Folk London magazine
@folklondon.co.uk
Features, reviews and listings for folk and roots music in and around London. Contributions and review CDs welcome – see http://folklondon.co.uk
Pinned
Folk London magazine
@folklondon.co.uk
· Sep 25
The new Folk London is back from the printers and going out to readers today. Featuring
• Our interview with Katie Spencer on her new album What Love Is
• Remembering Rita Cherriman: Croydon Folk Club’s new gig season
• News, reviews, listings and more
Buy here: folklondon.co.uk/product/octo...
• Our interview with Katie Spencer on her new album What Love Is
• Remembering Rita Cherriman: Croydon Folk Club’s new gig season
• News, reviews, listings and more
Buy here: folklondon.co.uk/product/octo...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Sat 29th Nov, 7pm start (doors 6.30pm): Drive The Cold Winter Away - album launch concert and ceilidh.
Singing songs from our new album, and more, then a ceilidh with music by The Horace Mouse Band.
Venue: St Paul's West Hackney, N16.
Tickets £12/£8/£7: www.tickettailor.com/events/morri...
Singing songs from our new album, and more, then a ceilidh with music by The Horace Mouse Band.
Venue: St Paul's West Hackney, N16.
Tickets £12/£8/£7: www.tickettailor.com/events/morri...
November 14, 2025 at 1:17 PM
Sat 29th Nov, 7pm start (doors 6.30pm): Drive The Cold Winter Away - album launch concert and ceilidh.
Singing songs from our new album, and more, then a ceilidh with music by The Horace Mouse Band.
Venue: St Paul's West Hackney, N16.
Tickets £12/£8/£7: www.tickettailor.com/events/morri...
Singing songs from our new album, and more, then a ceilidh with music by The Horace Mouse Band.
Venue: St Paul's West Hackney, N16.
Tickets £12/£8/£7: www.tickettailor.com/events/morri...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
One of my favourite regulars on @thequietus.com is deputy ed @paddyclarke.bsky.social's folk column, this month opening with fine reflections on a recent event devoted to Martin Carthy. Looking forward to digging into the ten contemporary selections that follow too:
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Radical Traditional: Folk Music for Autumn, by Patrick Clarke | The Quietus
The room that is now Dalston’s EartH Theatre first opened as a cinema in 1936, five years before the birth of Martin Carthy. In the decades since both man and room have endured swings in fortune. One ...
thequietus.com
November 12, 2025 at 12:53 PM
One of my favourite regulars on @thequietus.com is deputy ed @paddyclarke.bsky.social's folk column, this month opening with fine reflections on a recent event devoted to Martin Carthy. Looking forward to digging into the ten contemporary selections that follow too:
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
thequietus.com/quietus-revi...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
3 days to go til our 20th anniversary Big Boro Bash and my Dad has unearthed this hirsute beaut
November 12, 2025 at 4:25 PM
3 days to go til our 20th anniversary Big Boro Bash and my Dad has unearthed this hirsute beaut
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Here’s a glorious rendition of Hamish Henderson’s “Freedom Come-All-Ye”, sung by Karine Polwart in the Italian Chapel, Orkney. The chapel was built & decorated by Italian POWs during WW2 using scraps & reclaimed materials, & is still in use today
#song #folksong
9/10
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phu...
#song #folksong
9/10
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phu...
“Freedom Come All Ye” performed by Karine Polwart in The Italian Chapel, Orkney, August 2013.
YouTube video by Alan Ferrier
www.youtube.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Here’s a glorious rendition of Hamish Henderson’s “Freedom Come-All-Ye”, sung by Karine Polwart in the Italian Chapel, Orkney. The chapel was built & decorated by Italian POWs during WW2 using scraps & reclaimed materials, & is still in use today
#song #folksong
9/10
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phu...
#song #folksong
9/10
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Phu...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
New episode out now!!
S5/E4 – Roud 44: FAIR JANET
Historical Guest: Steve Roud
Singer guest: Peggy Seeger
Available from wherever you get your podcasts.
S5/E4 – Roud 44: FAIR JANET
Historical Guest: Steve Roud
Singer guest: Peggy Seeger
Available from wherever you get your podcasts.
November 6, 2025 at 4:13 PM
New episode out now!!
S5/E4 – Roud 44: FAIR JANET
Historical Guest: Steve Roud
Singer guest: Peggy Seeger
Available from wherever you get your podcasts.
S5/E4 – Roud 44: FAIR JANET
Historical Guest: Steve Roud
Singer guest: Peggy Seeger
Available from wherever you get your podcasts.
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Huge congratulations to Steve Roud on being awarded a honorary degree by The Open University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the study of folk song and culture!
November 6, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Huge congratulations to Steve Roud on being awarded a honorary degree by The Open University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the study of folk song and culture!
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Next Wed (12th Nov) join Isobel Jane Kimberley at The Harrison #kingscross #London for her EP launch - folkandroots.co.uk/isobel-jane-kimberley
Songwriter, guitarist, and the compelling frontwoman of alt folk rock band Bruise, She has long been a distinctive voice on the UK music scene.
Songwriter, guitarist, and the compelling frontwoman of alt folk rock band Bruise, She has long been a distinctive voice on the UK music scene.
November 5, 2025 at 2:42 PM
Next Wed (12th Nov) join Isobel Jane Kimberley at The Harrison #kingscross #London for her EP launch - folkandroots.co.uk/isobel-jane-kimberley
Songwriter, guitarist, and the compelling frontwoman of alt folk rock band Bruise, She has long been a distinctive voice on the UK music scene.
Songwriter, guitarist, and the compelling frontwoman of alt folk rock band Bruise, She has long been a distinctive voice on the UK music scene.
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Remember, Remember the 5th of November, with these photographs by Brian Shuel of 1980s bonfire activities.
Squibbing, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, November 1984, by Brian Shuel.
Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary, 5th November 1986, by Brian Shuel.
Squibbing, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, November 1984, by Brian Shuel.
Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary, 5th November 1986, by Brian Shuel.
November 5, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Remember, Remember the 5th of November, with these photographs by Brian Shuel of 1980s bonfire activities.
Squibbing, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, November 1984, by Brian Shuel.
Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary, 5th November 1986, by Brian Shuel.
Squibbing, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, November 1984, by Brian Shuel.
Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary, 5th November 1986, by Brian Shuel.
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Very sad news that Archie Fisher, who contributed so much to the Scottish folk music scene, has died … www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Folk musician and BBC presenter Archie Fisher dies aged 86
The singer, songwriter and guitarist had presented BBC Radio Scotland's Travelling Folk from 1983 to 2010.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 3, 2025 at 9:07 AM
Very sad news that Archie Fisher, who contributed so much to the Scottish folk music scene, has died … www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Hey there London people, next week the mighty Doc Rowe will be talking (and boy can he talk) about what he's been documenting in a life well spent. Any opportunity to hear Doc is highly recommended
Buy tickets – OffBeat Presents: An Evening with Doc Rowe – Walthamstow Trades Hall
OffBeat Presents: An Evening with Doc Rowe – Walthamstow Trades Hall, Mon 10 Nov 2025 - OffBeat is back at the Walthamstow Trades Hall for a very special event. On the 10th of November, we will be wel...
www.tickettailor.com
November 3, 2025 at 10:56 AM
Hey there London people, next week the mighty Doc Rowe will be talking (and boy can he talk) about what he's been documenting in a life well spent. Any opportunity to hear Doc is highly recommended
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Sat 29th Nov, 7pm start (doors 6.30pm): Drive The Cold Winter Away - album launch concert & ceilidh.
At St Paul's West Hackney (182 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7UE). Bar.
Tickets £12/£8/£7 available from buytickets.at/morrisfolkch....
Pre-order CDs at folklondon.co.uk/product/morr... or buy at gig.
At St Paul's West Hackney (182 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7UE). Bar.
Tickets £12/£8/£7 available from buytickets.at/morrisfolkch....
Pre-order CDs at folklondon.co.uk/product/morr... or buy at gig.
October 31, 2025 at 4:35 PM
Sat 29th Nov, 7pm start (doors 6.30pm): Drive The Cold Winter Away - album launch concert & ceilidh.
At St Paul's West Hackney (182 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7UE). Bar.
Tickets £12/£8/£7 available from buytickets.at/morrisfolkch....
Pre-order CDs at folklondon.co.uk/product/morr... or buy at gig.
At St Paul's West Hackney (182 Stoke Newington Rd, N16 7UE). Bar.
Tickets £12/£8/£7 available from buytickets.at/morrisfolkch....
Pre-order CDs at folklondon.co.uk/product/morr... or buy at gig.
Reposted by Folk London magazine
"Across the U.K., young people are finding joy in the revival of traditional cultural practices like ceilidh, Morris and barn dancing, and taking an increasing interest in Pagan customs—from celebrating the solstice to wassailing."
i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
Meet the Kids Bringing Back Pagan Britain
From Morris dancers in Day-Glo to TikTok troubadours and stone-circle pilgrimages, a new generation is rediscovering Britain’s folk traditions—but how are they resisting the trap of nationalism?
i-d.co
October 31, 2025 at 11:56 AM
"Across the U.K., young people are finding joy in the revival of traditional cultural practices like ceilidh, Morris and barn dancing, and taking an increasing interest in Pagan customs—from celebrating the solstice to wassailing."
i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Last chance to apply for a £500 Dance Mini Grant
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support to embark on a new folk dance project or develop something new.
Deadline: Monday 10 November 2025, 5pm.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support to embark on a new folk dance project or develop something new.
Deadline: Monday 10 November 2025, 5pm.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
October 30, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Last chance to apply for a £500 Dance Mini Grant
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support to embark on a new folk dance project or develop something new.
Deadline: Monday 10 November 2025, 5pm.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support to embark on a new folk dance project or develop something new.
Deadline: Monday 10 November 2025, 5pm.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
Reposted by Folk London magazine
GET HIPPO’D
🦛
🦛
Can’t get this out of my head after hearing it on the radio @elizacarthy.bsky.social and @jonboden.bsky.social will be on tour soon
m.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ae...
m.youtube.com/watch?v=S5ae...
I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas
YouTube video by Eliza Carthy - Topic
m.youtube.com
October 25, 2025 at 6:07 PM
GET HIPPO’D
🦛
🦛
Missed the anniversary of his death but here, from the Dec-Jan 1989-90 mag, is our obit of the great Ewan MacColl, by the much-missed John White: “Ewan swung a good sharp axe all his life – against the “dead trees” of poverty and hardship, injustice and oppression¨
folklondon.co.uk/2025/10/from...
folklondon.co.uk/2025/10/from...
From the archive: Ewan MacColl, 1915-1989 - Folk London
Folk London normally lists around 40 Folksong clubs around the Greater London area and there are hundreds more up and down the country. But anyone aged forty or over can remember a time before the Fol...
folklondon.co.uk
October 25, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Missed the anniversary of his death but here, from the Dec-Jan 1989-90 mag, is our obit of the great Ewan MacColl, by the much-missed John White: “Ewan swung a good sharp axe all his life – against the “dead trees” of poverty and hardship, injustice and oppression¨
folklondon.co.uk/2025/10/from...
folklondon.co.uk/2025/10/from...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Come celebrate Nancy Kerr and @jamesfagan.bsky.social's 30th anniversary at this special gig looking back at their life together in music.
The duo combine stunning vocals and stellar instrumentation on fiddle, guitar and bouzouki with Nancy's poetic lyrics.
Sat 15 Nov bit.ly/3TQEmji
The duo combine stunning vocals and stellar instrumentation on fiddle, guitar and bouzouki with Nancy's poetic lyrics.
Sat 15 Nov bit.ly/3TQEmji
Nancy Kerr and James Fagan
“The telepathic and sympathetic interplay of Kerr and Fagan never fails to amaze” - Pay the Reckoning
bit.ly
October 24, 2025 at 3:10 PM
Come celebrate Nancy Kerr and @jamesfagan.bsky.social's 30th anniversary at this special gig looking back at their life together in music.
The duo combine stunning vocals and stellar instrumentation on fiddle, guitar and bouzouki with Nancy's poetic lyrics.
Sat 15 Nov bit.ly/3TQEmji
The duo combine stunning vocals and stellar instrumentation on fiddle, guitar and bouzouki with Nancy's poetic lyrics.
Sat 15 Nov bit.ly/3TQEmji
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Earlier this year, we announced to members our proposal to change our name from the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) to Folk England.
We want to welcome a new and wider range of people to the world of folk arts, and we know our current name acts as a hinderance to this.
We want to welcome a new and wider range of people to the world of folk arts, and we know our current name acts as a hinderance to this.
October 21, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Earlier this year, we announced to members our proposal to change our name from the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) to Folk England.
We want to welcome a new and wider range of people to the world of folk arts, and we know our current name acts as a hinderance to this.
We want to welcome a new and wider range of people to the world of folk arts, and we know our current name acts as a hinderance to this.
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Happy Apple Day! Here is an apple themed song collected by Cecil Sharp from children at Langford School in 1911: "Rosy apple, lemon pear, a wreath of roses she shall wear.
Gold and silver by her side, I don’t know who will be her bride" archives.vwml.org/records/CJS2...
Gold and silver by her side, I don’t know who will be her bride" archives.vwml.org/records/CJS2...
October 21, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Happy Apple Day! Here is an apple themed song collected by Cecil Sharp from children at Langford School in 1911: "Rosy apple, lemon pear, a wreath of roses she shall wear.
Gold and silver by her side, I don’t know who will be her bride" archives.vwml.org/records/CJS2...
Gold and silver by her side, I don’t know who will be her bride" archives.vwml.org/records/CJS2...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Folk and acoustic musicians! I'm excited to be part of a brilliant panel for this new folk album of the year prize, and am very heartened by everything @soundrootsuk.bsky.social are doing towards it. Entries are pouring in, but you can enter too. Read more here: www.soundroots.uk/folk-album-o...
Folk Album Of The Year Award 2025 | Sound Roots
www.soundroots.uk
October 20, 2025 at 10:43 AM
Folk and acoustic musicians! I'm excited to be part of a brilliant panel for this new folk album of the year prize, and am very heartened by everything @soundrootsuk.bsky.social are doing towards it. Entries are pouring in, but you can enter too. Read more here: www.soundroots.uk/folk-album-o...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
with your help we can change this
People are always rightly pointing out that Warhammer contributes more to the British economy than the fishing industry, but the problem is that there just aren't very many folk songs about Warhammer
August 15, 2025 at 12:58 PM
with your help we can change this
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Please lend your ear to our tribute to Danny Thompson. Here for you now….
www.mixcloud.com/Jimbobfagan/...
www.mixcloud.com/Jimbobfagan/...
TGIF 03.10.25 DANNY THOMPSON 1939-2025 TRIBUTE
We pay homage to the master, Danny Thompson - one of the most talented, recognisable and humble musicians to ever grace our lifetimes. A special extended mix with highlights from his long career, with...
www.mixcloud.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Please lend your ear to our tribute to Danny Thompson. Here for you now….
www.mixcloud.com/Jimbobfagan/...
www.mixcloud.com/Jimbobfagan/...
This is a few years old and needs an update (coming soon...), but: we wrote a roundup of community choirs in London
folklondon.co.uk/2021/11/sing...
folklondon.co.uk/2021/11/sing...
October 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
This is a few years old and needs an update (coming soon...), but: we wrote a roundup of community choirs in London
folklondon.co.uk/2021/11/sing...
folklondon.co.uk/2021/11/sing...
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Next Monday (6th Oct) join Jon Wilks at Green Note #camden #London - £15 Adv - limited capacity - folkandroots.co.uk/jon-wilks
A much-admired fingerpicking folk guitarist and singer in the Martin Carthy/Martin Simpson vein.
youtu.be/qDLt71VReGw
A much-admired fingerpicking folk guitarist and singer in the Martin Carthy/Martin Simpson vein.
youtu.be/qDLt71VReGw
Montagu Whaler | Jon Wilks (Official Video)
YouTube video by Jon Wilks
youtu.be
September 29, 2025 at 1:21 PM
Next Monday (6th Oct) join Jon Wilks at Green Note #camden #London - £15 Adv - limited capacity - folkandroots.co.uk/jon-wilks
A much-admired fingerpicking folk guitarist and singer in the Martin Carthy/Martin Simpson vein.
youtu.be/qDLt71VReGw
A much-admired fingerpicking folk guitarist and singer in the Martin Carthy/Martin Simpson vein.
youtu.be/qDLt71VReGw
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Calling all callers for the social folk dance census!
We are conducting a census to find out more about social folk dance callers in the 21st century. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, or just call occasionally for fun, we want to hear from you!
subscribepage.io/jOCE8E
We are conducting a census to find out more about social folk dance callers in the 21st century. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, or just call occasionally for fun, we want to hear from you!
subscribepage.io/jOCE8E
September 29, 2025 at 11:21 AM
Calling all callers for the social folk dance census!
We are conducting a census to find out more about social folk dance callers in the 21st century. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, or just call occasionally for fun, we want to hear from you!
subscribepage.io/jOCE8E
We are conducting a census to find out more about social folk dance callers in the 21st century. Whether you’re a seasoned expert, or just call occasionally for fun, we want to hear from you!
subscribepage.io/jOCE8E
Reposted by Folk London magazine
Morris Folk Club for September is on this Tuesday, 30th, 7.30pm-10.30pm(ish), at The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell. Free entry.
What it's like: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/folk-club.....
What we did last time: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/club-setli....
Come, sing, play, listen, enjoy!
What it's like: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/folk-club.....
What we did last time: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/club-setli....
Come, sing, play, listen, enjoy!
www.morrisfolkchoir.org
September 27, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Morris Folk Club for September is on this Tuesday, 30th, 7.30pm-10.30pm(ish), at The Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Road, Clerkenwell. Free entry.
What it's like: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/folk-club.....
What we did last time: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/club-setli....
Come, sing, play, listen, enjoy!
What it's like: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/folk-club.....
What we did last time: www.morrisfolkchoir.org/p/club-setli....
Come, sing, play, listen, enjoy!