Tim Royce and Steve Songi
The Bicton Inn 5 Bicton Street, Exmouth EX8 2RU
5.00pm.
Go to Bicton Inn website for more information
Acoustic guitar & vocals plus double bass - country, folk, blues and ballads - mellow to rocking. Tim and Steve stamp their own unique sound onto a huge repertoire ranging from Elvis to Elton, James Taylor to Jimi, Simon & Garfunkel to the Stones, Nick Drake to Dylan, and loads more too numerous to fit in here... Why be anywhere else?

An evening of stories, reflecting the season that brings tales of the Other World closer to our own. Join us for home-cooked supper followed by stories at the fireside. Sharon Jacksties has been telling traditional tales of wonder and delight for over 25 years. Working here and abroad, she has been happy telling stories to all ages in venues that vary from bus shelters to the National Theatre. She shares stories from all over the world, some of which have never been heard on these islands before. Sharon is also the author of ‘Somerset Folk Tales’, Somerset being her adopted county.
Joining Sharon will be students from her ‘Adventures in Storytelling’ course, so come and join in a feast of storytelling.
For more information and tickets go to website

Paul Hutchinson and Paul Sartin return to Halsway with their annual festive show – Christmas starts here! Belshazzars’ Feast start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, sprinkle over a few TV and movie themes, and top it off lashings of laughs for a unique live experience.
Paul Hutchinson (accordion) and Paul Sartin (oboe, violin and vocals), “one of folk’s odd couples”, have for nearly 25 years wowed audiences around Europe, The States and Australia, with virtuoso musicianship tempered by wry humour. Belshazzar’s Feast have appeared live with Claire Balding (BBC Radio 2), Cerys Matthews (BBC 6 Music), on In Tune (Radio 3), and on St George’s Day 2018 they were guest musicians on BBC Radio 2’s The Chris Evans Breakfast Show.
For more information and tickets go to website

St Agnes Fountain

St. Agnes Fountain are about to embark on their 18th sell out Christmas tour.

Since the group’s first recording of the eponymous St Agnes Fountain album in 2001, founder member David Hughes, Fairport Convention's Chris Leslie and BBC Folk Awards Best Duo 2009, Chris While and Julie Matthews, have brought musical invention and laughter to the star-dust atmosphere of the season. They have now released twelve treasured albums; eight studio albums and two live CDs as well as a couple of ‘Best Of’ albums, but it is, without question their magical live performances that have endeared them to an ever-growing audience (tickets were actually being sold for this year's tour as the curtains fell last year)

They hope to bring you this December, more of their sparkling musicianship, humour and heartfelt renditions of your favourite Christmas tunes both original and those you know so well (or thought you did!).

Widely regarded as two of the best players, innovators and performers in traditional folk amongst a gifted generation, Archie (accordion) and Tom’s (fiddle) finely-crafted arrangements wield a rare potency.

Whilst borrowing from English and other European traditional dance music, Moore and Moss have their heads firmly in the present, understanding the values of contemporary music.

The distinct pulse, energy and group intuition of traditional music haunts their playing as they continue to push the creative boundaries for English instrumental music; listening and responding to the world around them as much as their musical ancestors.

“Two of England’s most remarkable young musicians. An inherent understanding of traditional forms played out with an entirely contemporary attitude to soundscape. Very impressive.” Martin Green (Lau)

Show of Hands

Adult £26.50, Under 21 £13.50
For more information and tickets and accessible seats telephone 01404 384050 or go to website
Show of Hands fans rejoice as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, two undisputed kings of the folk, roots and acoustic scene reunite with long-term collaborator Miranda Sykes for a brand-new album and tour. And there’s more, because the trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne who returns with his infectious rhythms by popular demand. There are no support acts on this tour, and instead during the opening set each musician will introduce themselves and play in six unique duo combinations where literally anything could happen! This will be an evening spent immersed in the talents of some of the most accomplished musicians of their time, and is not to be missed. Steve says, “With the heartbeat and harmonies that Cormac and Miranda add, we are at last creating a sound we’ve dreamed of making for twenty-five years!”. The album and tour promise infectious new songs and a sound with more depth and intensity than ever before.

Christmas Special. History through the contemporaneous thoughts (and voices) of ordinary people. We will explore our history via folk songs from Jim Causley, an English folk singer, songwriter and musician from Devon who specializes in the traditional songs and music of the West Country. Born in Exeter, he is a relative of the Cornish poet Charles Causley.

Described by Mojo Magazine as "the finest singer of his generation", Causley grew up in the heart of Cider Country, an area rich in traditional music with its thriving wassailing tradition and its close proximity to Sidmouth and Dartmoor folk festivals.  

Seth Lakeman with special guest Winter Mountain

Charismatic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman recorded and released his acclaimed, ninth solo album The Well Worn Path on a short break from his whirlwind world tour with rock legend Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters in 2018 & 2019.  Seth has been touring around the world for the last year with Robert Plant, playing as part of his band and also opening shows with his own set.

Having spent the summer continuing his tour with Rober Plant and playing a number of festivals with his band Seth is now embarking on a solo tour and choosing to play these shows in intimate art centres in towns that he has not visited for a long time. We are delighted to welcome to the Beehive with this solo show.

Since the Mercury Prize nominated “Kitty Jay” (recorded in his kitchen for £300) and the follow-up gold selling “Freedom Fields” Seth Lakeman has relentlessly pushed his musical boundaries and those of folk and roots music. The Well Worn Path is a return to a no-nonsense, organic, classic folk-rock approach with hints of Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Nick Cave and Billy Bragg. Plus Lakeman’s trademark foot-stomping, fiddle bow-shredding and soaring vocals.

The Finn Collinson Band
The Plough@StAnne's, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple EX31 1SX
8.00pm
Tickets Full £10.00 - Supporter £8.00. To reserve tickets telephone the Box Office on 01805 624624. To purchase tickets and more information visit website
Finn Collinson is a recorder player and folk musician from East Anglia. Still in his early 20s, he is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the foremost exponents of the recorder on the English folk scene, performing at folk clubs, venues and major festivals including The Sidmouth Folk Festival, Broadstairs Folk Week and FolkEast.
During the summer and autumn, Finn is embarking on a nationwide tour to launch his new album CALL TO MIND. Released in September 2019, the album is a diverse and creative exploration of the contemporary folk genre, with exciting and sensitive arrangements of traditional and contemporary tunes and songs. Captivating the listener from the first breath, the album showcases the recorder in new and exciting instrumental contexts, with beautifully reflective airs and vibrant tunes. Add to this the expressive tone of Finn’s vocals, his dynamic guitar style and the energy of a full band, the album takes you on an unexpected journey of musical storytelling.
Finn will be joined on-stage by his full band, featuring the powerful rhythm section of Jonno Gaze (drums, percussion) and Tom Leader (guitar, double bass) alongside strikingly distinctive oboe and vocals from Emma Beach.
With music that will make you both pause for reflection and dance in the aisles, an evening with Finn Collinson is sure to enthral audiences with its energy and diversity.

Christmas Frolics with The Mellstock Band

The Mellstock Band return to Halsway Manor with a new Christmas and Album. An uproarious celebration of dance, drink and general misbehaviour as carried on at Christmas in many villages until about a hundred years ago – along with sobering admonitions from puritans, parsons and angels. The band perform in period costume with a mix of early and modern instruments. The stories and poems come from Dorset stalwarts Thomas Hardy and William Barnes. Hardy’s family were themselves musicians and collectors of folks song and dance manuscripts. These dance traditions were central to Christmas celebrations alongside the ancillary activities of drinking, singing and revelry. Alongside this are carols dedicated to dancing, bell-ringing and cider, and the Devil’s own tunes, with parsons and preachers caught in the crossfire. The Mellstock Band are running a musicians weekend workshop.
For more information and tickets go to website

Show of Hands

Adult £26.50, Under 21 £13.50

Show of Hands

Adult £26.50, Under 21 £13.50
Show of Hands fans rejoice as Steve Knightley and Phil Beer, two undisputed kings of the folk, roots and acoustic scene reunite with long-term collaborator Miranda Sykes for a brand-new album and tour. And there’s more, because the trio is expanding to include master percussionist Cormac Byrne who returns with his infectious rhythms by popular demand. There are no support acts on this tour, and instead during the opening set each musician will introduce themselves and play in six unique duo combinations where literally anything could happen! This will be an evening spent immersed in the talents of some of the most accomplished musicians of their time, and is not to be missed. Steve says, “With the heartbeat and harmonies that Cormac and Miranda add, we are at last creating a sound we’ve dreamed of making for twenty-five years!”. The album and tour promise infectious new songs and a sound with more depth and intensity than ever before.

‘Space Oddity’, ‘Suspicious Minds’, ‘Pinball Wizard’, ‘Whole Lotta Love’, ‘Come Together’ - 1969 could easily be said to be a vintage year for music, the end of a decade that changed the world and the introduction to one that would prove equally inspirational. It would also see the birth of a band that would start as an idea to electrify traditional music and would go on to become one of the most enduring stories in the folk world and beyond.

Fifty years on and Steeleye Span are set to mark this incredible milestone with new album EST’D 1969 and a tour that will celebrate a band that are as creative and vital now as ever. Led by the iconic Maddy Prior, the seven-piece line-up will draw on the group’s incredible history to provide a night of favourites and surprises from down the decades.

Haunt the Woods
B-Bar, Barbican Theatre, Castle Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2NJ
8.00pm
Admission £8.00
Telephone 01752 242021 or visit website or FaceBook for more information
Haunt the Woods are an exciting Prog Rock/Folk band from Cornwall, with a new and unique sound incorporating an eclectic blend of soaring vocals, beautiful melodies and spellbinding guitar, combined with 4 part vocal harmonies making the heartfelt and emotional lyrics extremely powerful.

Yuletide! A Tudor Christmas with Piva.

Join us for a night celebration as we welcome back ‘Piva – The Renaissance Collective’ for their every popular Christmas show.  Seasonal music, songs and traditions of the past played for today. Piva are one of this country’s leading early music ensembles. Playing throughout the UK and Europe they have gained a strong reputation for their lively performances and entertaining shows.

So come and let Piva ease you into the Christmas spirit by celebrating the Yuletide season Tudor style. Dancing, music, feasting, parties and games were part and parcel of a 16th century Christmas, much as they are today, so Piva will be your guide playing festive music on a wide range of instruments typical of the Tudor period.
For more information and tickets go to website

Tamar Valley Male Voice Choir A Candlelight Christmas Concert.
St Peter’s Church, Ugborough
7.30pm
Tickets: adults £10.00 (includes a glass of mulled wine/cider and a mince pie), U12 £5.00, in support of St. Peter’s Church Funds. Tickets available from Stafford & Susan Williams 01752 896528 or Jeremy Wells 01364 72180, or on door.

World Unlimited -Knight & Spiers + support Estuary Bells
St Mary's Parish Church, Kingskerswell TQ12 5LD
Doors 7.00pm - Start 7.30pm
Tickets £15.00+ advance from WeGotTickets Go to website for more information, telephone 01803 875527 or email
Knight & Spiers ~ A Concert of Seasonal Music from the English Tradition…and Beyond. These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing, and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time. This very special concert will feature lesser known carols, tunes and wassails from the English tradition and beyond. The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage.

World Unlimited is a voluntary not-for-profit organisation. Telephone 01803 875527 or email
Originally based in Birmingham, WU now regularly promotes concerts in South Devon. Go to website for more information

Folk Concert with Ian Bruce support from established local duo, ‘Silvington’ (Tricia Moore and John O’Connor).
South Brent Village Hall
7.30pm (doors open 7.00pm).
Tickets £12.00 on the door or £10.00 in advance from artworks. For more information telephone Elaine on 07834 439219 and see: www.ianbruce.org/.
Ian Bruce is a Scottish Singer songwriter with a wonderful voice and great guitar style, known for his own beautifully crafted compositions, his renditions of Robert Burns’ songs and other folk classics, presented with raw emotion and backed up by a joyful and interactive relationship with his audience. He is one of the best-known faces on the Scottish folk scene and a fine ambassador for the Scottish singer/songwriter genre in Europe and beyond. Apart from his solo work, he is half of the duo ‘Bruce & Walker’ and a member of ‘Auld Hat New Heids’ and ‘Bruce, Besch & Bramkamp’.

Totnes Early Music Society -

In Norway, the Lussinatten festival celebrates the longest night of the year. Legend has it that Lussi, a feared enchantress, punishes anyone who dares to work and, from Lussinatten until Christmas, spirits, gnomes and trolls roam the earth. Celebrate The Longest Night with devilish tunes, ancient Norwegian and English folk carols and other festive musical treats!

Peter Knight & John Spiers

A welcome return for the inspiring duo that is Peter Knight and John Spiers. Peter Knight, legendary violinist and ex-member of folk-rock band Steeleye Span pairs up with leading melodeon player and ex-Bellowhead member, John Spiers, now part of the Gigspanner Big Band.
The pairing of violin and melodeon is not a new one, but in the hands of Knight and Spiers, improvisation and invention meet the listener at every turn. Together they have created a musical document that resonates with history, but also something that should inspire future generations of musicians to engage with Britain’s folk dancing heritage, and the beautiful, mysterious tunes that can be found within that heritage.
These uniquely gifted musicians make a sublime pairing and create a live performance to be remembered for a long time.
This very special concert will feature lesser known carols, tunes and wassails from the English tradition and beyond.

“There can be no doubting that both performers are amongst the most, if not the most, talented of their peers.” Fatea Magazine

Enjoy a 1 hour afternoon recital by harper and singer Steph West. Steph has a particular love of clarsach/folk harp and incorporates traditional English and Irish music into her repertoire. She will also prepare some seasonal music for this special concert.
For more information and tickets go to website

Mad Dog Mcrea

blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. During 2019 Mad Dog Mcrea will be in the studio recording a new album.

The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard

Mad Dog Mcrea

Well, it wouldn't be Christmas without them!

Mad Dog Mcrea blend a unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music. From self-penned songs of adventure, drinking, love and life, to traditional songs of gypsies, fairies, legless pirates and black flies – Mad Dog never fail to capture their audience with their infectious songs. In constant demand and having played just about every festival and two-bit, jibe-arsed dive in Christendom, Mad Dog Mcrea are, in every sense of the word, a live, band.

Matched with the unshakable dedication of their massive and “loyal-to-the-hilt”, fan base – Mad Dog Mcrea are more than just a very popular, festival act – with five albums under their belts, they are serious and acclaimed recording artists too. During 2019 Mad Dog Mcrea will be in the studio recording a new album and looking to celebrate with their end of the year tour.
The famous purple happy bus is fired up and ready for action, and there’s room for you – jump aboard!

A dinner-dance, folk style! Enjoy a delicious home-cooked supper followed by light-hearted country dancing. All welcome, including those new to country dance. Jane Thomas (caller) leads the dancing with musicians Gareth Kiddier & Linda Game – better known as The English Contra Dance Band.
For more information and tickets go to website

New Year's Eve Ceilidh with Mooncoin Ceilidh Band - Caller Anne Gill.
Strand Centre, 32 The Strand, Dawlish EX7 9PT
8.00pm - 12.15am
Ticket £12.50, advance only, from Anne Gill telephone 01803 290427.
No bar, BYO drinks and food to share. In aid of Teignmouth Folk Festival.