top of page
A magical setting. A village by the sea. Home for centuries to Abbesses and Warriors, Shipbuilders and Fisherfolk. The history of the North of England can be found on this tiny spur of land, jutting out into the North Sea. And once a year, we make it come alive with music, laughter, wonder and community.
Our one-off events set us apart, and customers regularly tell us how they make the festival unmissable. here's a look back on previous years...
Babbacombe Lee, 2022
Songs and music by Fairport Convention. Additional songs by Nancy Kerr. Director: Barrie Rutter. Assistant Director: Tim Van Eyken. Musical Direction/Arrangement: Jonny Mohun & James Fagan. Projections: Marry Waterson
Featuring performances by Nicola Sanderson, Sam Carter, and the Melrose Quartet Big Band (Nancy Kerr, James Fagan, Jess Arrowsmith, Richard Arrowsmith, Nigel Holmes, Jonny Mohun)
Your Affectionate Son, 2019
Songs by Robb Johnson. Words by John Hegley. Additional Material: Luke Daniels. Musical Director/Arranger: Jonny Mohun
Featuring additional performances by Eliza Carthy, The Wilsons, Damien Barber, Jackie Oates, Jack Worth, and Durham Miners Association Brass Band
The Bishoprick Garland, 2018
Musical Director/Arranger: Jonny Mohun
Projections and animation: John Kenvyn, Callum Wells, Rory Henderson
Featuring performances by Kathryn Tickell, Alistair Anderson, Johnny Handle, Benny Graham, The Wilsons, Jim Moray, Julie Murphy, Ursula Holden Gill, Amy Thatcher, Harri Endersby, Kingsmen Clog, Redcar Sword Dancers, and The Bishoprick Brass Ensemble
The Barrack-Room Ballads, 2017
Words: Rudyard Kipling
Music: Peter Bellamy
Musical Director/Arranger: Jonny Mohun
Featuring performances by Jon Boden, Martin Carthy, Eliza Carthy, Hardeep Singh Kohli, The Wilsons, Damien Barber, Gina Le Faux, Jackie Oates and The Barrack-Room Bollywood Brass Ensemble
Fruits of the Sea, 2017
Conceived by Taffy Thomas
Stories by Taffy Thomas, with music from Rae Farren and The Wilsons and food from chef John Crouch. Performed in the Captain's Cabin, HMS Trincomalee.
Ironopolis, 2016
Words & Music: Graeme Miles
Musical Director/Arranger: Jonny Mohun
Featuring performances by Vin Garbutt, The Young'Uns, Nancy Kerr, James Fagan, The Wilsons, Rowan Rheingans, Rachel Hamer and Durham Miners' Association Brass Band
World Premiere: Ska Ceilidh (2016)
Arrangements: Matthew Price & Jonny Mohun
Featuring 'Bellowdread': Paul 'Willo' Williams, Eliza Carthy, Matt Price, Jonny Mohun, Merle Harbron, Jamie Huddlestone, Josh Bentham, Jacob Zoob, Ashley Muncaster.
Caller: Philip Bassendale
One Night in Birtley, 2015
Come All Ye Bold Miners, 2015
Musical Director/Arranger: Jonny Mohun
Featuring performances by Dick Gaughan, The Wilsons, Bert Draycott, Ed Pickford, Pete Wood, Johnny Handle, Benny Graham, Taffy Thomas and Durham Miners' Association Brass Band
Sea: Coal (2015)
Songwriters: Boff Whalley, Kate Young, Jackie Oates, Ed Pickford and Findlay Napier
Commissioned in partnership with Durham Heritage Coast
Never Mind the Bandoggs (2015 onward)
Conceived and produced by Jim Moray
Panel quiz comprised of festival guests
No-Folk Cabaret (2016 onward)
Themed nights featuring festival artists, surprises and special guests
_JPG.jpg)
_JPG.jpg)
_JPG.jpg)
bottom of page