This page shows some of the wonderful free events that were on offer during this year’s festival!
This free programme of music, dance and arts events ran throughout the day and evening in parallel with the main line up (for which a festival ticket was needed).
Fringe Stage at The Kings Arms
A packed and diverse programme of acoustic, indie-folk and folk-adjacent bands and musicians will be performing in the pub garden. The stage has been curated by Joe Sartin, and includes a host of exciting local and regional acts. Information about the acts can be found on the Line-up page.
Children’s Folk Festival
Children of all ages (and their grownups) will find free activities and entertainment from 9am until late afternoon, at the Baptist Church – the home of the Children’s Folk Festival. View a full list of Children’s activities.
Lunchtime concert
Free concert with Guinea Lane and Andover Museum Loft Singers – more information can be found on the Line Up page.
Buskers Corner
If you’d like to perform, please do so between the hours given below! Please note buskers are not permitted to collect money during their performances, as the festival does not have a licence for this.
Maypole Dancing
Celebrate Spring and try your hand (and feet!) at maypole dancing, under the expert tuition of Folk Active’s team of leaders. Suitable for adults and children over 8 years. This will be popular so arrive early to avoid disappointment!
Jack in the Green Parade
A traditional celebration not to miss! The parade will weave through the town ending up on the Silk Mill Lawn, where there will be a fantastic display of Morris dancing. Join in or watch the colourful spectacle of musicians, Morris dancers and families, led by the Jack in the Green – complete with costume made with help from children during the morning at the Baptist Church.
Morris Dance Displays
Be entertained throughout the morning and early afternoon, by stunning dance displays from Bampton Morris, Winchester Morris Men and Whitchurch’s very own Mayfly Morris.
Longparish Mummers
Watch the Longparish Mummers perform their plays full of legend and drama for your amusement.
Pop-up dance workshops
Have fun having a go at Southern Stepping; an informal, creative style of step dancing local to Hampshire.
Performances from local youth music groups
Enjoy musical performances from the fabulous Testbourne School Folk Group and Folk Active Youth Ensemble.
Drop-in Ceilidh on the lawn
All ages can join in with a mass ceilidh dance session. No experience necessary – bring your sense of humour!
Sessions
Drink in the atmosphere of traditional folk music sessions and singarounds at the White Hart Hotel, all are welcome to join in or just listen and enjoy!
Mosaic Workshop (drop-in)
Join Wiltshire-based mosaic artist Joanna Dewfall for a relaxed, drop-in workshop and create your own beautiful mosaic coaster. Joanna has been making mosaics since 1988 and holds a BA in Fine Art from Winchester School of Art.
Walk The Whitchurch Mill Trail
Sunday Morning Walk
The morning after walk! Join Charmaine and Barry from Whitchurch Walkers are Welcome to walk the Whitchurch Mill Trail and see some of our beautiful countryside. The route will take around 2 hours. Don’t forget your walking boots. Suitable for all ages.
