About

The ever-popular annual Scilly Folk Festival is back! Six days of music, song and dance is in store, featuring some of the best folk music from Scilly and the South West. The Festival will take place from Thursday 23rd May to Tuesday 28th May 2024.

The programme includes:

Thursday 23rd May

Welcome Session - Old Town Inn, St. Mary's. 8pm. Free.

Friday 24th May 

Leon Hunt n- Tet - Church Hall, St. Mary's. 8pm. £10 adult £5 under 16.

This latest incarnation of The Leon Hunt n- Tet came together in the most natural and organic way imaginable. It all started with a couple of well-timed ‘fancy doing some playing again’ conversations, and continues to operate on this easy-going basis. With no grand plan, the repertoire and styles covered are dictated solely by what the band fancy having a go at, all mixed up with a ‘best of’ from the back catalogues of Daily Planet, The Scoville Units and previous incarnations of The n- Tet. 

Jason Titley is unquestionably one of the most driving and rhythmically engaging ‘flat pick’ guitarists you’ll hear anywhere. His background in drums and percussion shines through in his guitar style. Jason has toured with Tim O’Brien, played on stage with the god of hell fire himself- Arthur Brown, and also presents an acoustic radio show once a week. Jason also recently released his critically acclaimed solo album, Still Rolling, featuring a who’s who of the acoustic scene’s finest from both the U.S. and the U.K.

Gina Griffin is a truly unique musician. Her ability to sing in unison and even in harmony with her own fiddle improvisations is one of the most extraordinary and haunting sounds you’ll ever hear. Gina has lived and worked extensively in France playing for the Bal Musette and has frequently toured in Japan, most recently was an appearance at the prestigious Fuji Rock festival. As a session musician, Gina is equally in demand, featuring in the soundtracks of countless films, TV, theatre and circus productions.

Tickets will be available in advance from the Tourist Information Centre and on the door.

Saturday 25th May

The Turk's Head Session - St. Agnes. Midday. Free.

Barn Dance - Church Hall, St. Mary's. 8pm. £7.50 adult £5 under 16.

With caller Richard Penny and local band The Barnacles playing the tunes. Extremely family friendly event, expert and novice barn dancers very welcome. Come and join the fun!

Sunday 26th May

The New Inn Session - Tresco. Midday. Free.

The Old Town Inn Session - St. Mary's, 8pm. Free.

Monday 27th May

The Sevenstones Inn Session - St. Martin's. Midday. Free.

Harbottle and Jonas - Church Hall, St. Mary's. 8pm. £10 adult £5 under 16.

Partners in life and music, dynamic Devon based folk duo Harbottle & Jonas are one of the most exciting acts on the UK circuit today, combining a love of the richness of traditional folk with their own original and powerful songwriting. Dave and Freya have developed a distinct and compelling signature sound, blending concertina, harmonium, cittern, stomp box, acoustic guitar and banjo with their beautiful and closely intertwined vocal harmonies.

Tickets will be available in advance from the Tourist Information Centre and on the door.

Tuesday 28th May

The Mermaid Inn Farewell Session - St. Mary's. Midday. Free

Sessions are all free but donations gratefully received.