We always make sure we have an interesting programme for children and their families at the Priddy Folk Festival. We want children and parents to have fun sharing magical moments together and enjoy learning about folk traditions. And we hope that, true to Priddy tradition, we will be sowing seeds for future performers, be they dancers, singers or musicians.
We’re working on putting together a great children’s programme for 2024. Meanwhile, here is what we featured in 2023.
2023 Children’s Festival:
Star in the Apple – 10.30 & 13.00 Saturday
Aimed at younger children, Tom and Rosy are magical storytellers who embroider their performances with harp, mandolin, song, puppetry and participation.
Tim Dalling – 11.30 Saturday
Tim Dalling has always been a big kid, and now he’s a Grandad he’s more immature than ever. But he’s still quite fun to hang out with. All are welcome to come and join in a singalong with songs about Dogs, Robins, Giraffes, Scuttling Crabs, Children and a 520-million-year-old Armoured Cucumber. Suitable for all ages…probably.
Priddy School Brass Band – 12.30 Saturday
The Mendips will be echoing to the sound of some talented young players who like to trumpet their stuff.
Ellie’s Singers – 14.00 Saturday & 12.30 Sunday
Ellie Dillon grew up with folk music and has a degree in music. As a teacher, she leads choirs in junior schools and looks forward to trying her hand at Priddy.
Face Painting and Border Dancing with Beltane – 15.00 Saturday
These pixies from Dartmoor have evolved beautiful purple masks as part of their dance displays. They also have small sticks for children to bash as they learn the dark arts of Border Morris and prepare to scare.
Tunes and Teens – 16.00 Saturday & 13.30 Sunday
Under the tutelage of Liz Tedbury and Bamber Crew and with the support of the Acorns, we will be having fun playing tunes together. Expect Red Haired boy (in A), the Keel Row (G), The Girl I Left Behind Me (G) and Morpeth Rant (D). You can find them all (with both full and easy parts and chords) in Edward Huw Jones book “Jigs Reels and Hornpipes”. (His practice tracks are also available on Spotify).
Big Family Shanty Session – 17.00 Saturday & 14.30 Sunday
Sing under the instruction of the talented Ian Maslen (Maz) who is not only a busy schools music teacher in Bristol but also a hugely talented singer and arranger – some say the superstar of the current Harry Brown line up! Maz is joined by High and Dry and the Harries to swell the sound. Should be fun!
Body Percussion with Alice Jones – 10.30 Sunday
Alice is a phenomenal talent both as a multi-instrumentalist and Appalachian dancer. Her body percussion workshops are legendary and suitable for children and grown-ups.
Martin Maudsley – 11.30 Sunday
Martin is a professional storyteller based in Dorset. He tells stories which are fresh retellings of traditional tales from local legends and earthy folk tales to magical myths and epic sagas. He uses poetry, music and song to bring his stories to life.
Maypole Dancing with Alison Rowley
Outside Cuthbert’s Tent in the Market Field – 12.00, 13.30 and 15.00, Saturday, free
Alison Rowley lives and breathes folk music and dance, respected both for her teaching and playing. She teaches Maypole dancing across the south west and we thought it would be brilliant to bring her and her Maypole dancing to Priddy. Children, mums, dads… in fact anyone can join in. The aim is to have fun and hopefully weave some pretty patterns on the pole. Jenny Toller will be playing the violin to get the feet in time.
Family Showtime
Village Hall 14.00 – 16.00, Saturday (wristbands only)
Come and join us for a fabulous afternoon of fun and frolics for children and their responsible adults. Kicking off with The Martin Maudsley Band for ‘Tunes, Songs & Stories’, marvel at Martin’s masterful story-telling which is engaging, witty and suitably scary.
Tim Dalling will be following this up with his ‘Biodiversionary Tactics & Unsustainable Songs’. He will dive into the ecological zeitgeist and the world of climate chaos with songs that veer wildly from zesty frivolity to poignant philosophy. It will put a smile on your face, a tear in your eye and a song in your heart!
Other events
The Priddy Folk Festival offers lots of other opportunities to make music and dance: our workshop programme offers everything from morris dancing to playing with a village band.
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