accordion. The accompaniment is always appropriate and understated, although Iris is a virtuoso musician. Carolyn’s singing is rich, warm and often very moving. Their “All the Fine Young Men” was chockingly beautiful. Other songs ranged from traditional fare to the jazz favourite “Miss Otis Regrets” in a truly memorable performance. Do see them!
Denise Savage
Pete Coe June 14th
A welcome return to Bideford for one of Britain’s best-known folk musicians. Pete has been a professional musician for some 46 years but continues to be entertaining and innovative. He plays guitar, banjo, bouzouki, Appalachian dulcimer and melodion.
“Pete Coe in many ways represents the backbone of the modern folk revival. A fine solo performer and an energetic activist for the scene as well, founding Ryburn 3 Step, running folk clubs, dances and workshops in Ripponden and beyond while also teaching music and dancing in schools. He’s still one of the most committed, most versatile, most important folk artists in Britain.”
Colin Irwin MOJO
Pete performing The Last Dance
Pete’s website
Nick Dow July 19th
Nick has been singing and collecting traditional songs for over forty years. He has a particular interest in the music of travelling people. Nick is acknowledged as an expert in West Country folk song. He sings both unaccompanied and with guitar.
With his fine rich voice and superb guitar playing you will hear a great ballad singer of English traditional songs. His Latest CD “ My love you have won to keep” has had rave reviews.
Black Diamond Folk Club
Nick singing Just as the Tide Was Flowing
Wilson Family 6th September
The Wilson Family are a vocal harmony group that have been singing together for over forty years. Their repertoire is largely traditional material, mostly from the industrial North-East and songs of social comment written in the traditional idiom.
In September 2017, The Wilson Family were awarded the Gold Badge of the English Folk Dance & Song Society (EFDSS). It is the highest honour that the society can bestow.
See the Wilson Family singing The Big Steamers
The Wilson family website
Proper English 25th October
Proper English are a singing trio (and also a Barn Dance Band) performing traditional English songs with a lively and entertaining style. Between them they play Fiddle, concertinas, melodeon, cello, guitar and banjo.
Proper English at the FolkEast Festival
