A new folk tradition begins on Wearside
Music, dancing and hands-on workshops are on the menu for the inaugural Washington Folk Festival
Fiddles, foot-stomping rhythms and songs steeped in story will echo through Washington this spring as the town launches a new festival rooted in the North East’s musical traditions.
The inaugural Washington Folk Festival will bring some of the most respected names in UK folk to Arts Centre Washington (ACW) over Easter weekend, alongside emerging artists, community events and hands-on workshops.
Supported by Sunderland Music City, the festival forms part of Sunderland’s Year of Music, reflecting a renewed focus on grassroots culture, live performance and the region’s deep musical heritage.
Running from Thursday, April 2 to Saturday, April 4, the festival will combine headline concerts with workshops, a family-friendly ceilidh and a Real Ale Festival in ACW’s Courtyard Bar, creating a busy programme designed to appeal to seasoned folk fans and newcomers alike.
The festival opens on Thursday evening with a performance from rising electrofolk artist Frankie Archer, whose music has been described by BBC Radio 2 as “fascinating and intoxicating”.
Friday’s daytime programme includes First Friday Folk, a free concert from 1pm featuring singers from across the region, including Ken Tongue and Jaene Fitzgerald, Barry and Ingrid Temple, and Salty Dog. Later that afternoon, ukulele virtuoso Christopher Davis-Shannon performs at 2pm.
In the evening one of the festival’s standout moments is programmed with acclaimed guitarist and singer Martin Simpson taking to the stage. Widely regarded as one of the finest acoustic and slide guitar players in the world, his performance begins at 7.30.
Martin will also lead a rare in-depth guitar workshop on Saturday morning, sharing his approach to arranging, open tunings and song interpretation. That afternoon, Frankie Archer returns to lead her own workshop exploring the tools and techniques behind her electrofolk sound.
For those keen to dance as well as listen, Saturday also includes an Afternoon Ceilidh with the Blue Cat Ceilidh Band.
Matt Blyth, culture and heritage Officer at ACW, said: “It’ll be a family-friendly afternoon of dancing and no previous experience will be necessary – all dances will be clearly explained by two experienced callers.”
The festival concludes with a special evening celebrating North East folk heritage, as The Davy Lamp Folk Club returns to ACW. The line-up includes Tom McConville with Andy Watt, Jez Lowe, and Bob Fox with Stu Luckley.
Matt Blyth said: “We’re delighted the return of The Davy Lamp Folk Club will form a highlight of this year’s Washington Folk Festival… Their music has inspired generations of folk performers, and it’s a privilege to welcome them back.”
Marty Longstaff, music officer at Sunderland Music City, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to have a folk festival back in Wearside, celebrating a genre that’s so deeply rooted in our region’s musical heritage.”
Further events include a Heritage Reels screening of Ken Russell’s folk documentary at ACW on Wednesday, April 1.
Tickets and full details are available via Sunderland Culture’s website.