22 - 25 May 2026
22 - 25
May
2026
The Ruze
The new venue the Ruze is a purpose-built live music and events venue in Chippenham, Wiltshire, created for performance, creativity and connection.

Just a short 5 minute walk out of town once you know the right way. Head out of Island park towards Olympiad and walk to the top Olympiad carpark. Walk through the car park and into its overflow area. There is an opening onto Station Road. Cross the road and enter the train station. To the left of the train station is a footbridge crossing the railway (a lift is available). Once over the bridge exit the train station carpark to the left and take the lane to the left. Follow down a short way and you will find The Ruze just after Cousin Norman's on your right.

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(From the Bridge if it does not know your location)

CURRENT PROGRAMME OF EVENTS (Others may follow)

Click on the event name or time to get more detail.

Jump to: Saturday Sunday Monday

Events on Saturday 23rd May 2026
TimeWhatWithPrice
10:30 - 11:30Beginners Appalachian with Crooked Moon
Learn a sequence of basic steps from the Appalachian tradition accompanied by our fabulous Old Time musicians. Hard soled shoes or taps recommended. (This is a stand alone workshop)
Crooked Moon (Appalachian)Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 13:00Ilmington with New Esperance
New Esperance Morris has breathed new life into the Ilmington tradition, including the reintroduction of galleys. Please wear dance shoes and bring hankies if you have them. Some Cotswold experience required
New Esperance (Cotswold)Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:30 - 14:45Building Essential Session Skills
A confidence-building session for beginner and intermediate players. Tips and tricks to help you get to grips with session playing. All instruments welcome, tunes used will be in G or D.
Tony HodkinWeekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00An Hour With Rob Johnston
Experience the astounding talent of Rob Johnston. A master of acoustic guitar his virtuosic performance blends folk with modern innovation. Don’t miss this world-class musical journey. He is joined by Tim Gower and Jess Marsh.
Rob Johnston (Band)Weekend or Day tickets Only
18:00 - 19:00Swingletree
Swing into the evening with Swingletree, bringing lovely harmonies and bouncy vibes from their tales of life on the canals.
Swingletree (Band)Weekend or Day tickets Only
20:00 - 21:00Dulcimer Mountain
Chippenham’s Dulcimer Mountain bring a fun, harmony-filled mix of Americana, Folk and Rock-n-Roll. Join Linda, Rob and Martin for a lively set from three staples of the local live music scene!
Dulcimer Mountain  (Band)Weekend or Day tickets Only
22:00 - 23:00Keith Donnelly
Keith Donnelly presents a classic late night get together. Laughs and larks from one of our festival favourites.
Keith Donnelly  (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian )Weekend or Day tickets Only

Events on Sunday 24th May 2026
TimeWhatWithPrice
10:30 - 11:30North West Workshop with Liberty Hill
Westhoughton. Written by Trefor Owen in the 1980s in celebration of the gargoyles on Westhoughton church tower. Our music is Quadrille Bouchard and Marche du Verner.
Liberty Hill North West (North West)Weekend or Day tickets Only
12:00 - 13:00Border Workshop with Beltane Border
Beltane combine confident and graceful flowing movements with fiery energy bringing tales of the myths, legends and monuments of Dartmoor alive. We’ll teach you our popular Tolmen Stone and Vixana dances
Beltane Border (Border)Weekend or Day tickets Only
14:00 - 15:00The New Esperance Tradition
Forty-odd years ago, we started to write dances in a new style. There are now a dozen dances, which are designed for four people or multiples thereof. Bring your hankies and dance shoes, and instruments.
New Esperance (Cotswold)Weekend or Day tickets Only
16:00 - 17:00Improvers Appalachian with Crooked Moon
This workshop is aimed at those with some knowledge of Appalachian stepping. Learn a short routine in Crooked Moon's dynamic style. Hard soled shoes or taps recommended. (This is a stand alone workshop)
Crooked Moon (Appalachian)Weekend or Day tickets Only

Events on Monday 25th May 2026
TimeWhatWithPrice
10:00 - 11:00Sound Bath
A symphony for your senses, a journey for your soul! Immerse yourself in the soothing waves of sound as Ben Matthews and friends guide you through a transformative sonic adventure
Ben Matthews  (musician)Weekend or Day tickets Only
13:00 - 14:30Storyround
Hosted by Ian Douglas, an opportunity to tell or listen. Bring a story you've been wanting to tell and offer it in a friendly space. Stories no longer than 3 minutes.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman)Donation