“When Broadstairs turns into a living stage by the sea.”
We have often been asked who we are going to see at Broadstairs Folk Week. Sometimes the question is direct: “Will you see anyone I might have heard of?” There are highlights, of course, but we take it as a more immersive experience, mostly taking as it happens enjoying the live musicianship. Some we have seen more than once over the years or in similar line-ups.
We have been going to Broadstairs Folk Week for 30 years and I have often written a preview and a review on here Once the programme arrives, which is a 72-page A5-size booklet, I look up artists, check videos and listen to Spotify. There are some playlists. This suggests some pre-thought but, in reality, each day we go to four events in two different venues. The Sailing Club is intimate and has become increasingly popular whereas the Queens Road Baptist Church (QRBC) has a large capacity and air-conditioning. Both have food and drink on offer.
We don’t camp or visit the campsite where they have sessions day and night. Generally, we don’t go to workshops or manage to get to any of the twelve pub-venues. We trip over a few Morris sides as they perform on the esplanade. We no longer go to the late nights at the Pavilion.
This year the Folk Week team have posted comprehensive accounts of the forthcoming performances, with links to videos, on Facebook.
www.facebook.com/BroadstairsFW
“For folk lovers, dancers, families and seaside dreamers.”
There’s always at least one delightful surprise at BFW and here we had Luke Wallace singer/songwriter and activist from Vancouver, Canada performing with the local community Neptune’s Choir. Purposeful songs and joy.
Other enjoyable concerts include Miranda Sykes and Jim Causley; Gerry Conway Trio; Gilmore and Roberts; and Urban Folk Quartet.
Gerry Conway is very funny and made a comment about bad lyrics including the Thin Lizzy opening line which goes “Tonight there’s gonna be a jailbreak, somewhere in this town.” Well, the jail might be a starting point!
Sean Cooney presented his “Peter’s Field” musical chronicle about the Peterloo Massacre. Folk music can be used effectively for political and educational purposes.
A pleasant surprise for 2026 has been the opening up of Bleak House, under new ownership with indoor and outdoor space for activities and a cafe.
Due to the heat we did not manage a long walk, as obligatory, but two shorter walks to Stone Bay and Dumpton Gap. Pleased to be on the coast at 29 degrees rather than Ashford at 33 degrees!
On the final Saturday we made a short diversion to Margate for the Turner Contemporary. Loved the David Hockney’s sunrise in the Sunley Window.
Understandably, there’s not a simple answer to “will you see anyone I’ve heard of?”
We have booked our Broadstairs accommodation for 2027.
