Chippenham Folk Festival returns for its 52nd year, running from Friday 23rd to Monday 26th May and featuring over 600 performers across the town in a celebration of folk music, dance and community spirit.
The weekend is packed full with concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, pub sessions, street entertainment and more with headline acts including: –
View the whole festival programme, book tickets and check out the wealth of information on the official Chippenham Folk Festival website – www.chippfolk.co.uk
Island Park – Heart of the Family & Community Fun
Island park will be the centre of the family and community programme. There’s something for the whole family including performances from choirs, singer-songwriters, musicians, bands, drumming workshops, dancing, storytelling, crafting, puppetry, circus skills, face painters, play and sensory sessions for the under 5’s and more!
There will also be music found in pubs and various other venues around the town. Check out the dance displays and don’t miss the colourful parades on Saturday and Monday. Enjoy free entry to the Craft Marquee and explore many other traders around Island Park and across the town.
Don’t forget you can also purchase individual day, event and concert tickets!
Chippenham Folk Festival Community Stage
The much-loved Community Stage is returning to Island Park bringing a vibrant mix of FREE music, dance, and performance to the riverside – although donations are always welcomed by the Festival Organisers to put towards a future festival!
Supported by a grant from Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, this stage is an open, inclusive space where everyone is welcome — whether you’re popping in, spending the afternoon by the river, or bringing the whole family for a folk-filled day out – no ticket is required to enjoy the events taking place on the Community Stage.
Community Stage events include:-
Friday 23rd May 2025
12:00 – The Ramshackle Orchestra
World folk music from Celtic jigs to gypsy laments.
13:00 – Becky Syson
Bright, heartfelt songs from a Nottinghamshire singer-songwriter.
14:05 – The Good Afternoon Choir
Afternoon joy in harmony from Chippenham, Calne & West Wilts singers.
15:00 – Hot Club of Folk Town
Swing meets roots in this local fiddle and guitar duo.
16:10 – The Downfielders
Young Gloucestershire musicians with energy and style.
17:10 – Wiltshire Police Band
From traditional marches to big band hits – a full-band treat.
Saturday 24th May 2025
08:30 – The Festival Stretch
Morning yoga with Kyla – breathe, stretch, and start your day.
10:00 – Hot Club of Folk Town
Another set of lively tunes with that swingy twist.
11:00 – NYFTE Dance Workshop
Try traditional folk dancing with the National Youth Folk Troupe.
12:00 – I Am a Clown
A playful masterclass in clowning with Volodymyr Smotritel.
12:30 – Langley Fitzhurse Maypole Dance
Local schoolchildren bring this colourful tradition to life.
13:20 – Nursery Rhyme Time with Folk On
Classic children’s rhymes with a fun folky twist.
15:00 – The Afternoon Ceilidh (ticket holders only)
A big, lively ceilidh with Crowdy Kit and Gordon Potts – don’t forget your dancing shoes!
16:50 – Let Us Dance
Dance with garlands, maypoles and heaps of cheer.
17:30 – Folk On
Comedy-folk fun for the whole family – songs, laughs, and Morris dancers.
Sunday 25th May 2025
10:00 – Let Us Dance
Another chance to join this playful family-friendly dance session.
11:00 – NYFTE Dance Workshop
Dance traditions for all ages led by talented young folk performers.
12:00 – Cause Community Choir
Soulful community singing from The Cause Music Centre.
13:00 – Family Fairytale Ceilidh
A magical family ceilidh with music by The Downfielders and fairy-tale fun.
14:25 – NYFTE Showcase
Young performers from across the country showcasing music and dance.
16:10 – Keith Donnelly Family Show
Music, storytelling and giggles – perfect for families.
17:30 – Guinea Lane Saxophone Quartet
English folk with a twist – four saxophones and beautiful harmonies.
Monday 26th May 2025
10:00 – Let Us Dance
Dance ribbons and joy for one last go-round.
•11:20 – The Magician’s Nephew
Youthful energy meets four-part harmony and ceilidh tunes.
12:15 – Bristol Folk House Choir
Bright folk harmonies from this vibrant choir.
13:00 – Sounds With Your Feet
A clog-dancing workshop with Vikki Lewis and live music from Manny Grimsley.
13:45 – MEG
Local talent alert! Meg brings covers and original songs to the stage.
15:00 – Shooting Roots Showcase
The next generation of folk performers take the spotlight.
16:10 – The Grand Exhibition of Contraptions & Curiosities
Magic, mayhem and storytelling with Gacko, Ian Douglas, and Professor Pumpernickel.
17:30 – Wings and Whispers
A mystical musical journey through nature and folklore.
Please note: event details correct at the time of posting, but may be subject to change. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official festival website: wwwchippfolk.co.uk
Still Time to Volunteer!
There are still steward positions available for this year’s festival — and it’s one of the best ways to be part of the action!
Stewards help the festival run smoothly, covering venue management, assisting attendees, and solving on-the-day problems. It’s a great chance to:
•Make new friends
•Learn new skills
•Add valuable experience to your CV
Best of all — volunteers earn a FREE FESTIVAL TICKET, camping, and merchandise discounts.
Sign up here: https://www.chippfolk.co.uk/InfoVolunteers
New for 2025: Youth Singing Workshops
Chippenham Folk Festival have announced Shooting Roots Singing Workshops for all 11–17 year olds, taking place Saturday and Sunday at the Masonic Hall on Emery Lane – the festival’s Youth Hub.
Led by Shooting Roots tutors, these relaxed, fun sessions will explore traditional folk songs and harmony singing, with the chance to perform in the Youth Showcase on Monday.
Open to youth ticket holders and local young people. Bring your friends and sing together!
Find out more here.
Folk, family, fun, and community! Great to see the Chippenham Folk Festival back and no doubt it will be better than ever in 2025. See you there!
