DAYSOUT
Tenterden Folk Festival 2016
Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October
The Borough of Ashford has more than its share of successful music festivals , and Tenterden Folk Festival is probably the longest running and most unique . This very popular festival of folk song , music , dance , crafts and traditions attracts singers , musicians , dancers and audience members from across the whole of England as well as some from Europe and beyond .
Ticketed events include a pre-festival fundraising concert on Thursday evening , concerts , barn dance , special shows , workshops , events where you can meet the guests , folk clubs , etc . There are also many free events including craft stalls , folk sales and street stalls , the popular free music stage and dance stage in a large marquee on the Recreation Ground , hundreds of Morris dancers , dance displays , a procession , song and music sessions in the town centre pubs , street theatre and much , much , more .
Even people who do not normally follow folk music will probably have heard of Martin Carthy , either from his days in Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention or through his daughter Eliza Carthy , one of the newer generation of folk “ stars ”. Martin was also one of the first English folk singers to receive an MBE . Martin been a guest at Tenterden several times over the last 24 years and this his year returns to headline the Thursday evening pre-festival concert in the Town Hall supported by Greg Harper and Jack Pound .
The festival always aims to include some special and unique events and this year include the following :
Where Dragons Soar and Other Animal Folk Tales of the British Isles features songs and stories based on Pete Castle ’ s new book published by The History Press .
Southern Harvest concert celebrates the publication by Francis Boutle Publishers of a book bringing together the two volumes of songs originally sung to the Hammond Brothers in 1905- 8 . Songs from The Constant Lovers and The Foggy Dew will be performed by Bryony Griffith , Nick Dow , Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham .
We Are The Women ( left on the shore ) – Scolds Bridle both originate from the Fylde coast in Lancashire and having lived near the sea all their lives have witnessed the demise of the fishing industry in the UK , the Fleetwood trawler men having been no exception . Sad and tragic tales that befell fishermen and their families .
For information , guest lists and ticket sales , visit www . tenterdenfolkfestival . org . uk or email info @ tenterdenfolkfestival . org . uk .
Visiting Sissinghurst Castle Garden this autumn
Although the summer sun starts to fade in September , there ’ s still lots of things to see at Sissinghurst including hidden objects on display , long walks on the estate kicking leaves and autumn colour in the garden . Don ’ t forget to spare the time for an afternoon tea or lunch too .
In the tower Find out more about the creators of the garden and the work they had to undertake to make it what you see today . Don ’ t miss the far-reaching views of the Weald of Kent from the roof and the layout that Harold Nicolson worked tirelessly to create .
In the library Take a look to see a hidden object of the week from an item that belonged to Sissinghurst ’ s previous inhabitants . These colourful characters have lots of stories to tell and help build the layers of its varied history . Objects which are housed in Vita Sackville-West ’ s writing room desk , tucked out of sight in the roundel room or concealed in one of the many cupboards will be coming out on display in the library .
See conservation in action from 1st – 31st October where you can learn more about the work it takes to look after the books in the library of 11,000 .
Beyond the garden Getting outside and closer to nature is easy to do too ; there are walks and trails which will take you through parkland , farmland and woods and around lakes and ponds too , all with panoramic views . It ’ s a great chance to breathe deep , kick the leaves and enjoy the colour of the changing seasons . Don ’ t forget to pick up a map and some binoculars from visitor reception too .
Eye-opening work Sissinghurst has an ongoing project to restore the spirit of Vita and Harold at Sissinghurst Castle Garden . To help share their story they plan to open more hidden spaces to visitors , but can ’ t do this without volunteer help . If you are passionate about Sissinghurst and can spare a few hours a month then you could play a vital role in shaping and sharing the understanding of this very special place all year round . For more information about volunteering , speak to one of our team , call us on 01580 710700 or email Sissinghurst @ nationaltrust . org . uk
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