English Folk Dance and Song Society
@efdss.bsky.social
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The national organisation for folk music, song and dance in England. Based at Cecil Sharp House
Coming up next week! Folk Education Development Day: Working with Rural Communities If you can't make it along in person to Cambridgeshire Music in Cambridge, thanks to
@livetoyourlr.bsky.social
you can join in online. Wed 19 Nov 10am - 4pm Book you free place now:
bit.ly/3InwKCN
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Folk Education Development Day: Working with Rural Communities
Join us for this valuable practitioner development day, presented on location in Cambridge and online, by our Folk Education Network, in partnership with Cambridgeshire Music, and hosted online by Liv...
https://bit.ly/3InwKCN
about 5 hours ago
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Learn to call for ceilidhs or barn dances with our friend and colleague Lisa Heywood. Online Introduction to Ceilidh Calling courses FREE taster session on Wednesday 26th November, 7-8pm
www.tickettailor.com/events/lisah...
about 10 hours ago
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This week's Classic Folk marks Remembrance Day, with tracks from: Mishra June Tabor The Gilchrist Collective Mike Wilson Belshazzar's Feast New Deal String Band The Meadows Richard & Linda Thompson Paul Simon Ian Campbell Folk Group
@maggieholland.bsky.social
and more!
www.efdss.org/listen
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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...
https://www.efdss.org/listen
1 day ago
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Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Morris Kit".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: London Pride Morris and Friends at Spread Eagle, Camden Town, Autumn 2025
1 day ago
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Our Sunday Family Barn Dances make the perfect weekend family bonding activity - and a fun way to dance off your Sunday roast! Sun 23 Nov 3pm - 4.30pm Book now:
bit.ly/4qMI5xf
Image: Brian Slater
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Family Barn Dance
Bring all the family and take part in lively dances from Britain and beyond in a supportive and fun environment.
https://bit.ly/4qMI5xf
5 days ago
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The Department for Education (DfE) said it wanted to broaden the appeal of music education âto give every child a strong start in the subjectâ and boost the creative subjects taken at GCSE as part of its wider changes to Englandâs national curriculum
bit.ly/47u2eRn
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Ed Sheeran takes partial credit for move to overhaul music teaching in England
Singer-songwriter says curriculum changes reflect points raised in open letter to PM organised by his foundation
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/nov/05/ed-sheeran-takes-partial-credit-for-move-to-overhaul-music-teaching-in-england
6 days ago
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Huge congratulations to Steve Roud on being awarded a honorary degree by The Open University in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the study of folk song and culture!
6 days ago
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Good news! The government has announced that it is scrapping the English Baccalaureate meaning pupils will no longer be restricted in their choice of GCSE subjects. However, the campaigning must continue. Join us in supporting the Arts and Minds campaign:
theartsandmindscampaign.org.uk/join-us/
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Join us - Arts & Minds Campaign
Arts & Minds | Putting Creativity At The Heart of The Curriculum
https://theartsandmindscampaign.org.uk/join-us/
6 days ago
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This week in the English Country Dance class, I'm keen to explore great dances from more modern times with the class. I hope lots of you can come. You don't need a partner, just your dancing shoes. See you on Thursday! - Mary
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
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English Country Dancing
Learn English social folk dancing (country, ceilidh, and barn dancing) and related styles from further afield Autumn Term 2025:Â 25 Sept | 2, 9, 16, 23 Oct | 6, 20, 27 Nov | 4 Dec Book now for Autumn 2...
https://www.efdss.org/learning/adults/dance/english-country-dancing
6 days ago
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Remember, Remember the 5th of November, with these photographs by Brian Shuel of 1980s bonfire activities. Squibbing, Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival, Bridgwater, November 1984, by Brian Shuel. Tar Barrel Rolling, Ottery St Mary, 5th November 1986, by Brian Shuel.
7 days ago
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The Library will be closed from 10 to 14 November The Library will be closed for the whole week commencing Monday 10 November. We will be open again on Saturday 15, 10.30am - 4pm. Library staff will still be working during this period, so please continue to contact us by email.
8 days ago
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This week's Classic Folk episode includes: O'Hooley & Tidow
@martynjosephwales.bsky.social
Davy Graham
@willharmonicas.bsky.social
Kyson Point
@elizacarthy.bsky.social
Culverake Lou Killen
@fayhield.bsky.social
Frankie Archer Pentangle Archie Fisher + more!
www.efdss.org/listen
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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...
https://www.efdss.org/about-us/folk-player/listen-classic-folk
8 days ago
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Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Fools".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
9 days ago
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We've collaborated with AJ Allen on choreography for contemporary Morris Dancing in the past, for our project exCHANGES, so we can highly recommend his new monthly Morris sessions taking place in Brighton at the Jamie Watton Creative Space:
southeastdance.org.uk/whats_on/mon...
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Monthly Morris Sunday Sessions | South East Dance
Exploring Morris as a collective and collaborative dance form
https://southeastdance.org.uk/whats_on/monthly-morris-sunday-sessions/
9 days ago
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Exploring English Folk Dance with Mike Heaney and Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe. Our new Online Library Course as part of The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library Folk Uncovered strand, starts on 19 February. Thursday evenings, 7.30pm 19 Feb - 2 Apr Online Book now:
bit.ly/4oEyEhw
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Folk Uncovered: Online Library Course - Exploring English Folk Dance
with Mike Heaney and Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe
https://bit.ly/4oEyEhw
12 days ago
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However you mark the changing of the seasons; with Samhain, Punkie Night, Halloween,
#Dusking
or any other ritual event, wishing you cosy autumnal nights! Image: Punkie Night, Hinton, October 1983, by Brian Shuel, the VWML collection.
12 days ago
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"Across the U.K., young people are finding joy in the revival of traditional cultural practices like ceilidh, Morris and barn dancing, and taking an increasing interest in Pagan customsâfrom celebrating the solstice to wassailing." i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
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Meet the Kids Bringing Back Pagan Britain
From Morris dancers in Day-Glo to TikTok troubadours and stone-circle pilgrimages, a new generation is rediscovering Britainâs folk traditionsâbut how are they resisting the trap of nationalism?
https://i-d.co/article/meet-the-kids-bringing-back-pagan-britain/
12 days ago
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reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
ISM
13 days ago
SAVE ARTS EDUCATIONđ¨ Today we deliver an urgent message to government - the Curriculum and Assessment Review must put the arts back at the heart of the curriculum, signed by 1300+ arts professionals. Read the open letter in The Times âŹď¸
www.thetimes.com/article/c365...
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Last chance to apply for a ÂŁ500 Dance Mini Grant We are seeking proposals from individuals and groups / organisations who need support to embark on a new folk dance project or develop something new. Deadline: Monday 10 November 2025, 5pm. Apply now
bit.ly/42jsCu6
13 days ago
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reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
National Folklore Survey for England
13 days ago
The Black British Folk Takeover at
@efdss.bsky.social
was curated by
@angelcakepie2.bsky.social
. It sounded right up our street so we asked her to tell us a little more. You can read all about it here:
www.nationalfolkloresurvey.co.uk/news/the-bla...
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Pleased with this review in The Morning Star of our Black British Folk Takeover event.
morningstaronline.co.uk/article/blac...
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Black folk takeover
Black British Folk TakeoverCecil Sharp Houseâ â â â â Despite folk musicâs association with protest there is a perception that its performers and audiences are overwhelmingly white. However folk music is r...
https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/black-folk-takeover
14 days ago
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This week's episode of Classic Folk includes tracks by:
@gmatkin.bsky.social
Donovan George Sansome
@barbaradickson.bsky.social
Coope, Boyes & Simpson The Copper Family
@bellowhead.bsky.social
Ladysmith Black Mambazo Lacey Street Blues Band Fotheringay and many more
www.efdss.org/listen
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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...
https://www.efdss.org/listen
15 days ago
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The National Youth Folk Ensemble have released an EP! Some tunes are traditional, others were created by tutors or ensemble members; all have been developed by the members of the National Youth Folk Ensemble under Artistic Director Jo Freya
@jofreya.bsky.social
soundcloud.com/efdss-1/sets...
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National Youth Folk Ensemble - Cohort 9 (2025)
Tracks created by the National Youth Folk Ensemble 2024/25 and recorded in August 2025. Some tunes are traditional, others were originally created by tutors or ensemble members; all have been develope
https://soundcloud.com/efdss-1/sets/national-youth-folk-ensemble-cohort-9
19 days ago
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Our friends at SLS 360 are holding an I.D.E.A.L Network event at Rich Mix, London on Thursday 5 February. The event is designed for those leading on inclusion in the music education and cultural arts space including and music teachers. Find out more and book your ticket
www.sls360.org/events
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Events | SLS360
https://www.sls360.org/events
19 days ago
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This Sunday: the premiere of In Time: DĂłnal Lunny, telling the story of one of Irelandâs most influential musicians. His collaborations with the English folk scene (Elvis Costello, Andy Irvine, Anne Briggs) highlight the enduring connections between our musical traditions on these islands.
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In Time: DĂłnal Lunny (15*) + ScreenTalk with director Nuala O'Connor | Barbican
The first film account of DĂłnal Lunny, detailing his contribution to Irish culture and music, and framing him as one of Ireland's most outstanding artists.
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2025/event/docn-roll-film-festival-in-time-donal-lunny-screentalk
20 days ago
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Our friends at the Traditional Song Forum are calling for papers on Women in Folk Song. Get all the details here:
tradsong.org/tsf-spring-c...
22 days ago
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Not long now until our Traditional Tunes and Popular Airs Conference 2 days of presentations on: ballad operas and theatrical works, religious music, broadside balladry, music hall, the pleasure gardens, domestic music-making, and childrenâs songs. 8 & 9 Nov
bit.ly/4ol4a4J
22 days ago
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Just a reminder folks that the current Classic Folk at
www.efdss.org/listen
will remain live until next week. This is due to technical issues experienced last week that delayed its availability.
add a skeleton here at some point
22 days ago
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Earlier this year, we announced to members our proposal to change our name from the English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) to Folk England. We want to welcome a new and wider range of people to the world of folk arts, and we know our current name acts as a hinderance to this.
22 days ago
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Happy Apple Day! Here is an apple themed song collected by Cecil Sharp from children at Langford School in 1911: "Rosy apple, lemon pear, a wreath of roses she shall wear. Gold and silver by her side, I donât know who will be her bride"
archives.vwml.org/records/CJS2...
22 days ago
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Following its hit first outing in 2024, our glittering social dance fusion event, Bhangra Ceilidh, is back by popular demand! Sat 29 Nov 7pm-10pm Book now:
bit.ly/47iRN1E
Wishing you all a happy and prosperous Diwali
23 days ago
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reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
Cecil Sharp House
23 days ago
đ˘ GIG ANNOUNCEMENT đ˘ Legendary ballad singer and guitarist Martin Carthy, joined by a very special guest, returns to our iconic stage in February. 25 February 2026 Tickets now on sale:
bit.ly/4qrgwcX
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Martin Carthy and special guest
A legendary ballad singer and guitarist who has influenced generations of artists, including Bob Dylan and Paul Simon.
https://bit.ly/4qrgwcX
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Broadside Day 2026: Call for Papers. We are inviting proposals of 20-minute presentations for the next Broadside Day conference, this time held at
@sheffielduni.bsky.social
with
@cfrc-folklore.bsky.social
Deadline for submissions 1 December 2025 Find out more:
bit.ly/3J47SQI
26 days ago
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Good luck to the legendary Martin Carthy at tonight's Mercury Prize Awards!
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
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Mercury Prize 2025: Pulp and CMAT are favourites to win
Bookmakers say the stars are front-runners for the prize, which is held in Newcastle on Thursday.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cj0e4d8d4z2o
27 days ago
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Our friends at âŞ@candocodance.bsky.social are running classes (between 20 Oct & 28 Nov) at Clod Ensemble, London. They invite disabled and non-disabled dancers to explore improvisation, and expand their movement practice. Find out more and book your ÂŁ5 tickets:
candoco.co.uk/events/compa...
27 days ago
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This week's (slightly belated) episode of Classic Folk includes: Fairport Convention
@rhiannongiddens.bsky.social
Shirley Collins Arthur Knevett - Playing at
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
on 29 Oct. Martin Simpson
@oysterband.bsky.social
efdss.org/listen
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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...
https://efdss.org/listen
27 days ago
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Oh wow! Off Beat Film Festival are showing an collection of Doc Rowe's favourite folky films!
www.tickettailor.com/events/offbe...
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Buy tickets â OffBeat Presents: An Evening with Doc Rowe â Walthamstow Trades Hall
OffBeat Presents: An Evening with Doc Rowe â Walthamstow Trades Hall, Mon 10 Nov 2025 - OffBeat is back at the Walthamstow Trades Hall for a very special event. On the 10th of November, we will be wel...
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/offbeatfolkfilm/1903864
about 1 month ago
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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.
about 1 month ago
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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
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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...
https://bit.ly/46EhbzR
about 1 month ago
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đ˘We are searching for the next Artistic Director for the National Youth Folk Ensemble. đź 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
about 1 month ago
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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 Regentâs Park Road, London NW1 7AY
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London Youth Folk Ensemble at Folk by the Oak, July 2025
YouTube video by English Folk Dance and Song Society
https://youtube.com/shorts/HAxCGVNIxrM?si=UoqMfpyjzswj04Rg
about 1 month ago
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We're offering five Dance Mini Grants of ÂŁ500 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
about 1 month ago
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We knew if we kept singing sea shanties for long enough they'd become 'Cool' again.
www.dw.com/en/britains-...
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Britain's Gen Z celebrates sea shanty tradition â DW â 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.
https://www.dw.com/en/britains-gen-z-celebrates-sea-shanty-tradition/video-73980920
about 1 month ago
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Our Black British Folk Takeover is one of The Londonist's Things To Do In London This Weekend!
londonist.com/london/weeke...
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Things To Do In London This Weekend: 4-5 October 2025
Begin the month in style.
https://londonist.com/london/weekend/things-to-do-in-london-this-weekend-4-5-october-2025
about 1 month ago
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Connection Online: Focus on Virtual and Hybrid Learning Tuesday 7 Oct, 2pm-5pm, Online Book for free
bit.ly/4gkqxnw
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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.
https://bit.ly/4gkqxnw
about 1 month ago
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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...
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Manchester dance groups join forces for festival in Barcelona
Two dance groups have created a piece that showcases Manchester's diverse culture and traditions.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly1r9gzv8xo
about 1 month ago
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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...
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Angeline Morrison â interview ⢠Afridiziak Theatre News
Growing up Black, queer, and from the ends wasnât just tough - it was war. Every time I left the house in South East Londonâs Thamesmead,
https://www.afridiziak.com/interviews/angeline-morrison/
about 1 month ago
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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
loading . . .
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...
https://www.efdss.org/listen
about 1 month ago
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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 youâre a seasoned expert, or just call occasionally for fun, we want to hear from you!
subscribepage.io/jOCE8E
about 1 month ago
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