Use the Colour code to find events that interest you:
SONG: folk clubs, singarounds & concerts IN RED, MUSIC: sessions IN GREEN, DANCING (social): ceilidhs, barn dances, scottish, irish set, french dancing & Playford IN BLUE, DANCING (team): morris, clog, longsword, rapper sword, molly & appalachian displays to watch, or learning sessions - IN PURPLE, FESTIVALS & other IN BLACK
Sun 1 May
Peterborough Morris dance in the dawn of summer at 5.28am at the Customs House, River Nene Embankment, Peterborough
Pig Dyke Molly dance in the dawn of summer at 5.28am at the Holme Fen posts, near Holme, Peterborough
Rattlejag Morris dance in the dawn of summer at 5.28am on the top of the scenic castle mound in Laxton village, between Newark & Ollerton, Notts - nearly opposite the church on High Street, NG22 ONX
Irish (mainly) music session - Palmerston Arms, 82 Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9PA - every Sunday - 4pm to 7pm - 01733 896340
Mon 2 May
Tue 3 May
Acoustic Session, Millstone Inn, Barnack near Peterborough PE9 3ET - 8pm - 1st Tuesdays - details: 01733 891860 - MySpace
Peterborough Morris dancing at The Blue Bell, St Pauls Rd, Dogsthorpe, Peterborough, PE1 3RZ - from 8pm - dance out at a different pub most Tuesdays in May, June & July - sometimes a bit of music afterwards - 01733 206627 or 01733 705786
Irish set dancing - every Tuesday in term time, but not 2nd Tuesdays of the month - 9 to 11pm - £1 - Ebeneezer's Club, Grove St, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9AG - 01733 757286 or 01733 893417
Wed 4 May
94.9 FM Tom Lane's Folk programme on BBC Radio Lincolnshire includes a "What's On" rundown - 6.30 to 7pm every Wednesday - click here to listen live
Mike Harding's folk, roots & acoustic show on Radio 2 - 7 to 8pm every Wednesday or listen through BBC iplayer
Spalding Folk Club - guest this week: Dave Swarbrick - "His fiddle flits and swoops like a swallow in full flight ...both his sense of humour and cavalier instinct are intact" - South Holland Centre, Market Place, Spalding PE11 1SS click here for map & car parking - 1st Wednesdays - 8.15pm - usually £6 (£5 members) 01406 380100 or email
Peterborough Folk Dance Club, Marholm Village Hall, Peterborough, PE6 7JA - partner not needed - 7.30 to 9.30pm - Wednesdays - 01733 266873
Maalstroom featuring Jo Freyer - one of only 6 UK dates - their music fuses folk, jazz & classical and they have been described as a real treat for music lovers - Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DL - 8pm - £12 (£10) - 01780 763203
Learn Border (anglo/welsh) Dancing (women & Men) or join the band - Bourne Borderers - Edenham Village hall, Church Lane, Edenham, Lincs, PE10 0LS - every Wednesday - 8pm to 10pm - tel: 01778 424846
Redmile Music singaround - Barnstone Country Club, Works Lane, Barnstone, Notts NG13 9JN - 8.30pm - free - fortnightly on Wednesdays - everyone is welcome to play, sing, or relax and listen, where musicians of all abilities can get together and enjoy each other's music - for details contact Sairz on 01159 332225 or 07841 333315 or email
Thu 5 May
Wild 'n Woolly Traditional Music session as part of the Deeping Arts Festival - for mainly English dance music & the occasional 'robust' song - music which is longer lasting & livlier than the Spice Girls - tune players, singers & listeners welcome - Red Lion, 48 King Street, West Deeping, PE6 9HP - 8.30pm - free entry
Raunds Festival - see website for guestlist & venues
600 Whiskies Unplugged Acoustic Music Night upstairs in the Stables Bar, 600 Whiskies (was George Hotel), 20 High St, Leadenham, LN5 0PN - usually 1st Thursday each month - 8.15pm - 07835 711709 or email here
Fri 6 May
First Friday Folk, The Wishing Well, Main St, Dyke, Bourne PE10 0AF - singaround - 8pm - 1st Fridays (different venue in Dec) - 01778 570115 Dean Hardy or email
Raunds Festival - see website for guestlist & venues
Sat 7 May
Crosskey Clog dance in Peterborough - 10.45am in Queensgate (near BHS) - noon in Cathedral Square
Acoustic song & music session - Fox Inn, 34 Manor Road, Folkesworth, PE7 3SU - 8pm - 1st Saturday in the month - 07885 706502 or email - these evenings are usually acoustic, amplified occasionally.
Maalstroom featuring Jo Freyer - one of only 6 UK dates - their music fuses folk, jazz & classical and they have been described as a real treat for music lovers - 7.30pm - Harmston Memorial Hall, School Lane, Harmston, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN5 9SN Tel: 01522 722462
Raunds Festival - see website for guestlist & venues
Sun 8 May
Raunds Festival - see website for guestlist & venues
Irish (mainly) music session - Palmerston Arms, 82 Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9PA - every Sunday - 4pm to 7pm - 01733 896340
Pennyless duo - Coalheavers Arms, 5 Park Street, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9BH - 3 to 3pm - free - beer festival
Haconby Unplugged (song session, see 3rd Mons for tune session) - Hare & Hounds, Haconby, Bourne PE10 0UZ - 2nd Sundays - 8pm - 01778 425422 or email
Mon 9 May
Irish & american tune session - Ship Inn, 20 West Street, Oundle, Peterborough, PE8 4EF - 9pm - 2nd Mon of the month - email
Boston Folk Club - guest this month: Steve Turner - upstairs at Eagle pub, 144 West St, Boston (just across from the rail station), PE21 8RE - normally 2nd Monday of the month - 01205 358783
Tue 10 May
Irish set dancing - every Tuesday in term time - 9-11pm - £1 - The Swiss Cottage, Grove St, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9AG - 01733 757286 or 01733 751477
Seth Lakeman in concert - Seth combines traditional folk music with modern universal themes of human struggle, love and loss. His music rubs together traditional tales & furious fiddle playing with his own unique brand of ‘indie-folk’. His recent albums – ‘Hearts & Minds’ and ‘Poor Man’s Heaven’ - achieved much critical acclaim and added yet another personal lyrical dimension to Seth’s already captivating live shows - Peterborough Cathedral - 7.30pm - tickets: Nave £22, Aisle £8 from Cathedral Shop on 01733 355315 and the Peterborough Destination centre on 01733 452 336
Peterborough Morris dancing at The Botolph Arms, 465 Oundle Rd, Orton Longueville, Peterborough, PE2 7DD - from 8pm - dance out at a different pub most Tuesdays in May, June & July - sometimes a bit of music afterwards - 01733 206627 or 01733 705786
Wed 11 May
94.9 FM Tom Lane's Folk programme on BBC Radio Lincolnshire includes a "What's On" rundown - 6.30 to 7pm every Wednesday - click here to listen live
Mike Harding's folk, roots & acoustic show on Radio 2 - 7 to 8pm every Wednesday or listen through BBC iplayer
Music session - Lincoln Arms, Bridge Street, Spalding, Lincs, PE11 1XA - a regularish session usually Thursdays - ring to find out when the next one is - 8.30pm - 01775 723026
Hell said the Duchess - Karen Tweed, Becky Price & Hannah James in concert - This all-female accordion trio formed in 2009 for a one-off gig and enjoyed it so much, they decided to do some more - not least for the chance to wear lovely frocks and prove that the accordion can be a highly expressive instrument, capable of great beauty and subtlety, and not just a large noisy box designed to drown out bagpipes! The amazing Karen Tweed, Becky Price and Hannah James present an elegant, eccentric and effervescent concoction of traditional and original music, harnessing various influences featuring dance music and airs from Ireland, France, Scandinavia and 18th Century England plus songs and dances from the Northern English repertoire performed by clogstepping virtuoso Hannah. All absolutely wonderful! - 7.30pm - Long Clawson Village Hall, LE14 4NA (near Melton Mowbray) - 01664 822247
Bluegrass & Old Time session - Six Bells, 11 Covent Garden, Cambridge, CB1 2HS - 8.30pm - usually the 2nd Wednesday of the month, but may change week occasionally to avoid a fortnightly Open Mic session which runs at the pub - email
Learn Border (anglo/welsh) Dancing (women & Men) or join the band - Bourne Borderers - Edenham Village hall, Church Lane, Edenham, Lincs, PE10 0LS - every Wednesday - 8pm to 10pm - tel: 01778 424846
Backroom Acoustic Music Club - songs & music - now at Railway Inn, 132 Great Whyte, Ramsey, PE26 1HS - 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month - email
Peterborough Folk Dance Club, Marholm Village Hall, Peterborough, PE6 7JA - partner not needed - 7.30 to 9.30pm - Wednesdays - 01733 266873
Thu 12 May
Hell said the Duchess - Karen Tweed, Becky Price & Hannah James in concert - This all-female accordion trio formed in 2009 for a one-off gig and enjoyed it so much, they decided to do some more - not least for the chance to wear lovely frocks and prove that the accordion can be a highly expressive instrument, capable of great beauty and subtlety, and not just a large noisy box designed to drown out bagpipes! The amazing Karen Tweed, Becky Price and Hannah James present an elegant, eccentric and effervescent concoction of traditional and original music, harnessing various influences featuring dance music and airs from Ireland, France, Scandinavia and 18th Century England plus songs and dances from the Northern English repertoire performed by clogstepping virtuoso Hannah. All absolutely wonderful! - 7.30pm - Ryhall Village Hall, PE9 4HR (near Stamford) - 01780 754621
Fri 13 May
Whittlesey Folk Evening - songs & tunes - The Bricklayer's Arms, Station Rd, Whittlesey, PE7 1UA - 8pm - free admission – 2nd Fridays excl. Jul & Aug - 01733 206627 or email
Ceilidh/barn dance to the Fruitcake Band - Helpston, near Peterborough - 01778 560497
Chris Newman & Máire Ní Chathasaigh in concert: Guitar & Irish Harp - St Mary’s Church, Lowdham, NG14 7BQ - 0115 9663596
Music session - The Chequers, 7 Church Rd, Wimbotsham, Downham Market, Norfolk, PE34 3QG - 8.30pm - 2nd Friday of the month - 07949 977282 or email
Scandinavian Dance - come to dance, play, or just enjoy the evening - in function room of Northwick Arms, High Street, Ketton, Stamford, PE9 3TA - usually on the 2nd Friday of each month - 8 to 11pm - £3 - email
Sat 14 May
One day Absolute beginner's workshop (I am guessing fiddles, as "limited number of fiddles available") - suitable for those who have never played at all - tutor: Stewart Hardy - JS Arts, Grantham - 10am to 5.30pm - cost £50 includes buffet lunch - 01476 567021 or email
Barn dance / ceilidh with the Fruitcake Band - at Boston Conservative Club, Main Ridge West, Boston. Lincolnshire, PE21 8QQ - phone Lindy Laight on 01205 353077
Sun 15 May
Irish (mainly) music session - Palmerston Arms, 82 Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9PA - every Sunday - 4pm to 7pm - 01733 896340
The Greenwood Quire - a new West Gallery quire, comprising recorder, viola, clarinet, trombone & singers - perform during a musical service at the Aslackby Parish Church, A15 between Bourne & Sleaford, NG34 0HG at 6pm. This is preceded at 4.30pm by tea in the church - details 01778 571563 or email
Singaround - Marquis of Granby, 65 Westgate, Sleaford, NG34 7DA - some tunes - 4 to 8pm - 3rd Sun in the month - 01529 300277 or email
Grantham Folk Club, Blue Pig Inn, Vine Street, Grantham, NG316RQ - 3rd Sun in the month - email or 01572 789939
One-to-one or Two-to-one private fiddle lessons available with tutor: Stewart Hardy - JS Arts, Grantham - 01476 567021 or email
Mon 16 May
Haconby Hare music session - musicians & listeners welcome - Hare & Hounds, 2 West Rd, Haconby, Bourne PE10 0UZ - 3rd Mondays - 8pm - 01778 571563 or email
Bluegrass tune session - Shuckburgh Arms, Main St, Southwick, Oundle, PE8 5BL - 3rd Mondays of the month - 8.30pm
Open Mic - The Crown Inn, Duck St, Elton, Northants, PE8 6RQ - 3rd Monday of the month - 8pm - 07736 434234 or email
Tue 17 May
Irish set dancing - every Tuesday in term time, but not 2nd Tuesdays of the month - 9 to 11pm - £1 - Ebeneezer's Club, Grove St, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9AG - 01733 757286 or 01733 893417
Mainly music session, with the odd song - King's Arms, Kings Arms Lane, Polebrook, near Oundle, PE8 5LW - 3rd Tuesday of the month - 8pm - contact: 01780 470470 or email
Peterborough Morris dancing at The Bricklayers Arms, Station Rd, Whittlesey, Peterborough, PE7 1UA - from 8pm - dance out at a different pub most Tuesdays in May, June & July - sometimes a bit of music afterwards - 01733 206627 or 01733 705786
Wed 18 May
94.9 FM Tom Lane's Folk programme on BBC Radio Lincolnshire includes a "What's On" rundown - 6.30 to 7pm every Wednesday - click here to listen live
Mike Harding's folk, roots & acoustic show on Radio 2 - 7 to 8pm every Wednesday or listen through BBC iplayer
Crosskey Clog - men's & women's Northwest Morris team - dance out a different pub many Wednesdays in the summer - tonight: Red Lion, King Street, West Deeping, Peterborough, PE6 9HP - see website or ring 01778 393507 for details
Redmile Music singaround - Barnstone Country Club, Works Lane, Barnstone, Notts NG13 9JN - 8.30pm - free - fortnightly on Wednesdays - everyone is welcome to play, sing, or relax and listen, where musicians of all abilities can get together and enjoy each other's music - for details contact Sairz on 01159 332225 or 07841 333315 or email
Peterborough Folk Dance Club, Marholm Village Hall, Peterborough, PE6 7JA - partner not needed - 7.30 to 9.30pm - Wednesdays - 01733 266873
Learn Border (anglo/welsh) Dancing (women & Men) or join the band - Bourne Borderers - Edenham Village hall, Church Lane, Edenham, Lincs, PE10 0LS - every Wednesday - 8pm to 10pm - tel: 01778 424846
Thu 19 May
Billy Mitchell Band in concert - support: Merlin's Keep - 7.30pm - The Lawn, Union Road, Lincoln, LN1 3BL - tickets £15, concs £12 from 01472 350908 ext 265 - in aid of St Andrew's Children's Hospice
Irish Music session - Shuckburgh Arms, Main St, Southwick, Oundle, PE8 5BL - 3rd Thursdays of the month - 8.30pm
Spalding singaround, Welland Yacht Club, River Bank, Spalding PE11 3AA (follow Cradge Bank next to BP station) - 3rd Thursdays - 01205 723884 click here
Fri 20 May
French dancing - waltz, mazurka, bourree, scottish, etc - dancers & musicians of any level welcome - Northwick Arms, High Street, Ketton (hall in the car park) - 8 to 11pm - 3rd Fridays, except July & Aug - details Adam or Mary 01780 720521 or email
Briege Murphy , singer / songwriter, in concert - St Norbert's Community Hall, St Thomas' Road, Spalding - tickets £7 - email
Sat 21 May
Finest Kind in concert - Finest Kind is the remarkable folk trio from Ottawa, Canada whose exquisite harmony singing and brilliant vocal arrangements are bringing a fresh sense of excitement and discovery to the performance of old songs. Canada’s Ian Robb, Ann Downey and Shelley Posen with their guest musician, James Stephens, on fiddle and mandolin play songs from their new album, ‘For Honour And For Gain’. Songs from the English tradition as well as Appalachian classics and self-penned numbers cover the broad spectrum that is the international folk scene. With glorious harmonies, superb musicianship and a great programme – if you like folk music, you’ll love this! - Guildhall Arts Centre, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham NG31 6PZ - 7.30 to 9.30pm - tickets £12/£10 - 01476 406158
4th Annual 'Gig in the Garden' - Ramsey Community Garden (at the back of the Ramsey Community Information Centre, Great Whyte, Ramsey) - a showcase of local musical talent - noon til 5pm - details 07771 748247 or email
Sun 22 May
Irish (mainly) music session - Palmerston Arms, 82 Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9PA - every Sunday - 4pm to 7pm - 01733 896340
Traditional song & music session - Castle Inn, High Street, Castle Bytham, NG33 4RZ - free - 7.30 to 10.30 - the 4th Sunday of the month - 01780 410563
Mon 23 May
Folk at the Oak, Oak Inn, 48 Stamford Rd (the A43), Easton-on-the-Hill, Stamford, PE9 3PA - singaround - 8.30pm - alternate Mondays - Bob Bakewell - 0116 2593395
Tue 24 May
Irish set dancing - every Tuesday in term time, but not 2nd Tuesdays of the month - 9 to 11pm - £1 - Ebeneezer's Club, Grove St, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9AG - 01733 757286 or 01733 893417
Music session - Durham Ox, Church Street, Orston, Notts, NG13 9NS (just off A52) - fourth Tuesday of the month - 8 to 11pm - Mark Pargin 01949 850059
Cancelled this week: Music and song session - Shuckburgh Arms, Main St, Southwick, Oundle, PE8 5BL - 4th Tuesdays of the month - 8.30pm - 07732 169161 or email
Peterborough Morris dancing at The Ruddy Duck, 12 Saint Pega's Rd, Peakirk, Peterborough, PE6 7NF - from 8pm - dance out at a different pub most Tuesdays in May, June & July - sometimes a bit of music afterwards - 01733 206627 or 01733 705786
Wed 25 May
94.9 FM Tom Lane's Folk programme on BBC Radio Lincolnshire includes a "What's On" rundown - 6.30 to 7pm every Wednesday - click here to listen live
Mike Harding's folk, roots & acoustic show on Radio 2 - 7 to 8pm every Wednesday or listen through BBC iplayer
Le Vent du Nord - The band is one of the most-loved Quebec folk outfits throughout the world. Their current line-up consists of singers/multi-instrumentalists Nicholas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Olivier Demers and Rejean Brunet (melodeon, hurdy-gurdy, fiddle, guitar) - Stamford Arts Centre, 27 St Mary's Street, Stamford PE9 2DL - 8pm - £14 (£12) - 01780 763203
Fairport Convention in concert - Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention remains one of the most entertaining bands on today’s concert circuit. Fairport has a vast repertoire to draw on and this concert will mix old and new. As well as showcasing brand new songs from their recently-released studio album, the show will also feature a suite of songs celebrating the fortieth anniversary of their groundbreaking ‘folk opera’ Babbacombe Lee. The band features Simon Nicol on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Pegg on bass and backing vocals, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and lead vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. The band has won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’ - Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering, NN15 6PB - £18.50 / £17.50 - 01536 414141
Learn Border (anglo/welsh) Dancing (women & Men) or join the band - Bourne Borderers - Edenham Village hall, Church Lane, Edenham, Lincs, PE10 0LS - every Wednesday - 8pm to 10pm - tel: 01778 424846
Backroom Acoustic Music Club - songs & music - now at Railway Inn, 132 Great Whyte, Ramsey, PE26 1HS - 2nd & 4th Wednesday of the month - email
Peterborough Folk Dance Club, Marholm Village Hall, Peterborough, PE6 7JA - partner not needed - 7.30 to 9.30pm - Wednesdays - 01733 266873
Crosskey Clog - men's & women's Northwest Morris team - dance out a different pub many Wednesdays in the summer - tonight: The Moorhen, 385 West Lake Ave, Hampton Vale, Peterborough, PE7 8DR - see website or ring 01778 393507 for details
Thu 26 May
Baston concert: Belshazzar's Feast - Belshazzar’s Feast start with traditional folk music, add a touch of classical and jazz, throw in a bit of pop and music hall, and top it off wry humour for a unique live experience - Supporting artiste : Ruth Price - The Barn, Main St, Baston, near Bourne PE6 9PA - 8pm - bring own drinks - tickets from 01778 560497 (these concerts often sell out)
Fri 27 May
No Frills Ceilidh with The Beltonas (caller Sue Gray) - St Mary's Church Hall, Rose Lane, Pinchbeck, Spalding, PE11 3RN - doors open 7.30pm for 7.45 start, 10.30 finish - no bar so bring your own alcohol - tea & coffee included - homemade cakes on sale - tickets £2.50 from email
Beginner's fiddle weekend - tutor: Stewart Hardy - JS Arts, Grantham - residential weekend £250 including all meals - 01476 567021 or email
Sat 28 May
Fairport Convention in concert - Hailed as the originators of British folk-rock music, Fairport Convention remains one of the most entertaining bands on today’s concert circuit. Fairport has a vast repertoire to draw on and this concert will mix old and new. As well as showcasing brand new songs from their recently-released studio album, the show will also feature a suite of songs celebrating the fortieth anniversary of their groundbreaking ‘folk opera’ Babbacombe Lee. The band features Simon Nicol on guitar and lead vocals, Dave Pegg on bass and backing vocals, Chris Leslie on fiddle, mandolin, bouzouki and lead vocals, Ric Sanders on violin and Gerry Conway on drums and percussion. The band has won a coveted BBC Lifetime Achievement Award and Radio 2 listeners voted Fairport’s groundbreaking album Liege & Lief ‘The Most Influential Folk Album of All Time’ - Blackfriars Theatre, Spain Lane, Boston, PE21 6HP - £18.50 / £16.50 - 01205 363108
Beginner's fiddle weekend - tutor: Stewart Hardy - JS Arts, Grantham - residential weekend £250 including all meals - 01476 567021 or email
Scandinavian Dance afternoon workshop 2.30 to 4.30 - £5 - in function room of Northwick Arms, High Street, Ketton, Stamford, PE9 3TA - email
Sun 29 May
Irish (mainly) music session - Palmerston Arms, 82 Oundle Road, Peterborough, PE2 9PA - every Sunday - 4pm to 7pm - 01733 896340
Ceilidh / barn dance to the Elusive Black Dog band - Easton Village Gala - The Blue Bell, 9 High Street, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, PE9 3LR - 8pm to 11.30pm - tickets £10 including hot supper from the Bluebell pub 01780 763003 or 01780 754751
Beginner's fiddle weekend - tutor: Stewart Hardy - JS Arts, Grantham - residential weekend £250 including all meals - 01476 567021 or email
Mon 30 May
"Priscilla Biggadyke: the Radio Ballad" - 1pm on BBC Radio Lincolnshire - listen on 94.9fm or click here to listen online - featuring Bill Whaley & Dave Fletcher, Winter Wilson, Anne Irving, the Whiley Sisters, Dick Appleton & Tom Lane
Tue 31 May
Irish set dancing - every Tuesday in term time, but not 2nd Tuesdays of the month - 9 to 11pm - £1 - Ebeneezer's Club, Grove St, Woodston, Peterborough, PE2 9AG - 01733 757286 or 01733 893417
Peterborough Morris dancing at The Angel, Yarwell, Peterborough, PE8 6PR - from 8pm - dance out at a different pub most Tuesdays in May, June & July - sometimes a bit of music afterwards - 01733 206627 or 01733 705786
click here for June 2011