WELCOME TO THE OXFORD FOLK FESTIVAL

Seventh Heaven!

Fantastic developments engulf Oxford Folk Festival as we enter our seventh year. We are delighted to announce that John Spiers and Jon Boden are joining June Tabor as patrons of the Festival – it seems only fitting, since these two home-grown superstars have conquered the world of English folk!

John and Jon will kick off events at the Town Hall on Friday with the barnstorming Bellowhead. On Saturday, the exquisite Cara Dillon tops the roster; winner of 'Album of the Year' at the 2010 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. On Sunday, thrill to the Warsaw Village Band, propelling European roots music from the ancient to the future; and to the uniquely gifted Chris Wood, awesome and intimate in drawing out the timeless quality of English folk. The Town Hall will also host our real ale bar and craft fair.

Invaluable support from the Performing Rights Society Foundation will enable us to expand our tradition of creative music-making. The Cornbury Stage is the place to enjoy some of the most adventurous local artists, hosting no fewer than 27 acts. Lively and varied, the fare ranges from new interpreters of old traditions, to gypsy burlesque and raucous young upstarts ripping up the rulebook!

In 2010 we start an exciting new relationship with Oxford University’s Faculty of Music and the Bate Collection. The building, housing one of the world’s finest instrument collections, will host family activities for the over 7s, including hands-on workshops. Don't miss the chance to explore the incredible Javanese Gamelan!

The superb Oxford Castle – a cherished long-term supporter – hosts free entertainment with more morris than you can shake a stick at and a marquee stage for all-comers – just sign up! Children’s activities for the under-7s are next door at County Hall. Our grand parade departs the Castle at 11am Saturday.

This year we embrace poetry and spoken word with Broadside Poets at the Holywell; we bring ceilidh dancing to the centre of Oxford at the Newman Rooms; and will have more workshops than ever, allowing all to join in.

Remember our season does not end in April. We reincarnate with our own stage at the Cornbury Music Festival on 3-4 July. Expect big names this year! Visit www.cornburyfestival.com for news. Also check out www.oxfordfolkfestival.com for events throughout the year – or better still, sign up for our online newsletter or join us on facebook!

Tim Healey
Director
Oxford Folk Festival
Patrons: June Tabor, John Spiers & Jon Boden