We welcome back the well-established FolknFell weekend to Higham Hall.  Three outstanding musicians lead a weekend of folk and acoustic ensemble playing, singing and informal sessions with time for walking. A great way to enjoy yourself, learn new material and meet new friends. With the option to take time to explore the local area on Saturday, please note that we do not offer guided walks.

Tutors: James Fagan, Eleanor Mooney and Dave Wood. Organised by Vince Taylor for Folk n Fell (info@tynevalleyfolktrain.co.uk)

Residential: £360 Non-residential: £255

Check in will be in-between 3.30pm and 4pm for a 4.30pm start. There will be a session before dinner at 6.30pm on Friday evening.

To book please call Higham Hall on 017687 76276

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Our tutors are:

– James Fagan is an award-winning folk singer and performer (BBC R2 Folk Awards winner 2003, 2011, 2014). James is a sought-after singer and a leading exponent of Irish Bouzouki, as well as playing guitar, mandolin and piano. He teaches vocal performance and accompaniment for the University of Newcastle’s Folk and Traditional Music degree. (Nancy Kerr & James Fagan, Melrose Quartet, Melrose Ceilidh Band, The Fagans).

– Eleanor Mooney is a singer, performer and community musician specialising in group vocal work.  Performs and works with regional and national organisations including Royal Northern Sinfonia and The Glasshouse (Sage Gateshead) and has been MD of Caedmon Choir, Gateshead since 2007. Her band FIKA in which she plays Ukulele and sings have their first album planned for 2024.

– Dave Wood, who can provide tuition in Guitar, Ukulele and Voice is widely regarded as one of the leading guitarists on the folk scene today due to his innovative, rhythmical accompaniment style. (Tom McConville, Malinky, Nightfall).

We expect a little over 30 participants. There will be a mixture of classes, performance and steady sessions. The three classes will be in mixed ensembles each doing something different with each tutor including voices as well as mixed instruments. Don’t worry if you can’t sing well because there will be plenty of playing. Likewise, there will be good opportunities for singers to shine. We welcome a wide range of acoustic instruments.

There is a period of free time on Saturday when you can choose to fell walk with other participants at your own risk and enjoy some of the most amazing landscape in the country. Alternatively, you may prefer to stay in the venue, visit the Lakes Distillery, a local café or drive to Keswick. Please note that we do not offer guided walks.