Derby’s the place for folk to be

Derby Folk Festival is back this autumn, bringing three days of live music along with a buzzing atmosphere to the heart of the city.

Returning to a live stage in the city’s historic Market Place, organisers are promising that this year’s line-up will again make Derby the place to be for all things folk, 30 September – 2 October 2022.

Featuring top acts, the main festival site will be in a marquee which will host the Mick Peat Stage, named after the festival’s founder.

But folk fans are set for a real treat with a whole host of performances at venues across the city centre over the weekend.

Derby Cathedral will be offering some heavenly sounds on the Friday afternoon with From Pub to Pulpit, a celebration of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ 150th anniversary.

An acapella folk group, a classically trained instrumental trio, 20 cathedral organists and choirs, community choirs, and concert audiences will turn folk songs into hymns in this imaginative and rousing concert tour.

Meanwhile, over at the main marquee, the festival launches on Friday with Lady Nade and Sound of the Sirens, while the weekend vibes continue on Saturday with Marc Block and Granny’s Attic, and headliners Spiers & Boden, appearing in concerts in the marquee and Derby Cathedral, alongside Fringe music events in The Old Bell Ball Room.

Sunday highlights include Nelly; a folk musical, about Nell Gwynne, along with sessions from Jez Lowe, Old Sea Legs and Narthen, before the Festival closes with special guests Kathryn Roberts & Sean Lakeman.

Fringe events, supported by Cathedral Quarter, will also be spilling out onto the city streets in the form of lots of different singing and dancing performers.

As well as tickets for the entire weekend, priced at £90 for adults (with concessions for under 16s and families), this year will also see day tickets on sale for Friday evening at £20, or £40 for Saturday or Sunday. Under 16s Saturday and Sunday day tickets are £20 and under 5s are free.

The Derby Cathedral event is priced separately, with tickets costing £5-£12.

More details and booking information can be found at  www.derbyfolkfestival.co.uk

For more information about visiting Derby, see www.visitderby.co.uk

Photo: Spiers & Boden – credit Elly Lucas