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
Our first Trad Night of 2026 is coming: Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham.
The uncannily compatible duo produce a striking a cappella harmony sound in their interpretations of traditional English songs.
Wed 21 Jan
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
Book now bit.ly/49HFMoI
The uncannily compatible duo produce a striking a cappella harmony sound in their interpretations of traditional English songs.
Wed 21 Jan
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
Book now bit.ly/49HFMoI
January 14, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Our first Trad Night of 2026 is coming: Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham.
The uncannily compatible duo produce a striking a cappella harmony sound in their interpretations of traditional English songs.
Wed 21 Jan
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
Book now bit.ly/49HFMoI
The uncannily compatible duo produce a striking a cappella harmony sound in their interpretations of traditional English songs.
Wed 21 Jan
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
Book now bit.ly/49HFMoI
The week's Classic Folk episode features track by:
@regmeuross.bsky.social
@darklander.bsky.social
John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ali Farka Touré
Alias Ron Kavana
@hanahdarling.bsky.social
@winterwilson.bsky.social
@harpmonkey.bsky.social
and more!
www.efdss.org/listen
@regmeuross.bsky.social
@darklander.bsky.social
John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ali Farka Touré
Alias Ron Kavana
@hanahdarling.bsky.social
@winterwilson.bsky.social
@harpmonkey.bsky.social
and more!
www.efdss.org/listen
Listen: Classic Folk
Classic Folk with Mike Norris
Classic Folk is unique.
It mines a rich seam of wonderful folk and roots music and song from around 75 years of recordings.
From the great source singers to the legends o...
www.efdss.org
January 13, 2026 at 12:29 PM
The week's Classic Folk episode features track by:
@regmeuross.bsky.social
@darklander.bsky.social
John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ali Farka Touré
Alias Ron Kavana
@hanahdarling.bsky.social
@winterwilson.bsky.social
@harpmonkey.bsky.social
and more!
www.efdss.org/listen
@regmeuross.bsky.social
@darklander.bsky.social
John Renbourn & Jacqui McShee
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ali Farka Touré
Alias Ron Kavana
@hanahdarling.bsky.social
@winterwilson.bsky.social
@harpmonkey.bsky.social
and more!
www.efdss.org/listen
Tomorrow evening!
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
The talk will explore the folk song collector Dorothy Marshall, and the vital contribution she made to the first folk song revival in West Sussex.
Book now: bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
The talk will explore the folk song collector Dorothy Marshall, and the vital contribution she made to the first folk song revival in West Sussex.
Book now: bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Library Lecture: Elizabeth Bennett - Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex
bit.ly
January 12, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Tomorrow evening!
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
The talk will explore the folk song collector Dorothy Marshall, and the vital contribution she made to the first folk song revival in West Sussex.
Book now: bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
The talk will explore the folk song collector Dorothy Marshall, and the vital contribution she made to the first folk song revival in West Sussex.
Book now: bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break time chat will be "Molly Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Cambridge Morris Molly Lord and Lady Plough Monday 2025
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Cambridge Morris Molly Lord and Lady Plough Monday 2025
January 12, 2026 at 9:37 AM
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break time chat will be "Molly Dancing".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Cambridge Morris Molly Lord and Lady Plough Monday 2025
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Cambridge Morris Molly Lord and Lady Plough Monday 2025
Don't miss this weekend's Family Barn Dance, a chance to fulfil new year resolutions to be more active and to spend more time with the family, that is actually fun!
Sun 11 Jan,
3pm-4:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Sun 11 Jan,
3pm-4:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
January 9, 2026 at 5:10 PM
Don't miss this weekend's Family Barn Dance, a chance to fulfil new year resolutions to be more active and to spend more time with the family, that is actually fun!
Sun 11 Jan,
3pm-4:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Sun 11 Jan,
3pm-4:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
People who regularly go to the theatre, live music events, museums, galleries and the cinema have nearly half the risk of developing depression.
Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful
Art could save your life! Five creative ways to make 2026 happier, healthier and more hopeful
Engaging in creativity can reduce depression, improve immunity and delay ageing – all while you’re having fun
www.theguardian.com
January 9, 2026 at 9:23 AM
People who regularly go to the theatre, live music events, museums, galleries and the cinema have nearly half the risk of developing depression.
Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with our online course, led by Georgia Shackleton.
These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
Monday evenings, 7pm-8:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4sDgAr9
These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
Monday evenings, 7pm-8:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4sDgAr9
Monday Folk Singers Online
Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with our online course.
Would I do it again? Yes, perhaps in the autumn. Would I recommend it? Yes, absolutely – Folk London reporter Paul S...
bit.ly
January 8, 2026 at 5:14 PM
Learn folk songs and singing from the comfort of your home with our online course, led by Georgia Shackleton.
These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
Monday evenings, 7pm-8:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4sDgAr9
These weekly sessions are suitable for singers of all abilities. All material is taught by ear.
Monday evenings, 7pm-8:30pm
Book now: bit.ly/4sDgAr9
"the beautiful second album by fiddler Owen Spafford and guitarist Louis Campbell" is by two National Youth Folk Ensemble alumni. One of the great pleasures of the first ten years of the Ensemble is seeing what former members go on to do.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/d...
The 10 best folk albums of 2025
Jennifer Reid sang workers’ songs, Malmin plumbed gnarly Norwegian hinterlands and Quinie rode across Argyll on a horse
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:56 AM
"the beautiful second album by fiddler Owen Spafford and guitarist Louis Campbell" is by two National Youth Folk Ensemble alumni. One of the great pleasures of the first ten years of the Ensemble is seeing what former members go on to do.
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/d...
www.theguardian.com/music/2025/d...
Twelfth Night at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
Old Twelfth Night -Saturday 17 January, 1-4pm
Learn about the history and traditions of Twelfth Night: the best part of Christmas you may never have heard of!
Expect music, entertainment, and perhaps even a little sip of delicious wassail!
Old Twelfth Night -Saturday 17 January, 1-4pm
Learn about the history and traditions of Twelfth Night: the best part of Christmas you may never have heard of!
Expect music, entertainment, and perhaps even a little sip of delicious wassail!
January 7, 2026 at 9:46 AM
Twelfth Night at the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library.
Old Twelfth Night -Saturday 17 January, 1-4pm
Learn about the history and traditions of Twelfth Night: the best part of Christmas you may never have heard of!
Expect music, entertainment, and perhaps even a little sip of delicious wassail!
Old Twelfth Night -Saturday 17 January, 1-4pm
Learn about the history and traditions of Twelfth Night: the best part of Christmas you may never have heard of!
Expect music, entertainment, and perhaps even a little sip of delicious wassail!
Don't miss the first of this year's Library Lectures.
Tuesday 13 Jan, 7:30pm
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
It's online, so you can stay indoors in the warm!
Book now:https://bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Image: Chithurst Tipteerers 1912
Tuesday 13 Jan, 7:30pm
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
It's online, so you can stay indoors in the warm!
Book now:https://bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Image: Chithurst Tipteerers 1912
January 6, 2026 at 4:48 PM
Don't miss the first of this year's Library Lectures.
Tuesday 13 Jan, 7:30pm
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
It's online, so you can stay indoors in the warm!
Book now:https://bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Image: Chithurst Tipteerers 1912
Tuesday 13 Jan, 7:30pm
Dorothy Marshall and the Women of West Sussex - talk by Dr Elizabeth Bennett
It's online, so you can stay indoors in the warm!
Book now:https://bit.ly/4qaaaOw
Image: Chithurst Tipteerers 1912
Merry Epiphany!
Have a Happy New Year with this week's episode of Classic Folk, featuring:
Faustus
Hazel Dickens
Isabel Sutherland
Gordeanna McCulloch
Carolyne Hughes
Methera
@nancyannfolk.bsky.social @jamesfagan.bsky.social
Elvis Costello
@evergreensister.bsky.social
www.efdss.org/listen
Have a Happy New Year with this week's episode of Classic Folk, featuring:
Faustus
Hazel Dickens
Isabel Sutherland
Gordeanna McCulloch
Carolyne Hughes
Methera
@nancyannfolk.bsky.social @jamesfagan.bsky.social
Elvis Costello
@evergreensister.bsky.social
www.efdss.org/listen
Listen: Classic Folk
Classic Folk with Mike Norris
Classic Folk is unique.
It mines a rich seam of wonderful folk and roots music and song from around 75 years of recordings.
From the great source singers to the legends o...
www.efdss.org
January 6, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Merry Epiphany!
Have a Happy New Year with this week's episode of Classic Folk, featuring:
Faustus
Hazel Dickens
Isabel Sutherland
Gordeanna McCulloch
Carolyne Hughes
Methera
@nancyannfolk.bsky.social @jamesfagan.bsky.social
Elvis Costello
@evergreensister.bsky.social
www.efdss.org/listen
Have a Happy New Year with this week's episode of Classic Folk, featuring:
Faustus
Hazel Dickens
Isabel Sutherland
Gordeanna McCulloch
Carolyne Hughes
Methera
@nancyannfolk.bsky.social @jamesfagan.bsky.social
Elvis Costello
@evergreensister.bsky.social
www.efdss.org/listen
First Family Barn Dance of the year!
Live music inspires the dancing and friendly callers guide the moves with simple instructions and gender-free calling.
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now - bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Live music inspires the dancing and friendly callers guide the moves with simple instructions and gender-free calling.
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now - bit.ly/4j3t1rE
January 2, 2026 at 5:27 PM
First Family Barn Dance of the year!
Live music inspires the dancing and friendly callers guide the moves with simple instructions and gender-free calling.
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now - bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Live music inspires the dancing and friendly callers guide the moves with simple instructions and gender-free calling.
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now - bit.ly/4j3t1rE
"Part of the charm of folk songs is that they were passed down through different people, so although we don't know much about Harriet (Verrall), we can get a sense that she was really part of the community.
bit.ly/4sauTD6
bit.ly/4sauTD6
How a beloved Christmas carol was born in a Sussex hamlet
How did words first written nearly 350 years ago become a beloved Christmas carol?
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 10:27 AM
"Part of the charm of folk songs is that they were passed down through different people, so although we don't know much about Harriet (Verrall), we can get a sense that she was really part of the community.
bit.ly/4sauTD6
bit.ly/4sauTD6
You have a while longer to enjoy the 700th episode of of Classic Folk, we are pausing for the Christmas break and you can expect the next episode of Tuesday 6th January.
This week's episode of Classic Folk is now live!
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
Listen: Classic Folk
Classic Folk with Mike Norris
Classic Folk is unique.
It mines a rich seam of wonderful folk and roots music and song from around 75 years of recordings.
From the great source singers to the legends o...
www.efdss.org
December 22, 2025 at 10:10 AM
You have a while longer to enjoy the 700th episode of of Classic Folk, we are pausing for the Christmas break and you can expect the next episode of Tuesday 6th January.
Reposted by English Folk Dance and Song Society
Christmas past comes alive as Sheffield pubs, halls and theatre celebrate hyper-local carols
Christmas past comes alive as Sheffield pubs, halls and theatre celebrate hyper-local carols
Crucible’s production of Dicken’s A Christmas Carol incorporates festive songs from the area, where aural traditions stay strong
www.theguardian.com
December 21, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Christmas past comes alive as Sheffield pubs, halls and theatre celebrate hyper-local carols
Did 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' lyrics once say 'colly birds' instead of 'calling birds'?
bit.ly/4paZWw7
bit.ly/4paZWw7
Did 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' lyrics once say 'colly birds' instead of 'calling birds'?
“Colly birds” appeared in versions of the song as early as the late 18th century.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Did 'The Twelve Days of Christmas' lyrics once say 'colly birds' instead of 'calling birds'?
bit.ly/4paZWw7
bit.ly/4paZWw7
Start 2026 off right with a Family Barn Dance!
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Image by Brian Slater
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Image by Brian Slater
December 19, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Start 2026 off right with a Family Barn Dance!
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Image by Brian Slater
No experience necessary!
Sun 11 Jan
3pm-4:30pm
Cecil Sharp House, London
Book now: bit.ly/4j3t1rE
Image by Brian Slater
'The artists tapping into the mystery of the ancient and elemental' from @crackmagazine.bsky.social
We've hosted gigs by many of the artists mentioned at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social! including; Daisy Rickman, Tristwch Y Fenywod, Goblin Band, Jacken Elswyth, Muco
crackmagazine.net/article/long...
We've hosted gigs by many of the artists mentioned at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social! including; Daisy Rickman, Tristwch Y Fenywod, Goblin Band, Jacken Elswyth, Muco
crackmagazine.net/article/long...
The artists tapping into the mystery of the ancient and elemental
A new wave of artists is illuminating the present day with often strange, experimental music that blends traditional and elemental sounds with notions of queerness, ancestry, diaspora and resistance –...
crackmagazine.net
December 19, 2025 at 4:21 PM
'The artists tapping into the mystery of the ancient and elemental' from @crackmagazine.bsky.social
We've hosted gigs by many of the artists mentioned at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social! including; Daisy Rickman, Tristwch Y Fenywod, Goblin Band, Jacken Elswyth, Muco
crackmagazine.net/article/long...
We've hosted gigs by many of the artists mentioned at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social! including; Daisy Rickman, Tristwch Y Fenywod, Goblin Band, Jacken Elswyth, Muco
crackmagazine.net/article/long...
Folk Education Development Day: Adapting Folk Dance with Older People
Professional development day for artists, educators, practitioners, callers, organisers in folk dance
FolkActive, Mary Panton, @peopledancinguk.bsky.social
21 Mar, 11am - 5pm
Cecil Sharp House, London NW1
Book now: bit.ly/48D5E4x
Professional development day for artists, educators, practitioners, callers, organisers in folk dance
FolkActive, Mary Panton, @peopledancinguk.bsky.social
21 Mar, 11am - 5pm
Cecil Sharp House, London NW1
Book now: bit.ly/48D5E4x
Folk Education Development Day: Adapting Folk Dance with Older People
Join us for this lively informal conference and practitioner development day presented by our Folk Education Network in partnership with our Dance Development Programme.
bit.ly
December 18, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Folk Education Development Day: Adapting Folk Dance with Older People
Professional development day for artists, educators, practitioners, callers, organisers in folk dance
FolkActive, Mary Panton, @peopledancinguk.bsky.social
21 Mar, 11am - 5pm
Cecil Sharp House, London NW1
Book now: bit.ly/48D5E4x
Professional development day for artists, educators, practitioners, callers, organisers in folk dance
FolkActive, Mary Panton, @peopledancinguk.bsky.social
21 Mar, 11am - 5pm
Cecil Sharp House, London NW1
Book now: bit.ly/48D5E4x
Reposted by English Folk Dance and Song Society
It's time for the big reveal... The special guest joining Martin Carthy in February is none other than Eliza Carthy!
Tickets have been flying even before this news so head to our website to secure yours while you still can.
Wed 25 Feb bit.ly/4qrgwcX
Tickets have been flying even before this news so head to our website to secure yours while you still can.
Wed 25 Feb bit.ly/4qrgwcX
December 16, 2025 at 4:54 PM
It's time for the big reveal... The special guest joining Martin Carthy in February is none other than Eliza Carthy!
Tickets have been flying even before this news so head to our website to secure yours while you still can.
Wed 25 Feb bit.ly/4qrgwcX
Tickets have been flying even before this news so head to our website to secure yours while you still can.
Wed 25 Feb bit.ly/4qrgwcX
The December issue of English Dance and Song, our Members' magazine is out now.
If you would like to receive copies through your door 3 times a year, sign up now!
bit.ly/3ME7gTq
Starter Members can read EDS magazine online in the Members' Area of the website.
If you would like to receive copies through your door 3 times a year, sign up now!
bit.ly/3ME7gTq
Starter Members can read EDS magazine online in the Members' Area of the website.
December 16, 2025 at 5:17 PM
The December issue of English Dance and Song, our Members' magazine is out now.
If you would like to receive copies through your door 3 times a year, sign up now!
bit.ly/3ME7gTq
Starter Members can read EDS magazine online in the Members' Area of the website.
If you would like to receive copies through your door 3 times a year, sign up now!
bit.ly/3ME7gTq
Starter Members can read EDS magazine online in the Members' Area of the website.
Meet Cohort 10 of the National Youth Folk Ensemble!
You can find all of the Ensemble’s current favourite bits of music of the Meet the Ensemble page on the EFDSS website.
All of the photos are by Roswitha Chesher
bit.ly/4s0P3zw
You can find all of the Ensemble’s current favourite bits of music of the Meet the Ensemble page on the EFDSS website.
All of the photos are by Roswitha Chesher
bit.ly/4s0P3zw
Meet the Ensemble
Meet the National Youth Folk Ensemble 2025/26...
bit.ly
December 16, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Meet Cohort 10 of the National Youth Folk Ensemble!
You can find all of the Ensemble’s current favourite bits of music of the Meet the Ensemble page on the EFDSS website.
All of the photos are by Roswitha Chesher
bit.ly/4s0P3zw
You can find all of the Ensemble’s current favourite bits of music of the Meet the Ensemble page on the EFDSS website.
All of the photos are by Roswitha Chesher
bit.ly/4s0P3zw
This week's episode of Classic Folk is now live!
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
Listen: Classic Folk
Classic Folk with Mike Norris
Classic Folk is unique.
It mines a rich seam of wonderful folk and roots music and song from around 75 years of recordings.
From the great source singers to the legends o...
www.efdss.org
December 16, 2025 at 10:46 AM
This week's episode of Classic Folk is now live!
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
And features track by:
@jezlowe.bsky.social
@judycollins.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@duncanchisholm.bsky.social
and many more!
www.efdss.org/listen
Last week, Cambridge University Library launched the open call to recruit the community panel for an exciting new project - Black British Voices: Black British Collections - to research and design the Library’s 2027 exhibition and public programme.
Read more: bit.ly/3XN1UHL
#blackbritishmusic
Read more: bit.ly/3XN1UHL
#blackbritishmusic
Black British Voices: Black British Collections
Join a community panel to shape Cambridge University Library's 2027 public exhibition and programme
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 4:13 PM
Last week, Cambridge University Library launched the open call to recruit the community panel for an exciting new project - Black British Voices: Black British Collections - to research and design the Library’s 2027 exhibition and public programme.
Read more: bit.ly/3XN1UHL
#blackbritishmusic
Read more: bit.ly/3XN1UHL
#blackbritishmusic
Arts & Minds Campaign's latest research shows that the government has a long way to go to fully restore the status of the arts in schools. Despite the scrapping of the EBacc, only 7% of heads plan to increase the time spent on arts subjects in the next 2 years.
bit.ly/48QzAJo
bit.ly/48QzAJo
Restoring The Value Of Arts Subjects: Investment And Further Reform Is Needed, Say School Leaders - Arts & Minds Campaign
Arts & Minds | Putting Creativity At The Heart of The Curriculum
theartsandmindscampaign.org.uk
December 12, 2025 at 1:07 PM
Arts & Minds Campaign's latest research shows that the government has a long way to go to fully restore the status of the arts in schools. Despite the scrapping of the EBacc, only 7% of heads plan to increase the time spent on arts subjects in the next 2 years.
bit.ly/48QzAJo
bit.ly/48QzAJo