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

ARD. HFF 2019 (167).JPG
ARD. HFF 2019 (175).JPG
ARD. HFF 2019 (106).JPG

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

kathryn Amy Alistair.jpg
kingsmen clog.jpg
Screenshot 2018-10-13 01.14.09.png

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

brb.jpg
_MG_3335.JPG
_MG_3417.JPG

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.

fots 3.jpg
taffy fots.jpg
fots2.jpg

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

_MG_2440.JPG
IMG_5665.JPG
_MG_2360.JPG

One Night in Birtley, 2015

birtley crowd .jpg
doreen birtley.jpg
pete birtley.jpg

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

taffy bm.jpg
bold miners group.jpg
ed pickford BM.jpg

Sea: Coal (2015)

Songwriters: Boff Whalley, Kate Young, Jackie Oates, Ed Pickford and Findlay Napier
Commissioned in partnership with Durham Heritage Coast

sea coal 2.jpg
sea coal fin.jpg
sea coal1.jpg

Never Mind the Bandoggs (2015 onward)

Conceived and produced by Jim Moray
Panel quiz comprised of festival guests

bandoggs.jpg
PA211877.JPG
bandoggs 16.jpg
P1100094.JPG
bandoggs 2.jpg
P1100096.JPG

No-Folk Cabaret (2016 onward)

Themed nights featuring festival artists, surprises and special guests

_MG_3659.JPG
_MG_3594.JPG
_MG_3610.JPG
ARD. HFF 2019 (922).JPG
ARD. HFF 2019 (731).JPG
ARD. HFF 2019 (822).JPG
fullsizeoutput_cee.jpeg
ARD_edited.jpg
fullsizeoutput_ce2.jpeg
_MG_3674.JPG

© 2024 Hartlepool Folk Festival Ltd

bottom of page