English Folk Dance and Song Society
@efdss.bsky.social
The national organisation for folk music, song and dance in England. Based at Cecil Sharp House
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Morris Kit".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: London Pride Morris and Friends at Spread Eagle, Camden Town, Autumn 2025
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: London Pride Morris and Friends at Spread Eagle, Camden Town, Autumn 2025
November 11, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Morris Kit".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: London Pride Morris and Friends at Spread Eagle, Camden Town, Autumn 2025
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: London Pride Morris and Friends at Spread Eagle, Camden Town, Autumn 2025
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!
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.
The Library will be closed from 10 to 14 November
The Library will be closed for the whole week commencing Monday 10 November.
We will be open again on Saturday 15, 10.30am - 4pm.
Library staff will still be working during this period, so please continue to contact us by email.
The Library will be closed for the whole week commencing Monday 10 November.
We will be open again on Saturday 15, 10.30am - 4pm.
Library staff will still be working during this period, so please continue to contact us by email.
November 4, 2025 at 4:48 PM
The Library will be closed from 10 to 14 November
The Library will be closed for the whole week commencing Monday 10 November.
We will be open again on Saturday 15, 10.30am - 4pm.
Library staff will still be working during this period, so please continue to contact us by email.
The Library will be closed for the whole week commencing Monday 10 November.
We will be open again on Saturday 15, 10.30am - 4pm.
Library staff will still be working during this period, so please continue to contact us by email.
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Fools".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
November 4, 2025 at 9:43 AM
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Fools".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
However you mark the changing of the seasons; with Samhain, Punkie Night, Halloween, #Dusking or any other ritual event, wishing you cosy autumnal nights!
Image: Punkie Night, Hinton, October 1983, by Brian Shuel, the VWML collection.
Image: Punkie Night, Hinton, October 1983, by Brian Shuel, the VWML collection.
October 31, 2025 at 12:21 PM
However you mark the changing of the seasons; with Samhain, Punkie Night, Halloween, #Dusking or any other ritual event, wishing you cosy autumnal nights!
Image: Punkie Night, Hinton, October 1983, by Brian Shuel, the VWML collection.
Image: Punkie Night, Hinton, October 1983, by Brian Shuel, the VWML collection.
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
Our friends at the Traditional Song Forum are calling for papers on Women in Folk Song.
Get all the details here: tradsong.org/tsf-spring-c...
Get all the details here: tradsong.org/tsf-spring-c...
October 21, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Our friends at the Traditional Song Forum are calling for papers on Women in Folk Song.
Get all the details here: tradsong.org/tsf-spring-c...
Get all the details here: tradsong.org/tsf-spring-c...
Not long now until our Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs Conference
2 days of presentations on:
ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, and children’s songs.
8 & 9 Nov
bit.ly/4ol4a4J
2 days of presentations on:
ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, and children’s songs.
8 & 9 Nov
bit.ly/4ol4a4J
October 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Not long now until our Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs Conference
2 days of presentations on:
ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, and children’s songs.
8 & 9 Nov
bit.ly/4ol4a4J
2 days of presentations on:
ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, and children’s songs.
8 & 9 Nov
bit.ly/4ol4a4J
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.
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...
Following its hit first outing in 2024, our glittering social dance fusion event, Bhangra Ceilidh, is back by popular demand!
Sat 29 Nov
7pm-10pm
Book now: bit.ly/47iRN1E
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali
Sat 29 Nov
7pm-10pm
Book now: bit.ly/47iRN1E
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali
October 20, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Following its hit first outing in 2024, our glittering social dance fusion event, Bhangra Ceilidh, is back by popular demand!
Sat 29 Nov
7pm-10pm
Book now: bit.ly/47iRN1E
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali
Sat 29 Nov
7pm-10pm
Book now: bit.ly/47iRN1E
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali
Broadside Day 2026: Call for Papers.
We are inviting proposals of 20-minute presentations for the next Broadside Day conference, this time held at @sheffielduni.bsky.social with @cfrc-folklore.bsky.social
Deadline for submissions 1 December 2025
Find out more: bit.ly/3J47SQI
We are inviting proposals of 20-minute presentations for the next Broadside Day conference, this time held at @sheffielduni.bsky.social with @cfrc-folklore.bsky.social
Deadline for submissions 1 December 2025
Find out more: bit.ly/3J47SQI
October 17, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Broadside Day 2026: Call for Papers.
We are inviting proposals of 20-minute presentations for the next Broadside Day conference, this time held at @sheffielduni.bsky.social with @cfrc-folklore.bsky.social
Deadline for submissions 1 December 2025
Find out more: bit.ly/3J47SQI
We are inviting proposals of 20-minute presentations for the next Broadside Day conference, this time held at @sheffielduni.bsky.social with @cfrc-folklore.bsky.social
Deadline for submissions 1 December 2025
Find out more: bit.ly/3J47SQI
Our friends at @candocodance.bsky.social are running classes (between 20 Oct & 28 Nov) at Clod Ensemble, London. They invite disabled and non-disabled dancers to explore improvisation, and expand their movement practice.
Find out more and book your £5 tickets:
candoco.co.uk/events/compa...
Find out more and book your £5 tickets:
candoco.co.uk/events/compa...
October 16, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Our friends at @candocodance.bsky.social are running classes (between 20 Oct & 28 Nov) at Clod Ensemble, London. They invite disabled and non-disabled dancers to explore improvisation, and expand their movement practice.
Find out more and book your £5 tickets:
candoco.co.uk/events/compa...
Find out more and book your £5 tickets:
candoco.co.uk/events/compa...
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FROM EFDSS
At the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) we strive to create an open culture of belonging where everyone feels safe, represented and respected.
Folk is for Everyone.
At the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) we strive to create an open culture of belonging where everyone feels safe, represented and respected.
Folk is for Everyone.
October 7, 2025 at 12:12 PM
STATEMENT OF SOLIDARITY FROM EFDSS
At the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) we strive to create an open culture of belonging where everyone feels safe, represented and respected.
Folk is for Everyone.
At the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) we strive to create an open culture of belonging where everyone feels safe, represented and respected.
Folk is for Everyone.
📢We are searching for the next Artistic Director for the National Youth Folk Ensemble. 🎼
This is a freelance role for an exceptional folk music performer and educator to lead on the artistic vision of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Apply before 9am, Monday 17 November
bit.ly/3KtWdeh
This is a freelance role for an exceptional folk music performer and educator to lead on the artistic vision of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Apply before 9am, Monday 17 November
bit.ly/3KtWdeh
October 3, 2025 at 1:29 PM
📢We are searching for the next Artistic Director for the National Youth Folk Ensemble. 🎼
This is a freelance role for an exceptional folk music performer and educator to lead on the artistic vision of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Apply before 9am, Monday 17 November
bit.ly/3KtWdeh
This is a freelance role for an exceptional folk music performer and educator to lead on the artistic vision of the National Youth Folk Ensemble.
Apply before 9am, Monday 17 November
bit.ly/3KtWdeh
We're offering five Dance Mini Grants of £500 to support folk dance activity in England.
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support for new folk dance projects, or to diversify the audience for existing dance projects.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support for new folk dance projects, or to diversify the audience for existing dance projects.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
October 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM
We're offering five Dance Mini Grants of £500 to support folk dance activity in England.
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support for new folk dance projects, or to diversify the audience for existing dance projects.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support for new folk dance projects, or to diversify the audience for existing dance projects.
Apply now bit.ly/42jsCu6
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 11:20 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
Jo Sealy's exhibition The Black Artisans looks great on the walls of Cecil Sharp House
We're thrilled to be able to share with visitors to the House these powerful portraits of Black British craftspeople at work.
The exhibition closes on 11 October
Free entry
We're thrilled to be able to share with visitors to the House these powerful portraits of Black British craftspeople at work.
The exhibition closes on 11 October
Free entry
September 25, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Jo Sealy's exhibition The Black Artisans looks great on the walls of Cecil Sharp House
We're thrilled to be able to share with visitors to the House these powerful portraits of Black British craftspeople at work.
The exhibition closes on 11 October
Free entry
We're thrilled to be able to share with visitors to the House these powerful portraits of Black British craftspeople at work.
The exhibition closes on 11 October
Free entry
Morris Dancing classes start this evening!
Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break chat will be "Roots of Morris Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Morris with Taborers in St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough which dates from the 15th century like English Morris.
Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break chat will be "Roots of Morris Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Morris with Taborers in St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough which dates from the 15th century like English Morris.
September 23, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Morris Dancing classes start this evening!
Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break chat will be "Roots of Morris Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Morris with Taborers in St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough which dates from the 15th century like English Morris.
Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break chat will be "Roots of Morris Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Morris with Taborers in St John the Baptist Church, Peterborough which dates from the 15th century like English Morris.
Featuring captivating performances from five early-career Disabled artists from the latest cohort of the Drake Music Collective, the 2025 artist showcase is at Rich Mix, London or online, Friday 10 October.
Book your ticket now www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drake-musi...
Book your ticket now www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drake-musi...
September 19, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Featuring captivating performances from five early-career Disabled artists from the latest cohort of the Drake Music Collective, the 2025 artist showcase is at Rich Mix, London or online, Friday 10 October.
Book your ticket now www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drake-musi...
Book your ticket now www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/drake-musi...
Join the London Youth Folk Ensemble!
Come to our free Sampler Session at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social this Saturday.
You will need to:
-be aged 11 to 19 years old
-be able to play confidently on your own chosen instrument
-bring your own instrument
Find out more and book now bit.ly/43l4o3D
Come to our free Sampler Session at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social this Saturday.
You will need to:
-be aged 11 to 19 years old
-be able to play confidently on your own chosen instrument
-bring your own instrument
Find out more and book now bit.ly/43l4o3D
September 17, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Join the London Youth Folk Ensemble!
Come to our free Sampler Session at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social this Saturday.
You will need to:
-be aged 11 to 19 years old
-be able to play confidently on your own chosen instrument
-bring your own instrument
Find out more and book now bit.ly/43l4o3D
Come to our free Sampler Session at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social this Saturday.
You will need to:
-be aged 11 to 19 years old
-be able to play confidently on your own chosen instrument
-bring your own instrument
Find out more and book now bit.ly/43l4o3D
Jury announced for @soundrootsuk.bsky.social The Folk Album of the Year Award
@markradcliffe.bsky.social @juderogers.bsky.social Georgia Ruth, @robcowen.bsky.social John McCusker, @lynettefay.bsky.social Anna Massie, Philip King, Sam Hindley, Jo Frost, Alexandria Car and Becky Marshall-Potter.
@markradcliffe.bsky.social @juderogers.bsky.social Georgia Ruth, @robcowen.bsky.social John McCusker, @lynettefay.bsky.social Anna Massie, Philip King, Sam Hindley, Jo Frost, Alexandria Car and Becky Marshall-Potter.
September 17, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Jury announced for @soundrootsuk.bsky.social The Folk Album of the Year Award
@markradcliffe.bsky.social @juderogers.bsky.social Georgia Ruth, @robcowen.bsky.social John McCusker, @lynettefay.bsky.social Anna Massie, Philip King, Sam Hindley, Jo Frost, Alexandria Car and Becky Marshall-Potter.
@markradcliffe.bsky.social @juderogers.bsky.social Georgia Ruth, @robcowen.bsky.social John McCusker, @lynettefay.bsky.social Anna Massie, Philip King, Sam Hindley, Jo Frost, Alexandria Car and Becky Marshall-Potter.
Morris Dancing classes start next week
Tuesday evenings, 6.30pm - 8pm
Have fun with sticks and hankies! A fun and relaxed way to discover one of England’s most iconic dances
Book for just a single session, or save £25 by booking in advance for the whole term.
bit.ly/3HKPNX1
Tuesday evenings, 6.30pm - 8pm
Have fun with sticks and hankies! A fun and relaxed way to discover one of England’s most iconic dances
Book for just a single session, or save £25 by booking in advance for the whole term.
bit.ly/3HKPNX1
September 17, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Morris Dancing classes start next week
Tuesday evenings, 6.30pm - 8pm
Have fun with sticks and hankies! A fun and relaxed way to discover one of England’s most iconic dances
Book for just a single session, or save £25 by booking in advance for the whole term.
bit.ly/3HKPNX1
Tuesday evenings, 6.30pm - 8pm
Have fun with sticks and hankies! A fun and relaxed way to discover one of England’s most iconic dances
Book for just a single session, or save £25 by booking in advance for the whole term.
bit.ly/3HKPNX1
Applications for grants of £500 for folk artists to support anything that will help their professional career development.
Apply before midnight on 19 October.
bit.ly/4nm60RD
Image shows previous awardee Suntou Susso
Apply before midnight on 19 October.
bit.ly/4nm60RD
Image shows previous awardee Suntou Susso
September 11, 2025 at 4:28 PM
Applications for grants of £500 for folk artists to support anything that will help their professional career development.
Apply before midnight on 19 October.
bit.ly/4nm60RD
Image shows previous awardee Suntou Susso
Apply before midnight on 19 October.
bit.ly/4nm60RD
Image shows previous awardee Suntou Susso