English Folk Dance and Song Society
@efdss.bsky.social
đ€ 1241
đ„ 173
đ 491
The national organisation for folk music, song and dance in England. Based at Cecil Sharp House
Read more about our latest commission, Rooted & Rising, a new musical show by Adriano Adewale, which will be touring Folk Festivals this summer.
bit.ly/3QskzrK
loading . . .
Adriano Adewale: The Interview
English Dance and Song April 2026 This news item is based on articles in English Dance and Song, the magazine of the English Folk Dance and Song Society. The worldâs oldest magazine for folk music and...
https://bit.ly/3QskzrK
about 9 hours ago
0
2
1
National Youth Folk Ensembleâs Open Days. Take part in these free days: play folk music as part of a band and find out more about the Ensemble. Cecil Sharp House London - 27 May 2026 Exeter Phoenix - 28 May 2026 Leeds Conservatoire - 30 May 2026
www.efdss.org/.../national...
about 15 hours ago
0
3
1
This week's episode of Classic Folk features tracks by: Harry Chapin
@therealjoeely.bsky.social
@stevetilston.bsky.social
@joancbaezofficial.bsky.social
Niamh Parsons Paddy Grant Kate Burke &
@ruthhazleton.bsky.social
Vin Garbutt Christy Moore The Copper Family And 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
4 days ago
0
10
6
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's water break chat will be "Favourite County".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Taylor's Morris Belle Isle's March Longborough at Oxford Folk Festival
4 days ago
0
1
1
Tomorrow! âThe Catterwauling Scrapes of Thrashing Fidlersâ: Explorations in the history of English Vernacular Fiddle Players, 1600-1900 Talk by Vic Gammon, with Sheila Gammon (Reader) and Bridget Enever (Fiddler) Book now:
bit.ly/4d7I5no
Image: Fiddle Etching by David Deuchar, Wellcome Collection
5 days ago
0
3
2
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
ISM
5 days ago
Calling all music students đŁ Make Music Work 2026 is this Friday and you should be there! Come along for a jam-packed day of discovery, networking and live music - AND get free ISM membership with your ticket. Join us this Friday âŹïž
www.ism.org/event/make-m...
loading . . .
0
0
1
Arts and Minds: what's next for arts in schools? We are delighted that alumni from the National Youth Folk Ensemble will be performing. Cecil Sharp House, London 27 April, 10am-3pm Free, tickets limited
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arts-and-m...
loading . . .
Arts and Minds: what's next for arts in schools?
The last year has seen several government announcements about the arts. Now is the time to shape arts education policy moving forwards.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/arts-and-minds-whats-next-for-arts-in-schools-tickets-1985726340940
7 days ago
0
1
0
The Merrie Merrie Month of May The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library Saturday, 16 May, 1-4pm (Drop in) FREE From bringing in the May to Jack in the Green, Rogationtide, Whitsun and everything in between. Find out more:
bit.ly/40XSY3M
Garland Day, Castleton, 29 May 1900
8 days ago
0
10
5
Resource of the Month: Working by Ear A booklet of ideas and resources for learning and teaching music by ear, produced for us by Rob Harbron and Miranda Rutter, based on their experiences while working with secondary school students at Hanham Woods Academy. Explore the resource:
bit.ly/3NYoonB
9 days ago
0
5
1
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
10 days ago
Maypole is very fun for all ages and very kid-friendly, so if you or someone you know is likely to be in (or able to get to) the neighbourhood! The EFDSS run great events.
add a skeleton here at some point
0
2
2
Maypole Special! Bring all the family to our May Family Barn Dance, and take part in lively ceilidh and maypole dancing to welcome in the spring! For this dance, our caller is Martin Clarke, who will be joined by The Belles of London City Sun 10 May, 1:30pm-4:30pm Cecil Sharp House
bit.ly/4bTOVKU
10 days ago
1
4
1
This week's Episode of Classic Folk includes tracks by:
@mattquinnmusic.bsky.social
@elizacarthy.bsky.social
Kris Drever Francy Devine Olivia Chaney Reg Meuross Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp
@steeleye-span.bsky.social
@billybragg.bsky.social
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
10 days ago
0
7
4
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
Cecil Sharp House
15 days ago
This month at the House: đ¶ Gigs from National Youth Folk Ensemble, Holly Clarke, Tarren, Basset the Band and Oysterband's John Jones Trio đ Library Lecture from Vic Gammon on English Vernacular Fiddle Players 1600-1900 đ Morris and English Country Dancing classes return for summer term
efdss.org
0
4
5
EFDSS Out and About this Summer! Where to catch our latest folk projects, musical groups and youth ensembles this festival season. Find out more:
bit.ly/483ElQi
loading . . .
EFDSS Out and About this Summer!
Where to catch our latest folk projects, musical groups and youth ensembles this season We hope you can join us out and about at some of these over the coming months as we present a busy schedule of p...
https://bit.ly/483ElQi
17 days ago
0
4
4
Here's this week's episode of Classic Folk featuring tracks by: Kirsty Merryn
@lindsaystraw.com
Lankum Gemma Khawaja Ewan McLennan The Musical Priest Rattle on the Stovepipe The Expatriate Game Last Orders Ewan MacColl Waterson:Carthy Fotheringay & 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
18 days ago
0
4
3
âThe Catterwauling Scrapes of Thrashing Fidlersâ: Explorations in the history of English Vernacular Fiddle Players, 1600-1900 Online talk by Vic Gammon, with Sheila Gammon (Reader) and Bridget Enever (Fiddler) Tue 14 Apr, 7:30pm OnZoom Book now:
bit.ly/4d7I5no
loading . . .
Library Lecture: Vic Gammon - The Catterwauling Scrapes of Thrashing Fidlers
âThe Catterwauling Scrapes of Thrashing Fidlersâ: Explorations in the history of English Vernacular Fiddle Players, 1600-1900
https://bit.ly/4d7I5no
18 days ago
0
3
2
Last week's Folk Education Development Day: Adapting Folk Dance with Older People was great fun as well as highly informative. Look out for a report on the event on our website in due course, and see what aspects you can introduce to your own dancing projects.
21 days ago
0
7
1
We've spotted a copy of Zakia Sewell's new release in the library, and it looks like a fascinating read. Zakia was part of our inaugural Black British Folk Takeover last autumn, and we can't wait to welcome her back to
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
soon. More on Finding Albion:
bit.ly/4dT31yy
loading . . .
This new book brings Britainâs folk history out of the shadows
Zakia Sewell travels the length and breadth of Britain in Finding Albion, a deep dive into the nationâs long-forgotten culture and traditions
https://bit.ly/4dT31yy
21 days ago
0
1
0
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
Folk London magazine
21 days ago
how it started* / how it's going * ok it's actually the eighth edition but it's the oldest one in the
@efdss.bsky.social
library
0
8
5
@klofmag.com
Really pleased to see this release from EFDSS Creative Bursary awardee, the British-Asian singer-songwriter & progressive folk artist Satnam Galsian. Her songs are deeply rooted in her personal experiences, drawing on her own journey of identity, belonging, & empowerment.
bit.ly/4bN8nc1
loading . . .
Satnam Galsian highlights Honour-Based Abuse on new Single
Satnam Galsian reimagines Irish folk classic She Moved through the Fair as Dishonour, spotlighting honour-based abuse. Released March 8th, benefiting Karma Nirvana charity.
https://bit.ly/4bN8nc1
22 days ago
0
6
0
'Britain is in a âfolk frenzyâ, according to Sewell, gesturing to a post-pandemic resurgence in folk culture evidenced by a new slate of pagan festivals as well as the growing popularity of folk music, dancing, films â and magazines like Weird Walk'
bit.ly/3PuW50F
loading . . .
How one author is using British folk culture to challenge the far right
Broadcaster and writer Zakia Sewell finds a more inclusive vision of Britain in its folk traditions
https://bit.ly/3PuW50F
23 days ago
0
21
7
Elye Cuthbertson, one of our National Youth Folk Ensemble alum, is invited back to the Royal Albert Hall to lead another of his Folk for Kids sessions. Enjoy singing a folk song, different folk rhythms through body percussion, dancing a traditional dance!
www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/even...
loading . . .
https://www.royalalberthall.com/tickets/events/2026/folk-for-kids-2
24 days ago
0
2
1
Join us for a special night of music created and performed by these rising stars and help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Youth Folk Ensemble! Cecil Sharp House Thur 2 Apr, 7:30pm
bit.ly/40kHLtX
Image shows members of the Ensemble going up in the folk music scene and up in a lift.
24 days ago
0
1
0
This week's episode of Classic Folk includes tracks by: Danny Pedler & Greg Russell Bruce Cockburn Sean Cooney,
@elizacarthy.bsky.social
Sam Carter,
@jenniferballads.bsky.social
Afro Celt Sound System The Queensland Tiger Fairport Convention
@debracowan.com
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
25 days ago
0
12
5
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's water break chat will be "Morris and Soundscapes". 24 March is the last class of term, starting again on 14 April.
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Pilgrim Morris with Taborer George Guildford Summerpole
25 days ago
0
4
0
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
@pixelsonapage
about 1 month ago
Out with
@eynshammorris.bsky.social
yesterday at the Pallant House Gallery when they were reunited with a painting by William Nicholson of "Feather" Russell currently on loan from the
@efdss.bsky.social
...
0
4
1
reposted by
English Folk Dance and Song Society
Eynsham Morris
about 1 month ago
Thank you so much to everyone in
#chichester
including
#pallantgallery
and
@efdss.bsky.social
for your hospitality and enthusiasm, it was amazing. A big thanks also to Barry @pixelsonapage
@themorrisfed.bsky.social
for the photos.
#art
#morrisdancing
#folktradition
#folkdance
#artgallery
1
10
4
In 2024, the UK joined other countries in supporting the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Communities across the UK are being invited to submit their traditions, customs & cultural practices as part of the Living Heritage Inventory:
bit.ly/4cRMhrc
loading . . .
Welcome | Inventories of Living Heritage in the UK
Help build the Inventories of Living Heritage in the UK. From pantomime to dry-stone walling â share your community's traditions and social practices. Start your submission today.
https://livingheritage.unesco.org.uk/
29 days ago
3
6
0
Lesser played traditional songs and unaccompanied favourites: this week's Classic Folk is here!
efdss.org/listen
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
Get all the family together this Mother's Day for our Family Barn Dance Accompanied by live music and a 'dance caller' teaching you the simple and fun moves, these regular events inspire budding dancers to take their first steps. Sunday 15 March - 3pm Book tickets now:
bit.ly/4rj9ki3
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
Join us for a special night of music created and performed by these rising stars and help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Youth Folk Ensemble! Jo Freya will be awarded her prestigious EFDSS Gold Badge by Michael Morpurgo. Thursday 2 April, 7:30pm Book now:
bit.ly/40kHLtX
loading . . .
National Youth Folk Ensemble
Join us for a special night of music created and performed by these rising stars and help us celebrate the 10th anniversary of the National Youth Folk Ensemble!
https://bit.ly/40kHLtX
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
Our friends at Music for Youth are recruiting for a new Programme Manager for Frequencies, their national programme supporting young music creators. Applications close: 30 March 2026 Job description & application:
mfy.org.uk/about/vacanc...
loading . . .
Vacancies | Music for Youth
https://mfy.org.uk/about/vacancies/
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
This week's episode of Classic Folk includes songs by: Davy Graham Blozabella
@magpielane-oxford.bsky.social
Patakus Burd Ellen
@pefkin.bsky.social
The Fraser Sisters - Playing a Trad Night at Cecil Sharp House on Wed 1 April 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
0
3
1
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's breaktime chat will be "Beasts and Morris".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
Image: Belles and Betley at St John the Divine Merton Church Ale
about 1 month ago
0
4
1
EFDSS-funded Equinox Ball on Dartmoor! Crank Dance Folk - Devon were awarded one of our Dance Mini Grants at the end of last year. They are using the funds to throw a Spring Equinox Ball at Badger's Holt on 21 March. Find out more:
dandelion.events/e/m0nlk
#SpringEquinox
loading . . .
Spring Equinox Ball
Sat 21st Mar 2026, 7:30pm â 11:30pm GMT (UTC +00:00)
https://dandelion.events/e/m0nlk?fbclid=IwY2xjawQKpWdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETJlaFE5dnB3UzFvVU90dTlOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnUcJHkCXEdeV7vPz7zCMLTjNDdrvzz7a2GxA7OT6AcKSx1QB5d9CZeW_N3A_aem_V0i_DWJIBc9VKyoslQJucg
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
National Youth Folk Ensemble Open Days These free days are a brilliant way to play folk music as part of a band, meet the tutor team, and find out more about the Ensemble. Cecil Sharp House - 27 May Exeter Phoenix - 28 May Leeds Conservatoire - 30 May Find out more and Book now:
bit.ly/3Pl1TcN
about 1 month ago
0
1
4
Do you teach Dance? Whether you teach people to dance formally or informally
@artscouncilengland.bsky.social
want to hear from you for their survey 'Understanding Dance Provision, Progression and Pathways in England' Complete the survey now (15-20 mins)
www.beds.ac.uk/culture-and-...
loading . . .
ACE Dance Survey: Understanding Dance Provision, Progression and Pathways in England | University of Bedfordshire
Arts Council England has commissioned the University of Bedfordshire to carry out a national survey of dance schools, studios and groups across England. Dance schools, studios and groups play a cruci...
https://www.beds.ac.uk/culture-and-community-engagement/ace-dance-survey
about 1 month ago
0
2
1
Our friends at GlosFolk have launched a fundraising appeal to support their GlosTrad project, the one-stop website for songs and tunes collected in
#Gloucestershire
. Donate here if you can:
glostrad.com
loading . . .
GlosTrad
https://glostrad.com/
about 1 month ago
0
2
1
Resource of the Month Swords and Stars: Rapper Sword Dance for Primary Schools Introduction to Rapper sword dancing, including diagrams, and tune recordings, created for us by Bryony Griffith and Lucy Huzzard.
bit.ly/4l4SjqE
Image: St Godrics and St Marys Betty and rapper lock - Roswitha Chesher
loading . . .
Swords and Stars: Rapper Sword Dance for Primary Schools
Written by Lucy Huzzard and Bryony Griffith, with diagrams by Will Hampson. A resource for teachers and dance artists working with primary school age pupils. It includes written notes, audio files, an...
https://bit.ly/4l4SjqE
about 1 month ago
0
3
1
We've signed Arts and Minds' letter to Bridget Phillipson, Secretary of State for Education and Lisa Nandy, Secretary of State for Culture to ask them to ensure all children can enjoy access to arts subjects throughout their school life. Will you do the same?
actionnetwork.org/forms/puttin...
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
Photography Exhibition: Celebrating 10 Years of the National Youth Folk Ensemble Exhibition runs until Thursday 27 August Cecil Sharp House, London Free Find out more and view online:
bit.ly/4rbnXEk
During the exhibition on 2 April, The Ensemble will be playing a gig:
bit.ly/40kHLtX
loading . . .
Photography Exhibition: Celebrating 10 Years of the National Youth Folk Ensemble
Photographs from the first 10 years of The National Youth Folk Ensemble
https://bit.ly/4rbnXEk
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
Our next online Library Lecture: Lucy Wright - Folk is a Feminist Issue! Artist and researcher, Lucy Wright has long been intrigued byâand kinda angry aboutâthe underrepresentation of women in the British folk arts. Tue 10 Mar 7:30pm-9:00pm Online Book now:
bit.ly/4rPW7yn
loading . . .
Library Lecture: Lucy Wright - Folk is a Feminist Issue!
Folk is a Feminist Issue! Uncovering the hidden women in British seasonal customs
https://bit.ly/4rPW7yn
about 2 months ago
0
9
5
Announcing Hannah James as the next National Youth Folk Ensemble Artistic Director "As a folk musician who has had many fantastic mentors over the years it feels important to be able to carry on that tradition of passing on skills and ideas to the next generation." Read more:
bit.ly/4siWHV7
loading . . .
Hannah James to be Artistic Director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble
The English Folk Dance and Song Society is delighted to appoint the musician and dancer Hannah James as the fourth Artistic Director of its National Youth Folk Ensemble (NYFE). Hannah will lead the En...
https://bit.ly/4siWHV7
about 2 months ago
0
12
3
Have fun dancing at the morris class Tuesdays 6:30pm at Cecil Sharp House. This week's break time chat will be "Country Gardens".
www.efdss.org/learning/adu...
about 2 months ago
0
4
1
Hannah James and Sonia Sabri recently spent a week at
@cecilsharphouse.bsky.social
working on a a new project which focuses on women in percussive dance and examines what it is to be a folk artist whose art form has a connection to a particular place and culture, thanks to receiving an EFDSS Bursary
loading . . .
Hannah James and Sonia Sabri - EFDSS Bursary Residency #folkmusic
YouTube video by English Folk Dance and Song Society
https://youtube.com/shorts/q985RBFvbHE?si=exgdkHfRmYEuAfpR
about 2 months ago
0
6
1
This week's Classic Folk features tracks by:
@petecoevo.bsky.social
Claire Vine
@hollyclarkemusic.bsky.social
Pete Seeger Damien O'Kane
@damienandron.bsky.social
Peggy Seeger
@finncollinson.bsky.social
@naomibedford.bsky.social
& Paul Simmonds 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 2 months ago
0
4
1
We're thrilled that our Dance Mini Grant award to Havering Changing is supporting this free Community Ceilidh on Saturday 28 Feb. Featuring live music from the Romford Ceilidh Band.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-...
loading . . .
Community Ceilidh dance event with live music from Romford Ceilidh Band
A free fun family dance event with dance leading and live music from celebrated local Romford Ceilidh Band. Bring your friends!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-ceilidh-dance-event-with-live-music-from-romford-ceilidh-band-tickets-1983579633079
about 2 months ago
0
4
0
We've recently added more new and second hand stock to our Folk Shop - books and CDs relating to Folk music, dance and song.
bit.ly/4rK6p3f
loading . . .
Folk Shop
The Folk Shop sells a selected range of items, concentrates on items which are harder to find from general retailers, whether online or in person.  The Folk Shop is offered as a service to individua...
https://bit.ly/4rK6p3f
about 2 months ago
0
4
3
We're pleased to see the launch of this: Young Creatives Commission â a yearâlong national inquiry into how to widen children and young peopleâs access to arts, culture and the creative industries:
bit.ly/4aYidsr
loading . . .
Roundhouse launches Young Creatives Commission | Charity Today News
The Commission will develop new solutions to put the arts alongside sport as a core pillar of youth engagement and opportunity. It will draw on lessons from
https://bit.ly/4aYidsr
about 2 months ago
0
2
2
Our new online course starts this Thursday - book now Exploring English Folk Dance with Mike Heaney and Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe Thursday evenings, 7.30pm 19 Feb - 9 Apr Online Book now:
bit.ly/4oEyEhw
Image: Maltby Phoenix Sword, U.Dance 2012, photo Brian Slater, courtesy Youth Dance England.
loading . . .
Folk Uncovered: Online Library Course - Exploring English Folk Dance
with Mike Heaney and Chloe Middleton-Metcalfe
https://bit.ly/4oEyEhw
about 2 months ago
1
2
0
Load more
feeds!
log in