Sidmouth folk festival 2026

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Stepcote Hall. Exeter's Stepcote Hill create a vibrant and distinctive dance sound from an eclectic mix of instruments, all driven by the irresistible rhythms of the English tradition.

Afternoon Ceilidh with The Bismarcks. Caller Aidan Hansell. Reforming for their 30th anniversary, The Bismarcks are renowned for their superb musicianship, infectious energy and classic English ceilidh sound. Their two acclaimed albums remain benchmark recordings for lovers of English traditional dance music.

Lunchtime Ceilidh with EFDSS Ceilidh Band. Led by English fiddler Ross Grant, the English Folk Dance & Song Society’s ensemble specialises in music for dancing.

Afternoon Ceilidh with Mikey Kenney. Caller Annie Bolt
Drawing on the rich fiddle traditions of Northwest England, Mikey brings a wealth of authentic dance tunes, infectious rhythms and deep-rooted musical knowledge to the dance floor. Expect a lively and uplifting afternoon of traditional ceilidh dancing led by one of the finest champions of Lancashire's musical heritage.

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Jigfoot. Jigfoot play traditional dance music with energy, imagination and above all, swing. Rooted in the traditions of southern England and inspired by step dancing, their infectious sound is guaranteed to keep the floor moving.

Nos Lowen with Bagas Fellyon. Bagas Fellyon bring the infectious spirit of Cornwall's Nos Lowen tradition to the dance floor with driving grooves, traditional tunes and boundless energy. With dances learned by following experienced dancers in the crowd, everyone can join in the fun.

Lunchtime Playford Ceilidh with Oakstone Trio. Oxford's Oakstone Trio bring warmth, energy and musical imagination to the elegant world of Playford dancing. Drawing on beautiful English tunes from the 17th and 18th centuries alongside their own compositions, they breathe fresh life into these enduring favourites.

Afternoon Ceilidh with Chimera. 

A vibrant and energetic Manchester-based folk band. “A Mini Bellowhead” - Chester Folk 

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Dirty Big Canal Dance Band. Caller Jane Bird. Dirty Big Canal Dance Band are an Oxford ceilidh supergroup whose soaring melodies, funky rhythms and infectious energy make them equally at home on a festival stage or a muddy towpath. Drawing on members of Owl Light Trio and Xogara, they're a classy party band guaranteed to fill the dance floor.

Afternoon Ceilidh with The Barber Band. Traditional English music for dancing, performed in unique Barber Band style. Their combination of fiddle and melodeon dueting with oboe and bass saxophone produces a lively, foot-tapping, energetic sound.

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Brown Boots Boogie Band. 

Turn lunchtime into a party with the Brown Boots Boogie Band. Expect lively tunes, infectious rhythms and plenty of dance-floor energy from this top-class quartet led by Will Allen and Martin Clarke.

Afternoon Ceilidh with Trinculo. Trinculo play classic, groove-filled dance music with grit, energy and irresistible melodies. Whether traditional or self-penned, their tunes are made for dancing and guaranteed to fill the floor.

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Ceilidh Three Sixty. 

Ceilidh Three Sixty are an electrifying trio blending accordion, sax, pipes, guitar and mandolin into a high-energy ceilidh sound. Their infectious rhythms, driving tunes and dazzling musicianship guarantee an unforgettable afternoon of music, dancing and fun.

Afternoon Ceilidh with Big Band Ceilidh led by Nick and Mary Barber. The Sidmouth Big Band is a giant all-comers ceilidh band. A week of workshops culminates in this public ceilidh, playing for dancing in the Anchor Gardens.

Lunchtime Ceilidh with Stepcote Hall. The Devon-based dance band weave together an ever-changing mix of mandolin, trombone, melodeon, mandocello, penny whistle, guitar and soprano sax. Their driving take on English traditional dance music delivers infectious rhythms and plenty of energy.

Afternoon Ceilidh with The Polekats. Callers Michael Catovsky & guest callers. After supporting the calling workshops all week, The Polekats close the Anchor Ceilidh programme in style.