A Unique Festival

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... 

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, Jonny Handle, Benny graham, The Wilsons, Jim Moray, Julie Murphy, Ursula Holden Gill, Amy Thatcher, Harry 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 Lefaux, 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 - 2019)

Conceived and produced by jim moray

with panels comprised of festival guests

No-folk cabaret (2016 - 2019)

Themed nights Featuring festival artists, surprises and special guests