Wirral Folk Festival 2016

This all-on-one-site festival of folk music, dance and poetry will again be held in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire at the excellent Whitby Club, (formerly Whitby Sports and Social Club or better known by locals as The Shell Club).

The festival is now recognized as one of the very best in the region and attracts folk music and dance enthusiasts from all parts of the United Kingdom, even Europe.

Events will take place in the large single-storey main building that has excellent wheelchair access. The festival campsite will be located in the grounds.

The festival begins on the Thursday evening with a 'Sing in the Festival' concert in the beautiful Oak Room. A nice way for early arrivers to show off their talents and to find their feet. Admission is free on this night.

As usual the main attraction will be five main stage concerts that will take place in the large main concert hall on the evenings of the Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the afternoons of the Saturday and Sunday.

This year's headline acts are - the internationally renowned folk singer/songwriter - Ralph McTell (Fri), whose song 'Streets of London' is legend. Other main stage headline acts will be -- Heidi Talbot (Sat), Oysterband (Sat), Jez Lowe & the Bad Pennies (Sun), with the final concert on the Sunday evening featuring Scottish singer Eddi Reader (MBE), formerly of the band Fairground Attraction. Everyone who enjoys pop songs should remember her iconic hit song 'Perfect'. Eddi is also a perfectionist in the singing of songs by Robert Burns.

In addition, top class support acts appearing on the main stage will be - Flossie Malavialle, Becky Mills, BarlowCree, Joe Topping, Granny's Attic, Calico, Welcomme, Finnan & Chrimes, Two Coats Colder, Gerry Ffrench and Chris Bannister (a John Denver tribute act). Just over 100 performers in all.

The Festival Fringe programme is diverse and will include a - Craft Fair, Mini-concerts, 'Chance to Meet' artistes sessions, Workshops in songwriting, traditional tunes, guitar playing, ukulele, bodhran, whistle, watercolor painting and poetry. There will also be Singalongs, Singarounds, Open Mic sessions, a Folk Factor Talent Showcase, Ukulele concerts and Morris dance displays / workshops. Many events on the fringe are free. It is entertainment for all the family to enjoy.

See www.wirralfolkonthecoast.com for more information.