Wessex Folk Festival to return to Weymouth

Wessex Folk Festival is back after a Covid-induced gap for the Jubilee weekend, Saturday, June 4 and Sunday, June 5.

The streets of the resort will be alive with the sight of colourful morris dance sides moving beyond the traditional quayside festival area to perform in the town.

Nine different sides will be dancing at two sites outside the White Hart in New Bond Street and on the Esplanade opposite the King’s Statue from 11 am to 4.45 pm. Then on Sunday, six sides will take it in turns to dance at the Sand Jetty by the harbour on Trinity Road.

The highlight of the free festival will be the Wight Hot Pipes, a six-piece band from the Isle of Wight who will show off their exciting bagpipe-driven blend of Celtic, dance and rock music to round off the stage programme in Hope Square on the Sunday.

The 2022 Festival will break with its traditional format to tie in with other celebrations taking place over the Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend. This means that Sunday will be the day for all the music on the stage.

The Bournemouth-based Murphy’s Lore Trio will be amongst the performers.

Also on stage will be The LeftOvers, Amy and The Raven, David Gordon and the Weymouth Ukuleleans.

There’s a chance for everyone to join in the dancing at 5 pm on Sunday when the Tree Fellahs band lead a ceilidh in Hope Square.

Open music sessions and workshops will take place in the Belvedere and Sailors Return pubs throughout Saturday afternoon and evening. The Sailors Return also opens the festival with a session on Friday evening and rounds off the weekend with its popular “survivors’ session” on Sunday night.

Roger Quigley of the festival’s organising committee said: “We’re pleased to be able to welcome everyone to the Wessex Folk Festival as it re-emerges after three years. We’re looking forward to a great weekend, supported by our attendees, musicians, dancers and sponsors.”

The Wessex Folk Festival website at www.wessexfolkfestival.com has full details.