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Music Festivals 2014: Folk

By MusicRadar Team
published 14 May 2014

Discover where to find acoustic intimacy this summer

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Intro
Let's get Celtic
(Image credit: © Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/Corbis)

Intro

Folk music is arguably more popular today than it has been since the 1970s, thanks to the likes of Laura Marling and Mumford & Sons.

And while today's folk festivals rightfully offer a platform to this new generation, many also serve as a bridge back to the past, with events such as the Sidmouth Folk Week dating back to the '50s. Time to salute them then, with this handy guide to some of this year's best events.

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Page 1 of 8
Hebridean Celtic Festival
16-19 July, Scotland
(Image credit: © Splash News/Corbis)

Hebridean Celtic Festival

Headliners: The Levellers, Adam Holmes, Big Country, Cara Dillon

Best reason to go: The 'HebCelt' festival takes place on the beautiful Isle of Lewis.

Other line-up highlights: Michael Cassidy, Magnolia Sisters, Donnie Munro

Tickets: Adult weekend tickets £70

Official site

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Page 2 of 8
Towersey Festival
21-25 August, UK
(Image credit: © Andrew Benge/The Hell Gate/Corbis)

Towersey Festival

Headliners: Richard Thompson, Seth Lakemen, Bootleg Beatles

Location: Towersey Village, Oxfordshire, UK

Best reason to go: A chance to catch Fairport Convention co-founder Richard Thompson at the top of his game.

Other line-up highlights: The Urban Folk Quartet, 75 years Of Topic Records

Tickets: Early bird adult weekend tickets are £120

Official site

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Green Man Festival
14-17 August, Wales
(Image credit: © Gideon Mendel/In Pictures/Corbis)

Green Man Festival

Headliners: Beirut, Anna Calvi, Simian Mobile Disco + more TBA

Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales

Best reason to go: While it started out as a folk festival, the Green Man has now evolved into one of the best alternative music events around. What's more, the Welsh mountain scenery is amazing.

Other line-up highlights: Bill Callahan, Teleman, Real Estate, Lanterns On The Lake

Tickets: Adult tickets are £166.50

Official site

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Sidmouth Folk Week
1-8 August
(Image credit: © John Doornkamp/ /Design Pics/Corbis)

Sidmouth Folk Week

Headliners: Ralph McTell, Oysterband, Cara Dillon

Location: Sidmouth beach, Devon, UK

Best reason to go: This year sees the intimate seaside event reach its 60th anniversary, and it's sure to be a special one.

Other line-up highlights: Aly Bain & Phil Cunningham, John Kirkpatrick, Old Swan Band

Tickets: An adult early bird ticket is £225

Official site

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Page 5 of 8
Cambridge Folk Festival
31 July-3 August
(Image credit: © Tim Mosenfelder/Corbis)

Cambridge Folk Festival

Headliners: Van Morrison, Sinéad O'Connor, Richard Thompson, Newton Falkner, Rosanne Cash

Location: Cherry Hinton Hall, Cambridge, UK

Best reason to go: It's one of the most famous folk festivals in the world.

Other line-up highlights: Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Afro Celt Sound System

Tickets: Day tickets still available at £24-£63

Official site

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Page 6 of 8
The Acoustic Festival of Britain
30-31 May
(Image credit: © Bob Battersby/http://www.eyeubiquitous.com/Eye)

The Acoustic Festival of Britain

Headliners: Fairport Convention, Seth Lakeman, Steve Harley

Location: Uttoxeter Racecourse, Staffordshire, UK

Best reason to go: To see Fairport Convention play material from their classic album, Liege and Leaf.

Other line-up highlights: John Smith, Emma Stevens, Ian Prowse

Tickets: Adult weekend ticket £95

Official site

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Page 7 of 8
Fiddler's Green Festival
20-27 July, Ireland
(Image credit: © Chris Hill/National Geographic Society/Corbis)

Fiddler's Green Festival

Headliners: TBA

Location: Rostrevor, County Down, Ireland

Best reason to go: Having started as a one-day event 28 years ago, Fiddler's Green now spans eight days of Irish music, culture and craic at at the foot of the beautiful Mourne Mountains.

Tickets: No ticket details announced yet

Official site

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Page 8 of 8
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