DAYSOUT
Tenterden Folk Festival 2016
Thursday 29th September to Sunday 2nd October
The Borough of Ashford has more than its share of successful music festivals, and Tenterden Folk Festival is probably the longest running and most unique. This very popular festival of folk song, music, dance, crafts and traditions attracts singers, musicians, dancers and audience members from across the whole of England as well as some from Europe and beyond.
Ticketed events include a pre-festival fundraising concert on Thursday evening, concerts, barn dance, special shows, workshops, events where you can meet the guests, folk clubs, etc. There are also many free events including craft stalls, folk sales and street stalls, the popular free music stage and dance stage in a large marquee on the Recreation Ground, hundreds of Morris dancers, dance displays, a procession, song and music sessions in the town centre pubs, street theatre and much, much, more.
Even people who do not normally follow folk music will probably have heard of Martin Carthy, either from his days in Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention or through his daughter Eliza Carthy, one of the newer generation of folk“ stars”. Martin was also one of the first English folk singers to receive an MBE. Martin been a guest at Tenterden several times over the last 24 years and this his year returns to headline the Thursday evening pre-festival concert in the Town Hall supported by Greg Harper and Jack Pound.
The festival always aims to include some special and unique events and this year include the following:
Where Dragons Soar and Other Animal Folk Tales of the British Isles features songs and stories based on Pete Castle’ s new book published by The History Press.
Southern Harvest concert celebrates the publication by Francis Boutle Publishers of a book bringing together the two volumes of songs originally sung to the Hammond Brothers in 1905- 8. Songs from The Constant Lovers and The Foggy Dew will be performed by Bryony Griffith, Nick Dow, Keith Kendrick and Sylvia Needham.
We Are The Women( left on the shore) – Scolds Bridle both originate from the Fylde coast in Lancashire and having lived near the sea all their lives have witnessed the demise of the fishing industry in the UK, the Fleetwood trawler men having been no exception. Sad and tragic tales that befell fishermen and their families.
For information, guest lists and ticket sales, visit www. tenterdenfolkfestival. org. uk or email info @ tenterdenfolkfestival. org. uk.
Visiting Sissinghurst Castle Garden this autumn
Although the summer sun starts to fade in September, there’ s still lots of things to see at Sissinghurst including hidden objects on display, long walks on the estate kicking leaves and autumn colour in the garden. Don’ t forget to spare the time for an afternoon tea or lunch too.
In the tower Find out more about the creators of the garden and the work they had to undertake to make it what you see today. Don’ t miss the far-reaching views of the Weald of Kent from the roof and the layout that Harold Nicolson worked tirelessly to create.
In the library Take a look to see a hidden object of the week from an item that belonged to Sissinghurst’ s previous inhabitants. These colourful characters have lots of stories to tell and help build the layers of its varied history. Objects which are housed in Vita Sackville-West’ s writing room desk, tucked out of sight in the roundel room or concealed in one of the many cupboards will be coming out on display in the library.
See conservation in action from 1st – 31st October where you can learn more about the work it takes to look after the books in the library of 11,000.
Beyond the garden Getting outside and closer to nature is easy to do too; there are walks and trails which will take you through parkland, farmland and woods and around lakes and ponds too, all with panoramic views. It’ s a great chance to breathe deep, kick the leaves and enjoy the colour of the changing seasons. Don’ t forget to pick up a map and some binoculars from visitor reception too.
Eye-opening work Sissinghurst has an ongoing project to restore the spirit of Vita and Harold at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. To help share their story they plan to open more hidden spaces to visitors, but can’ t do this without volunteer help. If you are passionate about Sissinghurst and can spare a few hours a month then you could play a vital role in shaping and sharing the understanding of this very special place all year round. For more information about volunteering, speak to one of our team, call us on 01580 710700 or email Sissinghurst @ nationaltrust. org. uk
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