Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 1d

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.

6 22

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 1d

Announcing our 2026 Library Lectures series.
The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library annual online lectures on contemporary and historical folk music, song and dance.

Book all 4 lectures for the price of 3.
bit.ly/46EhbzR

Library Lectures 2026

We're pleased to share that the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library will present a series of four new online lectures in Spring 2026. All events will be presented on Zoom. The recording will be availab...

bit.ly

1

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 5d

📢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

2

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 6d

Free Taster Session for young musicians on Sun 5 Oct, 2pm-5pm

Bring along your own instruments for a day playing together with other young musicians and see if joining the London Youth Folk Ensemble is for you.
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social 2 Regent’s Park Road, London NW1 7AY

London Youth Folk Ensemble at Folk by the Oak, July 2025

YouTube video by English Folk Dance and Song Society

youtube.com

1 3

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 7d

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

1 2

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 7d

We knew if we kept singing sea shanties for long enough they'd become 'Cool' again.
www.dw.com/en/britains-...

Britain's Gen Z celebrates sea shanty tradition – DW – 09/20/2025

The internet has helped spark a revival of sea shanties in recent years. At one festival in Cornwall, young artists performed fresh interpretations of traditional sailors' songs.

www.dw.com

5

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 7d

Our Black British Folk Takeover is one of The Londonist's Things To Do In London This Weekend!
londonist.com/london/weeke...

Things To Do In London This Weekend: 4-5 October 2025

Begin the month in style.

londonist.com

3

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 8d

Connection Online: Focus on Virtual and Hybrid Learning
Tuesday 7 Oct, 2pm-5pm, Online
Book for free
bit.ly/4gkqxnw

Connection Online: Focus on Virtual and Hybrid Learning

Join us for this valuable practitioner development event presented online by our Folk Education Network, in partnership with Live to Your Living Room.

bit.ly

1

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 8d

Hoping @swmandc.bsky.social and the Oldham Dancing Diyas had a wonderful time dancing in Barcelona for La Mercè festival?
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Manchester dance groups join forces for festival in Barcelona

Two dance groups have created a piece that showcases Manchester's diverse culture and traditions.

www.bbc.co.uk

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 8d

Interview with Angeline Morrison @angelcakepie2.bsky.social EFDSS Board member and Curator of our Black British Folk Takeover event taking place at @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social on 4 October
www.afridiziak.com/interviews/a...

Angeline Morrison – interview • Afridiziak Theatre News

Growing up Black, queer, and from the ends wasn’t just tough - it was war. Every time I left the house in South East London’s Thamesmead,

www.afridiziak.com

1 3

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 8d

This week's Classic Folk episode features tracks from:
The Magpie Arc
Johnny Collins, Dave Webber & Pete Watkinson
@theunthanks.bsky.social
Pentangle
Leonard Cohen
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

1

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 9d

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

2 3

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 13d

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

4

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 15d

This week's Classic Folk is now live, and includes:
Runrig
@samsweeney.bsky.social
@theyounguns.bsky.social
@winterwilson.bsky.social
Pete Cooper & Richard Bolton
Roy Bailey with Martin Simpson & John Kirkpatrick
Peter & Barbara Snape with Poppy Weatherall
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

2 3

Reposted by English Folk Dance and Song Society

Cecil Sharp House @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social · 15d

How magical is Suntou Susso's sublime voice and kora playing?
Catch him at Cecil Sharp House next Wednesday 1 Oct, moved into our iconic Kennedy Hall due to exceptional demand.

Wed 1 Oct bit.ly/3UkKT5Q

Suntou Susso - Kanèfonyo Solo | Woodburner Live

YouTube video by Woodburner Music

www.youtube.com

6 12

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 15d

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.

2 6

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 16d

Get free cashback for English Folk Dance And Song Society when you shop online!

Sign up and your favourite retailers will donate every time you shop – at no extra cost to you.

Plus, join today and we could win a bonus £250 donation:

join.easyfundraising.org.uk/folk/zp7ggx/...

You spend, brands donate to English Folk Dance And Song Society.

Help us when you shop with 7,000+ brands. Join now.

join.easyfundraising.org.uk

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 19d

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...

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 20d

Folk Musician Oli Steadman invites you to join him in singing Anti-Fascist anthem "Bella Ciao" for European Folk Day

With Manchester Folk Festival and @englishfolkexpo.bsky.social

#FolkAgainstFascism

Instructions on how to participate here:
docs.google.com/document/d/1...

How to join the Bella Ciao challenge for European Folk Day 2025

How to join the Bella Ciao challenge for European Folk Day 2025 Total time estimated: 5 minutes max! I’ve been asked by Manchester Folk Festival / English Folk Expo to create a clip that will go out o...

docs.google.com

1 1 1

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 21d

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

1 1

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 21d

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.

2 5

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 21d

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

6 5

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 22d

A harvest theme to this week's Classic Folk
Including:
Anne Briggs & Bert Jansch
@jimcausley.bsky.social
@katerusby.bsky.social
Frankie Armstrong - playing @cecilsharphouse.bsky.social tomorrow!
@stevetilston.bsky.social
@damienandron.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

3 8

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 23d

Interesting and informative piece by @jonwilksmusic.bsky.social on why, and also, how, he took his music off Spotify

www.jonwilks.online/blog/life-af...

Life After Spotify: What Musicians Lose & Gain — Jon Wilks

A field report on leaving Spotify: the illusions of discovery, the playlist trap, and how musicians can find value and real connection elsewhere.

www.jonwilks.online

7 7

English Folk Dance and Song Society @efdss.bsky.social · 26d

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

7 5