Leigh Folk Festival 2018

June 11, 2018 by Katie Lawrence

It’s less than 2 weeks until Leigh Folk Festival returns again for its 27th year.

It is the time of year all Leigh folk treasure dearly, with every year getting bigger and better with an expected 20,000 vistors! It is the UK’s largest free folk festival, right on our doorstep. On the Saturday, events will be held at the Library Gardens, St Clement’s Church and other venues. On the Sunday head down to Old Leigh. With the lineup just released, it’s time to check out the bands and what’s going on from the 21st to the 24th June.

Free entry events

• This year, Leigh Folk Festival have partnered with Aidan Saunders of Print Wagon to create some brand new merchandise which will be available for purchase at the festival.
• There is an open mic competition on Saturday in St Clement’s Church with 16 performers going ahead to be titled the Leigh Folk Festival Open Mic Competition Winner 2018!
• If you fancy being captivated by some fun story telling, head down to St Clement’s Church on Friday at 8pm. Hannah Brailsford stories are suited for both young and old audiences so pop down and try something new.
• Comedian and folk singer Richard Digance, will be visiting us this year. Some musicians are returning this year for a second or third time including Stick in the Wheel, You Are Wolf and Doomed Bird of Providence.
• The Dagenham Girl Pipers are returning to the Folk Festival, and will be leading a procession on Sunday 24th. The female band, founded in 1930, will showcase traditional Scottish piping.
• With stages dotted all around Leigh Broadway and Old Leigh, there are over 150 musicians playing all day, so have a wander and see what you can find!
• Keep an eye out for an array of events, from traditional dancing such as morris, clog and rapper to contemporary like salsa, disco and belly-dancing. There will be craft, foodie and clothing stalls and poets, comedians and more to listen to.

Ticketed Events

Thursday 21st - Start the festival with some original music. El Rey kicks off the festival in Leigh Community Centre, accompanied by Doug Sure, Beckie Margaret and The Dirty Fairies. Tickets are £5 and can be purchased from this link http://music.leighfolkfestival.com/merch/el-rey-presents-leigh-folk-festival-opening-night

Friday 22nd - Southend YMCA are joining Leigh Folk Festival this year and are creating an album with music from the Trembling Bells, Robert Sunday, Circle/Temple, M.G.Boulter and Goodnight Crow. Music will begin at 7.15 at the Twenty One Café. Tickets can be purchased for £6 from this link http://music.leighfolkfestival.com/merch/a-place-to-dwell-launch-concert. Or £7 on the door.

Saturday 23rd - Alasdair Roberts, Amble Skuse, David McGuinness and the Emily Askew Band will be playing at St Clement’s Church from 6.30. Tickets are £12 and can be purchased from this link http://music.leighfolkfestival.com/merch/saturday-night-double-header-concert or £15 on the door.