TODMORDEN F o l k F e s t i va l 28
th
- 30
th
April
2017 WELCOME
Proud to be g supplyin to r e e b r ou al v ti s the fe venues
Welcome
to Todmorden Folk Festival 2017 As we dive into our third year it is great to see how the festival has become part of the town’s traditions and we love to continue meeting people who have been here since the very first concert. You are rolling along with us, building this festival together with us and shaping it into the dynamic, adventurous beauty that we see in our dreams. We are also very excited to welcome an ever growing audience of new fresh people, local to Tod or from further afield. Perhaps you are dipping your toes in to the world of folk or a devoted folk lover, but we are confident that we have something for everyone to enjoy this year ….. from things to make you bop to lilting harmonies, energetic dance displays to family focused workshops, performances that make you laugh and those that make you cry.
Like you we appreciate folk music in its broadest sense and have handpicked a programme to include a wide variety of folk at its best. This year we are particularly proud of the local talented young musicians who are performing for us and we are looking forward to seeing them flourish. We hope we have created a fully inclusive, family friendly, action packed festival with something for everyone. We love Tod, we love music, we love you for joining us and we can’t wait to get started! We hope you have a lovely weekend.
The TFF Committee
Photos © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography
Folk Festival Event Venue
Todmorden: Portraits from a Town A selection of photographic portraits by Andy Wade Open on Friday 28 April for Todmorden Folk Festival Ceilidh @ Todmorden Town Hall Enjoy a FREE taster tour of Todmorden Town Hall on Sun 7 May at 2pm Or book on to a Total Tour of Todmorden Town Hall on Sun 21 May at 2pm, including the hidden caretaker’s flat and cell in the cellar: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ todmordentownhall
For more information contact: Daniel Jessop, Volunteer & Events Co-ordinator, daniel.jessop@calderdale.gov.uk
01706 548105, 07912 891370
Folk Festival Event Venue
We take great pride in serving delicious breakfasts, superb lunches, excellent coffees, specialty teas and fresh homemade baking. Our aim is to offer a great service in a laid back, friendly cafe environment.
53 Halifax Road, Todmorden OL14 5BB Tel: 01706
our Artists Lady Maisery
Mike Wilson and Damien Barber
In an English folk scene currently bursting with bold and innovative folk music, vocal trio Lady Maisery shine brightly. They are skilful explorers of the power, beauty and vitality of folk song. Each member is also an accomplished instrumentalist, they expertly create a rich tapestry of fiddle, banjo, harp, concertina, accordion and foot percussion. The trio are also one of the foremost English proponents of traditional mouth music, or “diddling”, a form of singing without words which is a perfect showcase for their sheer musicality. The trio have released two critically acclaimed albums (5 stars in the Financial Times, Album of the Week in The Independent) and performed sell-out shows across the UK and Europe.
Two of the finest exponents of Traditional Song in the United Kingdom; it is difficult to accept that these relatively young men, have a combined 40+ years experience of performing at folk venues. Raised in Norfolk and heavily influenced by such earlier Norfolk singers as Walter Pardon and Peter Bellamy, Damien is a stylish and distinctive singer, either unaccompanied or using guitar or concertina. Mike Wilson is the youngest member of the Wilson Family, the powerful Teesside singing siblings who have raised the rafters at many a festival or folk club event. Damien and Mike have a rich shared repertoire of traditional songs plus the work of modern folk writers such as Bellamy, Ewan MacColl and Mike Waterson.
The Furrow Collective
Becky Langan
Nominated as Best Group for the 2017 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, the Furrow Collective are rapidly becoming one of the most sought after acts on the festival circuit. Described by MOJO as ‘a mouthwatering collaboration’, Alasdair Roberts, Emily Portman, Lucy Farrell and Rachel Newton are four fine soloists sharing a mutual love of traditional songs, from both sides of the English and Scottish borders, with playful, boundary-defying musicianship.
Born in Rochdale, Becky Langan is a percussive fingerstyle guitarist who employs a combination of extended techniques that explore the outermost reaches of the acoustic guitar. Becky employs the use of unique alternative tunings, two-handed tapping, percussive tempos and natural harmonic melodies.
Lady Maisery
The Furrow Collective
our Artists Cont. Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band
Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne is known primarily for his work with BBC Radio 2 Folk Award nominees Granny’s Attic however, Cohen has recently made his first venture into performing as a soloist. As well as playing melodeon and concertina, Cohen is a fine singer, having won Bromyard Folk Festival’s Future of Young Folk Award for young singers in 2014. Cohen performs traditional songs and tunes from the UK with a particular interest in material from the West Midlands where he has lived for much of his life.
A travelling troupe of musicological minstrels, peddling the good Doctor’s unique good-time tonic to all four corners of the land. Formed from a secret combination of early blues and jazz forms, a sprinkle of ragtime, a dash of hot swing, the essence of sweet spiritual, a pinch of the oldest of old-timey melodies and a teaspoon of Vaudevillian and Music Hall show-offery. All whisked together with the most esoteric of folk rhythms.
Didikai
The Bromleys
Didikai present a broad and diverse range of material and this enthralling duo features the sultry vocal talents of AmyRose and the musical finesse of Becky Taylor. They showcase an amazing breadth of line-up encompassing uilleann pipes, songs, duet concertina, guitar and fiddle and even some northumbrian small-piping, delivered with more than a hint of humour and style. From this enigmatic and highly original duo you can expect anything from selfpenned songs to traditional Gypsy ballads, rousing chorus songs and catchy tune sets. You are most certainly guaranteed not to get bored!
The Bromleys are John, Jenny and James (father, daughter and son), each gifted with a powerful voice. They sing a variety of folk songs in three part harmony. Together, they create a rich blend of voices that is unique to their kin. Singing runs through their blood.
Magdalen Bath
Magdalen Bath is our Young Musicians Battle of the Bands Winner for 2017! She plays mostly original songs and draws influence from a diverse range of genres from folk and jazz to punk and indie to create her own unique style of writing and performance.
Mike Wilson & Damian Barbar
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band
our Artists Cont. their very first “official” outing. The duo both play a variety of instruments, with Georgia singing and whistling on the penny whistle, and Robyn playing the melodeon and as both are clog dancers, they hope to incorporate this into their performance. Prepare to be entertained!
Murston Bapchild and the Braxton Hicks
This four piece honky-tonk band are rooted in 50’s and early 60’s country music. Imagine a mix of Western Swing, Hank Williams with a pinch of doo wap. Featuring amazing fiddle, authentic lap steel, great harmonies, cowboy vocals and rock steady double bass. A band you can both dance to and be carried away. They look the part and enjoy themselves on stage.
The Black Box Band
The Black Box Band plays lively English dance music for ceilidhs, barn dances & village hops. Line -up includes - Steve Harrison - melodeon, mouth organ, Chris Coe - hammered dulcimer, Chris Partington - fiddle, Alice Jones - piano, Sue Coe - dance caller & step dancer. They will be leading our Friday night Ceilidh to get the festival started.
Ollie King
Described by Andy Cutting as “one of the finest… up and coming young melodeon players in England”, Ollie King pushes the boundaries and expectations of the humble squeezebox. Firmly rooted in the English tradition, his playing explores the emotive side of the instrument, which he expertly showcases through his selection of material from both within and without the folk canon.
Umpteen Reasons to Swerve
Umpteen Reasons to Swerve are a duo hailing from the East Lancs area. They are Jon Coupe and Mark Gavin. They play guitars and Jon sings. Mark sings too if he gets the chance or if there’s a spare microphone around. Jon enjoys: long country walks, the novels of Charles Dickens and camp 1980s electro-pop. Mark enjoys: fighting the system, ‘stickin’ it to the man’ and spreading false rumours about Paul McCartney. They are mostly well-behaved and lead happy, wholesome family lives. Cherish them.
Robyn and Georgia
Robyn and Georgia met in 2013 at a folk workshop in their native Rochdale. Over the years, they have performed together many times (though never as a duo) and Todmorden Folk Festival will be
Murston Bapchild & the Braxton Hicks
Robyn & Georgia
our Artists Cont. Chris Hall’s Double Shots
Isaac
Specialising in Creole and “old skool” early Zydeco grooves. Songs by the likes of Geno Delafose, Boozoo Chavis, Preston Frank, Bois-Sec Ardoin and Jeffrey Broussard. Songs with hypnotic grooves, catchy melodies and driving rhythms. Traditional Louisiana Creole music combined with self penned compositions that respect the tradition yet deliver a unique UK twist. The band gather together some of the most well known and respected names on the European Cajun, Creole, and Zydeco scene.
Bouncy, fun entertainment, performed by the one and only Isaac. Music and mayhem who knows what can happen? With his rib-tickling covers, and sidesplitting originals, Isaac is bound to leave you bewildered and slightly confused!
Richard Parkes
A born performer and Todmorden local who studied Drama at Bretton Hall and has performed in various theatres, on film and in folk clubs. His long held love of history, especially WW1 and his wellknown renditions of war related songs has lead us to commission Stand to! which is an expansion of a piece he originally wrote and performed for a service of Remembrance in Todmorden in 2015.
John Gilly McElligot
The Incomparable Gilly joins us from Scotland with his unique guitar style and song writing.
Chasen
Sailah
Friends since starting at Shade school at the age of 3 Nicole and Holly have both sung for as long as they can remember. They have sung together as Chasen for over a year performing at Open Mic evenings and at a Flood Relief concert. They arrange their own harmonies and Holly accompanies them on the guitar. They were part of our Battle of the Bands in January and will delight you with their versions of popular songs.
Formed in 2015 with the aim of choosing and performing music close to their hearts, this eleven piece a Capella group like to tell a good story - be it a traditional folk song with a choral setting such as the Outlandish Knight or reinventing a current chart song to bring out the narrative like Justin Bieber’s recent hit, Sorry.
The Bromleys
Magdalen Bath
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our Artists Cont. Sophie Cooper and Ruthie Boycott-Garnett
Wardle Academy Folk Group
Brilliant performers of all ages this award winning folk group, from a local school of great musical renown, have played all over the place and we are delighted to have them back for 2017!
Sophie Cooper is a Todmorden based musician and co-founder of Tor Festival. Sophie’s solo music often explores themes of narrative and for Tod Folk Fest she has taken this interest further with the creation of a bespoke sound walk, working with local storyteller and engagement artist Ruthie Boycott-Garnett. Ruthie will also be popping up as part of the children’s programme with folky things for all the family.
Les Panards Dansants
Bringing a fantastic collection of French music and dance to Todmorden Festival encouraging audience participation in Bourrees, Schottisches and Mazurkas.
Folk Eucharist
The Skiband
Why not join the congregation at St Marys Church for their Sunday worship with a folky twist! There will be Morris dancing and folk singing as part of their service.
Irreverent and engaging street band based in West Yorkshire, with a repertoire of songs guaranteed to make you smile, five professional musicians who like playing music, skiing and having fun! Calypso, ska/reggae, funk & pop performed with a serious sense of humour... the Skiband bring their own irresistible party!
Flamenco Evening
Our friends in the Three Wise Monkeys are hosting an evening of flamenco guitarists on Saturday night. This concert is free for anyone to attend, no tickets are required.
Sarah Watson
Sarah Watson’s mournful guitar-based country is influenced by Gillian Welch, Nanci Griffith, Phosphorescent, and Dolly Parton. Her lyrics reflect the conflicting emotions of everyday life, with her music drawing on the sparse beauty of the moorland landscape of her home. She also does a great cover of 9 to 5.
Hashtag
The wonderful Jacks House are hosting one of their favourite local folk rock bands on Friday night, so why not pop down!
The Skiband
Chris Hall’s Double Shots
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Folk Festival Event Venue
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our dance teams You can find the festival dance teams in the streets of Todmorden on Saturday (11am4.30pm) and Sunday (12noon-3pm). Dance spots are at Pollination Parade, Fielden Wharf and Tod Market.
Bollin Morris
Oakenhoof
A mixed Morris team performing Border Morris, based at the Spread Eagle in Lymm, Cheshire. The costumes are mainly blues and greens to represent the river Bollin.
Our favourites, our regulars, our locals. Stars of last year’s Saturday night epic at the Unitarian. Oakenhoof are inclusivity at its very best. Clogs, music, morris, rapper, they’ve got it all!
Gaorsach Rapper
Rivington Morris
Turning it clockwise since 2002: Gaorsach Rapper are a rapper, step and clog dance team from Aberdeen making a return for their second Todmorden Folk Festival.
Based in Bolton, Lancashire, the team are celebrating their 40th anniversary this year! Rivington’s band utilises a combination of the instruments which traditionally accompany North West Morris, including melodeon, fiddle, whistle and drum.
Hadrian Clog
Based in the Tyne Valley, Hadrian Clog are a dance group performing traditional clog and hard shoe dances from the North East of England and beyond!
Ryburn Longsword
Ryburn have been dancing together since 1994. Members range in age from seven to seventy, most of them living in the Ryburn Valley near Halifax in West Yorkshire.
Hexadaisy
A women’s Cotswold Morris side based in Huddersfield who are easily identifiable in their kit of green tunics and copious daisy accessories. Hexadaisy specialise in dances from the Bampton, Adderbury and Oddington traditions to which they frequently add their own individual creative flair.
Thieving Magpie
Thieving Magpie are a mixed border morris side who like dancing, waving big sticks about and yelling. They sing as well. They formed in 2006 and ages range from six to seventy one.
Persephone Women’s North West Morris
Persephone is a North West Processional Morris side in a very distinctive kit where black predominates adding yellow and green as noticeable contrasts. The style is vigorous and precise, earning accolades and appreciation from both general and knowledgeable audiences Hadrian Clog
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our Children’s Performers
Thingumajig Theatre Kit and Caboodle
Clog Dancing Workshop
Join Hadrian Clog for a chance to learn one of those fancy pants clog dances! They look pretty hard (and some of them are) but Hadrian Clog promises to teach a dance that everyone can join in with. Here’s a chance to learn something new and achieve something great in just one hour!
With miniature puppet shows inside a big, rolling mule puppet, the timeless theme of migration is packaged up in Kit and Caboodle, the newest street act by Todmorden’s own puppet company, Thingumajig Theatre. A pack mule with its beautiful burden of tales is joined by two well-travelled companions. Bags and cases open to reveal stories and songs of remarkable journeys from the staggering sojourn of a butterfly to people past and present who set out in search of a better life.
Singing Workshop
Ruthie Boycott-Garnett will be leading everyone who fancies a sing in some rousing shanties, simple harmonies and tongue twisting delights. All children and adults welcome to come along and make a bit of noise.
A Bird in The Hand Theatre Special Delivery
Maypole Dancing Workshop
A Bird in the Hand is a brand new puppet and mask theatre company. Currently touring Special Delivery, which incorporates the talents of artist Alison Duddle and puppeteer extraordinaire Mark Whitaker. SPECIAL DELIVERY is a fantastic piece about the delights of trying something unexpected. When a heavily laden postman is suddenly surprised by a rain shower he discovers that all his packages have lost their labels. In the process of trying to work out the intended recipients, he discovers a bit more about the people on his rounds - and decides to bring a little sunshine into all of their lives.
Have you always fancied having a go on a maypole? There’s skipping, ribbons, music, what more could anybody want! Now is your chance to join in with Oakenhoof on this May Bank Holiday weekend.
Tiny Dancers Folky Disco
A chance for our youngest festival goes to throw some shapes on the dance floor with a mix of club classics and folky favourites join us for a Sunday morning bop.
Thingumajig Theatre
A Bird in the Hand Theatre
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Event Location Map
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commisioned works Stand to!
Folklore Explore
Richard Parkes presents ‘Stand to!’ a live retrospective on the events of World War One through contemporary poems, songs and letters and modern interpretations of significant events during the war. He combines the stories and narrative of the trenches with folk songs in a moving and heartfelt tribute to the sacrifice made 100 years ago for us all. [PG]
Take an adventure in to the park and find an old local tale lost in the woods. Discover a world where you can change yourself into any animal, track the signs of our local witch magic and connect with your natural surroundings. Join us for a guided sound walk with storytelling, music and hidden noises or pick up a map from local outlets and see if you can find the trail on your own. This piece has been created as part of our festival outreach programme working throughout the year with the people of Todmorden. Suggested for ages 5 and upwards. Part of the walk will be following the smaller paths in to the woods and may be unsuitable for light prams and wheelchairs.
Folk Festival Event Venue
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how to get your tickets Entrance to some concerts and events require tickets. These can be bought on the door at the price shown or pre-booked through our website (with a small booking fee). Or, you can buy our weekend tickets online via Eventbrite, at the box office on Friday night at Todmorden Town Hall, at the box office on Saturday at Central Methodist Church (downstairs) or from Physio & Therapies on Halifax Road. These represent a huge saving on individual event tickets. Adult weekend ticket Under 16s weekend ticket
All performance s, workshops an d sessions are free to people hold ing weekend tickets. Thes e are available th rough the website - w ww. todfolkfest.co .uk
ÂŁ35.00 ÂŁ15.00
* The asterix used on the event guide indicated venues serving hot food and drinks plus Little Valley Brewery Ales (except *1 where there will be hot food and non-alcoholic drinks)
Folk Festival Event Venue
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Friday Events Event:
Time
Box Office Opening
5.30pm
Tea Time Spot
5.00pm
Robyn and Georgia
Kava Kafé
Donations
Tea Time Spot
6.30pm
Chasen
Site Pizzeria
Donations
Family Ceilidh
7.00pm
The Black Box Band
Town Hall*
£8 / £5
7.30pm
Robyn and Georgia
8.15pm
John ‘Gilly’ McGelligot Masonic Hall*
£10 / £6
Three Wise Monkeys
Donations
Concert with MC Paul Woodhead
Irish Session
With:
28th April
At:
Cost:
Town Hall
Break 9.30pm
Mike Wilson and Damien Barber
8.00pm
Mark Dickson
Folk Festival Event Venue
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Craft Fair and Festival Cafe Our hub on Saturday is Central Methodist Church on Bramsche Square. This will house the ticket office from 10.00 am until 5 pm alongside Workshops, Concerts, a Big Sing, Craft Fair and a Café. This is the perfect place to arrange to meet friends and entry to everything apart from the afternoon concert is FREE. The Craft fair is a showcase for many talented local craft and food businesses and is the perfect place to browse and pick up presents or even treat yourself! In between all this activity you can relax with a cuppa and a cake in our Festival café, or buy a brew to take outside with you to watch the dancers. This year we have commissioned a special Scrumpy Jack Cider Sausage from Nick Fielden, Family Butchers on the inside market
– so our menu will feature sausage baps, sausage and mash and our homemade veggie sausages as well as our regular soups, ploughmans platters featuring local Pextenement cheeses, festival wraps, pies and other delights!
Photo © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography
Hugs Unlimited Award Winning Teddy Bears by Dawn James
Also beautiful machine embroidery with alternative and fairy themes. Email: hugsunlimited@btinternet.com Web: www.hugsunlimited@btinternet.com
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Saturday E
Children’s Events Event:
Time
Family Singing Workshop
With:
10am
Ruthie Boycott-Garnett
Kit and Caboodle
11am
Thingumajig Theatre
Special Delivery
11.45am
A Bird in the Hand Theatre
Family Clogging Workshop
12 noon
Hadrian Clog
Kit and Caboodle
1pm
Thingumajig Theatre
Special Delivery
1.45pm
Maypole workshop
2pm
Oakenhoof
Special Delivery
3pm
A Bird in the Hand Theatre
Kit and Caboodle
3.15pm
Face painting and craft activities
10am - 4pm
Folklore Explore
A Bird in the Hand Theatre
At:
Cost:
Pollination Street
Donations
Thingumajig Theatre
1pm & 3pm
Sophie Cooper and Ruthie Boycott-Garnett
Centre Vale Park Meet at John Fielden’s Statue
Donations
Saturday Is
International Day of Dance:
Look Out For Our Dance Troops Performing All Day In Various Locations Around Town 24
Events Event:
29th April
Time
Café and Craft fair
10am - 5pm
The Big Sing
9.30am
Dance workshop
Concert MC Roger Kennington
With:
At:
Cost:
Central Methodist Church French Dance Leeds
Central Methodist Church*1
Donations
10.30am
Les Panards Dansants
Central Methodist Church*1
Donations
12.15pm
Umpteen Reasons to Swerve
Central Methodist Church*1
£10 / £6
1.00pm
Didikai
1.50pm
Becky Langan
2.30pm
Ollie King
3.20pm
Wardle Folk Academy
4.10pm
Dr Butler’s Hatstand Medicine Band
4.50pm
Close
Mixed session
12-4pm
James Tween
Bare Arts
Donations
Stand To!
12.30pm - 2.30pm
Richard Parkes
Masonic Hall
£8 / £5
Coffee and Cake spot
2.30pm
Sarah Watson
Little Bird Cafe
Donations
After dance spot
5.50pm
The Skiband
Fielden Wharf
Tea time concert
6.30pm
Chasen
Three Wise Monkeys
Sarah Watson
7.30pm
Magdalen Bath
8.20pm
Chris Hall’s Double Shots
9.30pm
Lady Maisery
8.00 pm
Late night Singaround
Concert MC Esther FerryKennington Easy listening concert
Donations
Unitarian Church*
£15 / £9
Flamenco Guitar
Three Wise Monkeys
Donations
9.30pm
The Skiband
Golden Lion
Free
9.30pm - til late
Karina Knight
Jacks House
Donations
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Folk Festival Event Venue
Folk Festival Event Venue
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Sunday Events Event:
Time
30th April
With:
At: St Mary’s Church
Cost:
Folk Eucharist
10.30am 12.00
Morris team, Church singing group and clergy
Tiny Dancers Disco
11.30am 12.30pm
Ruthie B-G
Golden Lion
Donations
Directors Singing Brunch
12 - 1.30pm
Festival Directors and Sailah
Golden Lion
Donations
St Mary’s Church
£10 / £6
Concert MC Lynne Midwinter
2.30pm
Cohen BraithwaiteKilcoyne
3.40pm
Furrow Collective
Mixed session
2pm - 5pm
Mark and Jon
Jack’s House
Donations
Spoken Word Session
5pm - 7pm
Magic Words with Emma Decent
Kava Kafé
Donations
Fielden Centre
£10 / £6
Concert MC Richard Parkes
6.30pm
Issac
6.55pm
Murston Bapchild and the Braxton Hicks
7.50pm
The Bromleys
8.35pm
Close
Jam Session
8.00pm
Survivors session
9pm - late
Photos © Craig Shaw of Blu Planet Photography
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Three Wise Monkeys
Donations
Hare and Hounds
Donations
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Keep the date Next year’s Todmorden Folk Festival will be on 4th-6th May 2018
Already booked for 2018: Melrose Quartet John Kirkpatrick Hannah Sanders and Ben Savage
Thanks...
Esther Ferry-Kennington – Director Lynne Midwinter – Deputy Director Tom Besford – Finance & logistics Director Sue Hall – Stewards Coordinator Sue Beharrell – Contracts & artist liaison Gavin Dunlop – Committee & marketing Phil Milston, Ruth Gunstone & Neil Munro – Sound technicians Ruthie Boycott-Garnett – Dance schedule & marketing support
...to all the volunteers who have given their time in organising and running this event. Especially all the artists, dancers, stewards, Todmorden Town Council, Calderdale Town Council, Mary Clear, Kathy at BareArts, Gig at Golden Lion, Sue and Mark at Jacks House, Richard and Tiffany at Hare and Hounds, Nathalie at Site Pizza, Nick and Immy at Kava, Janine at Little Bird Café, Shaun at Three Wise Monkeys, Damien at the Town Hall, Ken at the Masonic Hall, Phillip at Central Methodist Church, Joanna at the Unitarian Church, Nancy and Martin at St Mary’s Church, Audie at Fielden Centre, Sonya Moorhead, all our sponsors and advertisers and anyone else who has helped in any way.
All information correct at time of going to press. Todmorden Folk Festival shall not be responsible for any loss, liability, damage, personal injury or expense of any nature whatsoever which may be suffered by you as a result of any delays, inaccuracies, errors in, or omission from the information contained herein. All aspects of this programme are copyright. Published by Bankside House Publishing, Todmorden.
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