World Music Network

Sidmouth Folk Week is fast approaching, and if you haven't got your ticket yet - get one fast! This fabulous festival takes place in a picturesque location on Devon's rolling coast and features the cream of the folk crop. 

Pop down for the week or the weekend - however long your stay, it's sure to be a music-filled excursion. 

Comfortably seated concerts take place at the Ham Marquee and high-energy dance parties at the Bulverton. The rest of the town will be a whirlwind of dance displays, workshops, ceilidhs and more. 

Here are our handpicked do-not-miss moments for the festival.

For the full line-up click here.

June Tabor & Oysterband: 9 August - 8 - 9.30 pm, Ham Marquee

June Tabor is a sublime singer of traditional song. One of the highlights of her illustrious career is her collaborations with the Oysterband. They recorded the classic folk-rock album, Freedom and Rain together back in 1990, followed by a tour and live album. Their on-stage reunions are always special affairs, their sound is naturally intimate and immersive. 

Catch the ensemble on 9 August in the seated Ham Marquee venue. 

Norma Waterson & Eliza Carthy with the Gift Band: 6 August - 8 - 10.30pm, Ham Marquee

Together mother and daughter duo Norma Waterson and Eliza Carthy are quite simply two of England's best folk singers. At 73 years of age Norma is still going strong and is famed for her work with band, The Watersons as well as her solo work. Eliza Carthy is too an excellent singer (and fiddler) in her own right. Together the duo have an inexplicable musicality - like their family relationship has bound them together with an innate sense of each others breath, phrasing and tone. 

Show Of Hands with Miranda Sykes: 3 August - 8 - 10.30pm, Ham Marquee

Miranda Sykes has been performing with Show Of Hands since 2004. The acoustic band perform a kind of hard-hitting folk, with resonating rich harmonies. 

Miranda's addition to the band mixes her jazzy double bass into the mix. 

In November 2006, Steve Knightley and Phil Beer of Show Of Hands were voted 'Greatest Devonians' in Devon County Council's competition! The duo triumphed against stiff competition including Sir Francis Drake, Agatha Christie and Music. So this is your chance to see Devon's most loved band up close and personal. 

Dervish: 4 August - 8 - 10.30pm, Ham Marquee

Dervish are a traditional Irish music group from Country Sligo. Formed back in 1989, that band originally formed to record local music under the moniker, 'The Boys Of Sligo'. Later they reformed themselves as Dervish. Their performances include dynamic high volume tunes to poetic charming songs. Lead singer Cathy Jordan possesses a magnetic stage presence that enthrals audiences. 

Treacherous Orchestra: 7 August - 9.15 - 10.30pm, Bulverton Marquee

 The Treacherous Orchestra are an force to be reckoned with. Their sound is ramped up Scottish folk with a distinct hard-rock edge. Expect thrashing drums and bass lines that launch into tumbling fiddle, flute and accordion riffs.

Their set at the Bulverton Marquee is sure to be an epic one! Expect a full throttle party and you won't be disappointed. 

Evidently Sidmouth Folk Week 2012 is going to be a rip-roaring festival of fun! That leaves only one thing left to do:

Buy your tickets