23 - 26 May 2025
23 - 26
May
2025
Timetable: Family and Communities
Chippenham Folk Festival Family and Community events are fun, free events organised by volunteers for the benefit of everyone. We aim for events to be as inclusive as possible. Age ranges are given as guidance only, referring to the age range the activity will be aimed at. Younger participants are welcome with adult support, and participants above the suggested ages are welcome. Parent/guardians must remain with children accessing the area and are actively encouraged to join in! Participants with SEN are welcome with appropriate support.

To make the event as safe as possible, participants, spectators and volunteers are asked to take note of the following rules and guidelines:

  • Whilst Chippenham Folk Festival fully accepts its duty of care and will do everything it can to create a safe and enjoyable environment for all, parent/guardians who ultimately have responsibility for the welfare of their children.
  • We ask that the family event tents and the roped-off area between them be treated as a non-smoking space. Alcohol should not be taken into this area.
  • We ask that dogs be kept on leads whilst in Island Park. We ask that only guide and or therapy dogs access the family event tents.
  • Where possible, please leave buggies outside of family tents.

Jump to: Friday Saturday Sunday Monday

Click on the event name for more information.

Family and Communities on Friday 23rd May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 12:30Schools' Day workshopsOlympiad: Sports HallA by-invite-only event for local schools

With: Shooting Roots

Event Tickets Only
12:00 to 12:40The Ramshackle Orchestra Island Park: Community StageRamshackle plays an eclectic mix of world folk music including Celtic folk, passionate gypsy tunes, Klezmer laments and mysterious airs from the wilder reaches of Hungary and Transylvania.

With: Ramshackle Orchestra

Donation
12:45 to 14:30Schools' Day CeilidhOlympiad: Sports HallA by-invite-only event for local schools

With: The Downfielders, Shooting Roots

Event Tickets Only
13:00 to 13:45Becky Syson Island Park: Community StageUplifting positive songs for the soul with Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter Becky Syson.

With: Becky Syson

Donation
14:05 to 14:35The Good Afternoon ChoirIsland Park: Community StageThe Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (one of 23 FUN community choirs that sing in the afternoons) led by the wonderful Matt Finch.

With: Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir + West Wilts Good Afternoon Choir

Donation
15:00 to 15:45Hot Club of Folk Town Island Park: Community StageRegulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing.

With: Hot Club of Folk Town 

Donation
16:10 to 16:45The Downfielders Island Park: Community StageA band of school age young people from Gloucestershire

With: The Downfielders

Donation
17:10 to 18:25The Wiltshire Police Band Island Park: Community Stagewith woodwind, brass and percussion sections, the band repertoire is vast and ranges from traditional marches to big band classics, popular musical shows and arrangements of classical music.

With: Wiltshire Police Band

Donation

Family and Communities on Saturday 24th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
08:45 to 09:45The Festival Stretch Island Park: Community StageBring your yoga mat to join Kyla, local Yoga instructor in a festival morning stretch. What better way to get ready for the weekend of dancing ahead!

With: Yoga with Kyla 

Donation
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap Attack: Beaded BonanzaIsland Park: Make and Do tentMake your own keychains, bag charms, bracelets, necklaces, hair accessories out of beads, ribbons, leather etc. All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill.

Aimed at ages: 3 to 17
With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore
Donation
10:00 to 11:00Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Singing Hats
Donation
10:00 to 10:40Hot Club of Folk Town Island Park: Community StageRegulars in the local folk scene Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing.

With: Hot Club of Folk Town 

Donation
11:00 to 11:45NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance stylesIsland Park: Community StageThe National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages.

Aimed at ages: 5-17
With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
Donation
11:30 to 12:30Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Ben Matthews and friends
Donation
12:00 to 12:25I am a Clown Island Park: Community StageVolodymyr Smotritel presents " I am a Clown". a unique clowning masterclass unfolds.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Volodymyr Smotritel
Donation
12:30 to 12:50May Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary Island Park: Community StageMay Pole performance with local school Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary

With: Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary

Donation
13:20 to 14:10Nursery Rhyme Time with Folk OnIsland Park: Community StagePlaying the Nursery Rhymes you know and love, as you’ve never heard them before. For children of all ages!

Aimed at ages: 0-6
With: Folk On
Donation
13:30 to 15:15Knitted Critters with the Natty KnittersIsland Park: Make and Do tentJoin the knitters behind the fantastic knitted creations around the town. Make your own knitted critter. Beginners or experienced. Any age welcome.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Chippenham Knatty Knitters
Donation
14:30 to 15:15Baby Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

Aimed at ages: 0-2
With: Becky Bops
Donation
15:00 to 17:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
15:45 to 16:30Drumming Circle for all the family with Blissfull DragonIsland Park: Make and Do tentJoin the circle and get into your groove, and get the beat going! Join Liz to explore, improvise and have fun with drums and percussion, creating a joyful and uplifting sound.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Blissful Dragon
Donation
15:45 to 16:30Toddle Bops : WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

Aimed at ages: 2+
With: Becky Bops
Donation
16:50 to 17:20Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Let Us Dance!, Judith Proctor
Donation
17:00 to 17:30Drumming Story Time Island Park: Make and Do tentCome and join Harry and his friends as he creates a new band in the woodland. There will be plenty of noisy drumming and lots of fun.

Aimed at ages: 7+
With: Blissful Dragon
Donation
17:30 to 18:30Folk On Island Park: Community StageA full-force folky fun family show for all with hits like ‘Dad, I’m in love with a Morris Dancer’ and ‘Advanced Country Dancing (for beginners)

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Folk On
Donation
20:45 to 21:30The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation

Family and Communities on Sunday 25th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap Attack: Once Upon a CostumeIsland Park: Make and Do tentMake your own capes, tunics, colourful butterfly/dragon wings that catch and reflect the sun, using donated materials that would have ended up in landfill.

Aimed at ages: 3 to 17
With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore
Donation
10:00 to 10:45Baby Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

Aimed at ages: 0-2
With: Becky Bops
Donation
10:00 to 10:50Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Let Us Dance!, Judith Proctor
Donation
11:00 to 11:45NYFTE: The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance stylesIsland Park: Community StageThe National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
Donation
11:15 to 12:00Toddle Bops: WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

Aimed at ages: 2+
With: Becky Bops
Donation
12:00 to 12:25Cause Community ChoirIsland Park: Community StageA collective of singers and musicians performing a wide variety of songs based at the Cause Music Centre Chippenham.

With: Cause Community Choir

Donation
12:15 to 13:15Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Singing Hats
Donation
13:00 to 14:00Family Fairytale Ceilidh Island Park: Community Stage Specifically for children and families, Led by Fairy Tale Folk Dance to the wonderful Downfielders. Bringing a sprinkle of fairy dust and story telling to introduce our youngest attendees to the fun to be had in ceilidh dancing. Costumes encouraged!

Aimed at ages: 5-11
With: The Downfielders, FairyTale Family Folk Dance
Donation
13:30 to 16:30Circus Skills with Clare's Circus Island Park: Make and Do tentRun away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade

Aimed at ages: 4-17
With: Clare’s Circus
Donation
14:00 to 15:00Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Ben Matthews and friends
Donation
14:25 to 15:50NYFTE Show Case Island Park: Community StageNYFTE (pronounced "nifty") are a team of 10-18 year olds from all over the country, performing a wide range of dance styles, song and musicianship.

With: NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)

Donation
15:00 to 17:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
15:20 to 16:20Musical Circuits Island Park: Under 5s domeHave some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session!

Aimed at ages: 0-6
With: Blissful Dragon
Donation
16:10 to 17:10Keith Donnelly Family ShowIsland Park: Community StageLaughs, songs and stories with the wonderful and mischievous Keith Donnelly and his bear.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Keith Donnelly
Donation
17:30 to 18:30Guinea Lane Sax QuartetIsland Park: Community StageGuinea Lane Saxophones are a saxophone quartet comprising soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxes plus vocals, mostly traditional English music.

With: Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet

Donation
18:00 to 19:00Stick and Bucket Dance CompetitionOld Road TavernChippenham's hilarious annual contest for the best interpretation of Sir Terry Pratchett's Stick & Bucket Dance.

With: Details to follow

Donation
20:45 to 21:30The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight Island Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.

Aimed at ages: 5-122
With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation

Family and Communities on Monday 26th May 2025
WhenWhatWhereDescriptionPrice
10:00 to 14:00The Magic LanternIsland Park: The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Ian Douglas, Jo Douglas, Gacko, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
10:00 to 13:00Scrap Attack:Crafty CatchersIsland Park: Make and Do tentMake your own dream or sun catcher using donated materials that would have ended up in landfill.

Aimed at ages: 3 to 17
With: The Wiltshire Scrapstore
Donation
10:00 to 10:45Baby Bops Pre Walkers Island Park: Under 5s domeSongs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.

Aimed at ages: 0-2
With: Becky Bops
Donation
10:00 to 10:50Let us Dance Island Park: Community StageLet us Dance get us all dancing with maypole, garlands and maybe a few hankies.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Let Us Dance!, Judith Proctor
Donation
11:15 to 12:00Toddle Bops: WalkersIsland Park: Under 5s domeMusic mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!

Aimed at ages: 2+
With: Becky Bops
Donation
11:40 to 12:10The Magician’s NephewIsland Park: Community StageA young and lively ceilidh band, made up of members from The Bristol Folk House Choir, performing their concert set with ceilidh tune as well as 4 part harmony singing.

With: The Magician’s Nephew

Donation
12:15 to 12:40Bristol Folk House ChoirIsland Park: Community StageA young, lively community choir covering a wide range of folk songs

With: Bristol Folk House Choir

Donation
12:30 to 13:15Singing Hats Island Park: Under 5s dome Karen and Phil Morris unique show using self-made animal hats and finger puppets to enhance the music and encourage all to join in the experience.

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Singing Hats
Donation
13:00 to 13:30Sounds with your feet Island Park: Community StageExplore where making sound with your feet can take you with Clog dancer Vikki Lewis.

Aimed at ages: 3+
With: Vikki Lewis , Manny Grimsley
Donation
13:30 to 16:30Circus Skills with Clares Circus Island Park: Make and Do tentRun away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade

Aimed at ages: 4-17
With: Clare’s Circus
Donation
13:45 to 14:10MEGIsland Park: Community StageChippenham's own Meg. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material.

With: M3G

Donation
14:30 to 15:30Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music MakingIsland Park: Under 5s domeInclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!

Aimed at ages: 0-5
With: Ben Matthews and friends
Donation
15:00 to 16:00Shooting Roots ShowcaseIsland Park: Community StageShowcase of what our first ever cohort of 11 to 17 working with Shooting Roots is an inclusive youth folk organisation run by young people for young people

Aimed at ages: 11+
With: Shooting Roots
Donation
16:00 to 17:00Musical Circuits Island Park: Under 5s domeHave some fun exploring lots of different instruments and playing together in a noisey jam session!

Aimed at ages: 2-6
With: Blissful Dragon
Donation
16:15 to 17:15The grand exhibition of contraptions and curiosities. Island Park: Community StageA chaotic show loaded with myths, music, magic and mayhem featuring, songs, stories, sparkles and silliness. A bewildering and often breathtaking hour of absolute puerility.

Aimed at ages: 5+
With: Gacko, Ian Douglas, Professor Pumpernickel
Donation
17:45 to 18:30Wings and WhispersIsland Park: Community StageMusic inspired by the natural world and magical beings. Join the harp, voice, whistle, and guitar for a journey through English and American folk.

With: Wings and Whispers 

Donation

If you would like to see what we had last time: Family and Communities in 2024