Winter Folk and Ale Fest
Published Tuesday 15th January 13 in Council - news and information releases news
Shake off those winter blues at the first Winter Folk and Ale Festival in Southend Pier Cultural Centre on Friday and Saturday 25th and 26th January.
The event is being staged by Leigh Folk Festival http://www.leighfolkfestival.com/ in association with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.
It begins at 8pm on Friday 25th January with a ceilidh led by The Famous Potatoes.
Ploughing their unique 'soil music' furrow for more than 30 years, the eight piece Famous Potatoes are a local institution.
Described by BBC Radio's Andy Kershaw as 'One of Britain's best barn dance bands', the group's music is a unique and idiosyncratic melting pot of ingredients from both sides of the Atlantic:
It is guaranteed to have you up on your feet and dancing away to a jauntier January.
On Saturday 26th January, local bands and musicians will be playing live throughout the afternoon from 1pm.
Come along and enjoy some great folk music from Crafting for Foes, Mick 'The Hat' Denny, The Jones Boys, Mike O'Leary Band and Silbury Hill to name just a few.
Take a trip in song and story down the Thames from London Bridge to Southend Pier on Saturday evening as Jack Forbes and Slow Loris present 'Rolling Down the River' at 7pm.
Hear about Jack Tar, the Jervis Bay, docklands, container ships and cocklemen in this fascinating musical journey.
Slow Loris performs the music, and Jack Forbes sings and narrates taking you for a day out on Southend's Golden Mile and asking you to think about the future of London's great river.
Throughout the festival, a selection of seasonal real ales will also be on sale.
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council's Executive Councillor for Culture and Tourism, Councillor Derek Jarvis said: "This terrific Winter Folk and Ale Festival is an especially welcome way to transform January.
"With such an excellent and varied programme, there will be entertainment to suit everyone.
"We hope as many people as possible come along to enjoy this enthralling new venture and lift their spirits in our spectacularly unique venue."
Day and weekend tickets including the pier train fare are available from http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/
Tickets for the ceilidh on Friday 25th January are £8. Tickets for Saturday 26th January are £8, and weekend tickets can be purchased for £12.
For more information about the Winter Folk and Ale Festival, please call 01702 715111 or visit http://www.visitsouthend.co.uk/