A Real Ale Festival where you can enjoy singing, dancing, arts and crafts, to which you can take the family and all have a good time. Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Well it’s true and it is happening this June 10th – 13th, in the grounds of the magnificent National Trust Southwell Workhouse.
The Gate to Southwell Folk Festival offers top rank live music and a host of real ale and ciders to suit all tastes. The Festival is already established as a major event in the folk calender but if you haven’t heard about it, it’s probably because you’ve had your head buried in the bottom of a pint pot. So for those in the dark here are a few pertinent facts;
The festival is now in its 4th year and is growing rapidly. Why? Because aficionados of Ale and Folk know that it offers a fabulous mix of Folk oriented music encapsulating many genres from traditional, through to Blues, Jazz, Celtic, Klezma and many other international influences.
The Beers and Ciders at the festival offer the serious drinker a selection to rival many a dedicated beer festival. 50+ real ales mainly from local micro breweries, including the uniquely brewed festival ale, will give your palate a serious going over. Also for those fans of the apple brew there are at least ten ciders.
Entertainment throughout the weekend will include dance displays from a wide variety of traditional styles, nationally recognised Ceilidh bands and callers will be getting everyone dancing including beginners and families. There will also be more challenging calls for the enthusiasts.
On Saturday the ‘Gate to Southwell’ dance procession will once again recreate this historical event, where dozens of morris and folk dance teams rendezvous at the Minster after processing all the way from Nottingham to commemorate the handing over of the Southwell Pence.
In the town of Southwell, several characterful pubs will be offering an extended range of real ales and free entertainment especially for the festival. Also, throughout the weekend various locations around the town will feature open air concerts, dance displays and street theatre – all free. The town itself is well worth a visit, with its historic Minster and other interesting buildings, a heritage trail and a variety of excellent eateries.
Family entertainment will include dedicated children’s activities and street theatre. Also the ‘Workshop’ sessions (some specifically for youngsters) will give you the chance to learn an instrument, a dance or even a traditional craft at the hands of an expert.
Tickets can be purchased on line or by phone on 01636 812933 and at various outlets. For more information go to the web site, call 01636 816678 or download a promotional leaflet.
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