22 - 25 May 2026
22 - 25
May
2026
Island Park
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(From the Bridge if it does not know your location)

Island Park comprises of:


CURRENT PROGRAMME OF EVENTS (Others may follow)

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

All events here areDonation.

Jump to: Friday Saturday Sunday Monday

Events on Friday 22nd May 2026
TimeWhatWith
12:00 - 12:45
Community Stage
Dulcimer Mountain
Dulcimer Mountain is a Chippenham-based trio playing Americana, Folk, Country and a bit of Rock-n-Roll.
Dulcimer Mountain 
13:00 - 13:40
Community Stage
Hot Club Of Folk Town
Regulars in the local folk scene, Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar, bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing
Hot Club of Folk Town  (Duo)
13:00 - 15:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Sarah Matthews & Doug Eunson
Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews are familiar faces at many folk festivals. They play fabulous English and European dance music on Fiddle, Melodeon & Hurdy Gurdy
Doug Eunson & Sarah Matthews
14:00 - 14:55
Community Stage
M3G
Chippenham's own M3G. A young singer-songwriter with a range of covers and own material.
M3G (Singer Song writer )
15:00 - 18:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Manny Grimsley
Manny, who plays fiddle & melodeon is a member of Relentless and a familiar face at many festival sessions.
Manny Grimsley (Musician )
15:20 - 16:10
Community Stage
Becky Syson
Uplifting positive songs for the soul with Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter Becky Syson.
Becky Syson (Singer Songwriter Acoustic Folk-Rock)
16:35 - 17:05
Community Stage
The Downfielders
The Downfielders are staples of the festival. A band based around the Downfield schools, Gloucestershire, With a constant turnover of students in the line up the band has been running for 40 years.
The Downfielders (Band)
17:30 - 18:30
Community Stage
Wings and Whispers
Music inspired by the natural world and magical beings. Join the harp, voice, whistle, and guitar for a journey through English and American folk.
Wings and Whispers
18:00 - 21:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Sheaf
Penny Kempson, Will Sartin and Lewis Jones are deeply rooted in the folk tradition and have performed in bands and sessions across the UK and beyond.
Sheaf
21:00 - 23:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Ali Barnes
Ali Barnes is an experienced performer and sought after session player specialising in Irish and Scottish traditional music but she is equally happy playing good tunes in other genres
Ali Barnes  (Session Leads)

Events on Saturday 23rd May 2026
TimeWhatWith
10:00 - 10:25
Community Stage
Chippenham Male Voice Choir
Chippenham Male Voice Choir has performed since 1940 when formed as the Westinghouse Choir. We are excited to welcome to the community stage for their first time at the folk festival
Chippenham Male Voice Choir 
10:00 - 10:45
Under 5s dome
Baby Bops Pre Walkers
Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
10:00 - 14:00
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern
Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
10:00 - 11:00
Make and Do tent
Early Earth Protectors river wedding craft
Early Earth Protectors invite you to join them to make some decorations and badges for their river wedding on the 30th May an event to celebrate the river Avon that runs through our site.
Early Earth Protectors
10:30 - 13:30
Stage
Dance Displays
A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day.
10:30 - 11:15 City Clickers ( Clog step dance)
10:45 - 11:20
Community Stage
Bristol Youth Folk
A performance from Bristol Youth Folk, a brand new group for kids in the Bristol area, aged 6-17, learning about all types of folk - from Cotswold to Molly, Rapper to Border.
Bristol Youth Folk
11:00 - 11:45
Make and Do tent
Children's Ceilidh Workshop
Can't wait till the children's ceilidh on Monday? Naomi from Fairy Tale Family Folk Dance will have you spinning in no time with games designed to introduce key ceilidh calls and moves.
FairyTale Family Folk Dance
11:00 - 13:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by some of Trinculo
Trinculo are only at the festival for one day and have a soundcheck part way through the session but have agreed to kick it off and stay as long as they are able. We are very grateful that these fabulous musicians have agreed to be involved
Trinculo
11:10 - 11:50
Under 5s dome
Toddle Bops Walkers
Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
 Dance Displays
11:15 - 12:00
Sahara Sisters Bellydancing group (Bellydance)
11:40 - 12:10
Community Stage
Wiltshire Young Musicians
Wiltshire Young Musicians draw school-age musicians from across the county, playing in a variety of different ensembles - including orchestras, windbands, choirs and bands.
Wiltshire Young Musicians
12:00 - 13:00
Make and Do tent
Dance Workshop with the Bristol Youth Folk
Bristol Youth Folk will be teaching a simple Border Morris dance that will then be performed at the end of the session - all ages are welcome! Sticks and Bells will be provided.
Bristol Youth Folk
 Dance Displays
12:00 - 12:45
Crooked Moon (Appalachian)
12:15 - 13:15
Under 5s dome
Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making
Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!
Ben Matthews and friends  (Inclusive Music)
12:25 - 12:50
Community Stage
Maypole Performance with Langley Fitzhurse C of E Primary School
A local primary school whose maypole team are regulars to the festival. Don't forget to stick around to have a go with Let us Dance after this afternoons parade!
Langley Fitzurse C of E Primary (Maypole)
 Dance Displays
12:45 - 13:30
Rose Hips (Belly dance)
13:00 - 15:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by John Spiers and Amanda Whatley
We are very privileged to have John Spiers and his partner Amanda Whatley leading a session. The tunes will be varied and fabulous
John Spiers and Amanda Whatley
13:15 - 13:50
Community Stage
Patric Bulmer
Patric has been on the community stage as part of band ,The Magicians Nephew. This year we welcome his solo act exploring just what an accordion can do his set consists of traditional pieces, his own work, and an AWFUL lot of banter.
Patric Bulmer
13:30 - 16:30
Make and Do tent
Scrap Attack: Banners
Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore Come help us decorate the new community stage banner to be seen and loved for years to come. Make a small flag or banner of your own to take home
The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist )
13:50 - 14:10
Community Stage
The Bristol Folk House Choir
A lively community choir covering a wide range of folk songs
Bristol Folk House Choir (Community Folk Choir)
14:00 - 15:00
The Buttercross
Parade
A parade of all our wonderful dance teams; this will start at Market Square and process down the High Street to end at the Island Park Stage.
Beltane Border (Border) Liberty Hill North West (North West)
New Esperance (Cotswold) Crooked Moon (Appalachian)
Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold) Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire)
Bow Brook Border Morris (Border) Cardiff Morris (Cotswold / Welsh)
Chiltern Hundreds Clog Morris (North West) Dawnswyr Tipyn O Bopeth (Welsh Folk Dance)
Kittiwake Border Morris (Border) Treacle Eater Clog (Northwest)
Rockhopper Morris (Cotswold) Wild Thyme (Border)
Englands Glory (Cotswold) Moonlight Morris (Border)
Wickham Morris (Cotswold & Border) Morena Slovak Dance Co. (International, Slovakian)
New Moon Morris (Mixed Morris) Sweyn’s Ey (Cotswold Morris)
The Tattered Court (Border) Rose Hips (Belly dance)
Mr Wilkins Shilling (North West Clog) Hereburgh Morris (Cotswold)
Old Palace Clog (North West) Stafford Morris (Cotswold)
Steampunk morris (Border) Summertown Morris (Cotswold)
Mary Rose And Royal George (Non traditional style) Cry Havoc (Cotswold)
Winterbourne Morris (Border, Molly, Cotswold Jigs) Icknield Way (Cotswold)
NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
14:15 - 14:30
Community Stage
Parade Passes the Community Stage
The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage
14:30 - 15:30
Under 5s dome
Singing Hats
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.
Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist )
15:00 - 17:00
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern
Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
15:00 - 15:40
Community Stage
Folk Friendzy: A workshop mashup
Folk Friendzy are regular performers on the community stage but this year they are inviting you to have ago at their unique style. A high-energy workshop blending traditional dance with popular music.
Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish)
15:00 - 18:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Sel & Ben
Ben and Sel have been immersed in folk music as musicians and dancers for well over a decade. Many of you will know Sel for running Tunesday Tuesdays
Selam Adamu & Ben Potton
15:15 - 16:45
Stage
Dance Displays
A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day.
16:00 - 17:00
Community Stage
Keith Donnelly Family Fun Show
Laughs, songs and stories with the wonderful and mischievous Keith Donnelly
Keith Donnelly  (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian )
 Dance Displays
16:00 - 16:45
NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
16:00 - 17:00
Under 5s dome
Soft Play Stay and Play
Looking for a shady space to relax. There are no artists scheduled for this session but the space and soft play is available for families use. Please remain with you're children at all times
17:30 - 18:30
Community Stage
Wiltshire Concert Band
With 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
Wiltshire Concert Band formerly the Wiltshire Police Band
18:00 - 21:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Nick Goode
Nick has been a professional actor/musician for over twenty years, recording & performing with many bands. A sought after musician on the ceilidh circuit, he also leads two weekly sessions.
Nick Goode
20:00 - 21:30
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight
The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
21:00 - 23:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Jack Hogsden
Jack plays guitar & mandolin but is generally known for his melodeon style & has been regarded among the top players in the UK. Expect foot-stompers, morris mayhem, and everything in between
Jack Hogsden

Events on Sunday 24th May 2026
TimeWhatWith
10:00 - 10:45
Community Stage
Bristol Youth Folk Workshop
Learn how to Morris Dance with Bristol Youth Folk! We will be teaching a Cotswold Morris Dance for beginners, complete with live music, bells, and possibly even hankies!
Bristol Youth Folk
10:00 - 13:00
Make and Do tent
Circus Skills with Clare's Circus
Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade
Clare’s Circus (Circus)
10:00 - 10:45
Under 5s dome
Baby Bops Pre Walkers
Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
10:00 - 14:00
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern
Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
10:30 - 13:30
Stage
Dance Displays
A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day.
10:30 - 11:15 Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance ) Tappalachian (Appalachian)
11:00 - 11:45
Community Stage
NYFTE Workshop
The National Youth Folk Troupe of England teach us some traditional dance styles. Suitable for all ages.
NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
11:00 - 13:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Tom Kitching
Fiddle player and author, Tom has worked with numerous singers and bands, including Pilgrims' Way, Gavin Davenport, Jon Loomes,
Tom Kitching (solo)
11:10 - 11:50
Under 5s dome
Toddle Bops Walkers
Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
 Dance Displays
11:15 - 12:00
Spank the Planks (Appalachian) Rivelin clog (Clog)
12:00 - 12:30
Community Stage
Show Choir
Singing songs from smash hit West End musicals as well as lesser-known off-Broadway gems, all in a cappella, Chippenham & Swindon Show Choirs join forces
Chippenham & Swindon Show Choirs
 Dance Displays
12:00 - 12:45
Applejacks (Appalachian) Tappalachian (Appalachian)
12:15 - 13:15
Under 5s dome
Singing Hats
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.
Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist )
 Dance Displays
12:45 - 13:30
Sweet Coppin Clog (North West + step clog) Rivelin clog (Clog)
13:00 - 14:30
Community Stage
The Afternoon Ceilidh
Bring the whole family for a free Sunday ceilidh! Dance to Fraser’s 10th with caller Prue Reilly. A lively afternoon of fun for all ages. (P)
Fraser's 10th (Band) Prue Reilly (Caller)
13:00 - 15:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Tess Livingstone, Mark Goodman & Seb Stone
Tess, Mark & Seb are regular faces on the session music scene. Expect a lively session, though not exclusively Irish and we might even get some songs in from Seb.
Tess Livingstone & Mark Goodman Seb Stone (solo)
13:30 - 16:30
Make and Do tent
Scrap Attack: Fairytale Mascarade
Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill. Make your own mask or headgear and come join us at the Fairy Tale Ceilidh on Monday at 11:35
The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist )
14:00 - 15:00
Under 5s dome
Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making
Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!
Ben Matthews and friends  (Inclusive Music)
15:00 - 16:20
Community Stage
NYFTE Show Case
NYFTE (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.
NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
15:00 - 17:00
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern
Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
15:00 - 18:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Underground Sun
These fabulous young musicians have agreed to lead a session for us. The future of folk is in safe hands
The Underground Sun
15:15 - 16:45
Stage
Dance Displays
A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day.
15:15 - 16:00 Aldbrickham Clog and Step Dancers (clog & step dance ) Mabel Gubbins Rapper (Rapper)
15:30 - 16:30
Under 5s dome
Jackie Oates songs with children and parents
Festival headliner Jackie Oates visits the Under 5's Dome to lead an acoustic song session specifically for children and their parents
Jackie Oates
 Dance Displays
16:00 - 16:45
Spank the Planks (Appalachian) Theale Tattoo (Step Clog)
16:45 - 17:15
Community Stage
The Cause Community Choir
A collective of singers and musicians performing a wide variety of songs based at the Cause Music Centre Chippenham.
Cause Community Choir (Choir)
17:30 - 18:30
Community Stage
The Keith Donnelly Comedy Hour
Fun for all the family with Keith Donnelly
Keith Donnelly  (Musician, singer, song writer and Comedian )
18:00 - 21:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Josh, Louis & Helen from Clausentum Morris
Helen, Louis & Josh are all fabulous musicians in their own right but together they make truly beautiful music. There will obviously be Morris tunes but so much more
Clausentum Morris Musicians; Josh Louis & Helen
20:00 - 21:30
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern: Telling Tales at Twilight
The Magic Lantern presents: Telling Tales at Twilight, a magical and spectacular evening of story and shadow puppetry.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
21:00 - 23:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session hosted by Bridge & Boden
Will Bridge and Jackie Boden are a fiddle and box duo from Sheffield who delight in playing a wide variety of tunes with skill & enthusiasm
Bridge & Boden

Events on Monday 25th May 2026
TimeWhatWith
09:40 - 10:00
Community Stage
SOUNDCHECK - Hot Club of Folk Town Hot Club of Folk Town  (Duo) Jenny Rogers
10:00 - 11:00
Community Stage
Hot Club of Folk Town
Regulars in the local folk scene, Margaret on Fiddle and Ross on Guitar, bring Roots music with a top dressing of swing. This year, they're joined by Freestyle Appalachian flatfoot dancer Jennifer Rogers.
Hot Club of Folk Town  (Duo) Jenny Rogers
10:00 - 13:00
Make and Do tent
Circus Skills with Clare's Circus
Run away with the circus! Local artist Clare has all you need to learn the skills of the trade
Clare’s Circus (Circus)
10:00 - 10:45
Under 5s dome
Baby Bops Pre Walkers
Songs and rhymes for babies with bubbles and sensory-led fun.
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
10:00 - 14:00
The Magic Lantern (Shadow puppet theatre)
The Magic Lantern
Work with our puppeteer and storytellers at the Spectacular Magic Lantern, Make your own shadow puppets and bring your song and stories to life.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Jo Douglas (Puppeteer )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
10:30 - 13:30
Stage
Dance Displays
A variety of Appalachian and step clog traditions being performed throughout the day.
11:00 - 14:00
Moongazing Hare (Bar)
Session Hosted by Sāwol
We have a real treat for our final (organised) session of the festival. Some members of the fabulous fiddle ensemble Sawol will be hosting. Feel free to carry on playing when the organised bit finishes !
Sāwol
11:10 - 11:50
Under 5s dome
Toddle Bops Walkers
Music mayhem for little folk with parachute play, shaky eggs, sensory scarves, bubbles and more!
Becky Bops  (Children's Music)
 Dance Displays
11:15 - 12:00
Crooked Moon (Appalachian)
11:35 - 12:35
Community Stage
Family Fairy-tale Ceilidh
Specifically for children and families. 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!
FairyTale Family Folk Dance The Downfielders (Band)
 Dance Displays
12:00 - 12:45
NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
12:00 - 13:30
Under 5s dome
Stay and Play
Looking for a shady space to relax. There are no artists scheduled for this session but the space and soft play is available for families use. Please remain with you're children at all times
 Dance Displays
12:45 - 13:30
Crooked Moon (Appalachian)
12:55 - 13:20
Community Stage
The Good afternoon Choir
The Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (one of 23 FUN community choirs that sing in the afternoons) led by the wonderful Matt Finch.
Chippenham & Calne Good Afternoon Choir (Choir)
13:30 - 16:30
Make and Do tent
Scrap Attack: Circus Props
Craft session with Wiltshire Scrapstore All donated scrap that would have gone into landfill. Have you enjoyed learning new circus skill this weekend? Come along and make your own ribbon stick, poi or your own creation that helps you test a skill.
The Wiltshire Scrapstore (Children's festival Artist )
13:45 - 14:10
Community Stage
Sounds with your feet
Explore where making sound with your feet can take you with Clog dancer Vikki Lewis.
Vikki Grimsley  (Clog) Manny Grimsley (Musician )
14:00 - 15:00
The Buttercross
Parade
CANCELLED

A parade of all our wonderful dance teams; this will start at Market Square and process down the High Street to end at the Island Park Stage.
New Esperance (Cotswold) Crooked Moon (Appalachian)
Beltane Border (Border) NYFTE  (National Youth Folk Troupe of England) (Youth)
Bell's Angels (Cotswold) Folk Friendzy (Clog, Morris (northwest/border), Rapper, Irish)
Hips and Haws (North Wiltshire) Chippenham Town Morrismen (Cotswold)
14:15 - 14:55
Community Stage
The Parade passes the Community Stage
The stage will pause as the Parade passes the stage : Please make way and stay off the path, allowing the parade to pass to the Island Park Stage
14:15 - 15:15
Under 5s dome
Wee Folkies: Inclusive Music Making
Inclusive music-making workshops suitable for all children up to the age of 10, exploring sensory themes and playfulness!
Ben Matthews and friends  (Inclusive Music)
15:00 - 16:00
Community Stage
Shooting Roots Showcase
Come and see the fantastic results of our Shooting Roots workshops, held over the weekend, and support our festival youth!
Shooting Roots 
15:30 - 16:30
Under 5s dome
Singing Hats
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.
Singing Hats (Children's festival Artist )
16:20 - 17:05
Community Stage
The grand exhibition of contraptions and curiosities.
A chaotic show loaded with myths, music, magic and mayhem featuring, songs, stories, sparkles and silliness. A bewildering and often breathtaking hour of absolute puerility.
Ian Douglas ( Storyteller and showman) Professor Pumpernickel (Childrens Festival Artist )
Gacko (Songsmith, Showman and Storyteller)
17:30 - 18:30
Community Stage
Helian
Helian is a folk band blending gentle melodies, rich harmonies, and earthy storytelling to create music that feels both ancient and alive.
Helian  (Band)