Folk Festival

Join us for a weekend of incredible music and heartfelt tributes as Hartlepool Folk Festival returns, featuring its most spectacular line-up yet alongside a special commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike.

Headline Acts: Kate Rusby, renowned as one of the Top Ten Folk Voices of the Century, leads the line-up with her mesmerising performances and Yorkshire charm. Also performing are The Breath, Maya Youssef, Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton, and Jasdeep Singh Degun, offering a diverse mix of traditional and contemporary folk music from over 90 musicians.

Special Guests: American folk legend Peggy Seeger joins us to headline “Bold Miners: Spirit of ’84,” a concert celebrating the strength and resilience of ex-mining communities. Joined by festival patrons and the Durham Miners Association Brass Band, this event promises poignant music and powerful spoken-word contributions from Strike veterans.

Mining Heritage Celebrations: Explore the rich history of mining with film screenings, panel discussions, and performances like Red Ladder Theatre’s “We’re Not Going Back,” a touching musical about the lives impacted by the Strike, featuring a post-show Q&A with Boff Whalley. Don’t miss the screening of “Striking With Pride,” a documentary about the real stories behind the film Pride, introduced by Welsh Drag Queen Orla Diss.

Special Events: Fans of classic children’s TV can enjoy “Bagpuss & Beyond,” featuring Sandra Kerr, the original voice of Madeleine and the mice from Bagpuss, discussing her career and magical memories. Plus, indulge in nostalgia with “Welcome to the Pleasuredome,” an 80s cabaret extravaganza.

Additional Festival Highlights: Experience workshops, pop-up performances, and a free outdoor family festival in the Headland Squircle. Join singarounds and sessions at local pubs like The Fishermans Arms and the Pot House.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend celebrating music, heritage, and community at Hartlepool Folk Festival 2024!

FREE Family Festival

Special Family Guest:

On Sunday, October 6 at 1 PM, don’t miss CBeebies’ Mr. Bloom, who will be leaving his allotment to meet Hartlepool’s little ones! He’ll be performing live on the outdoor stage in front of Borough Hall.

Magical Characters and Activities:

Meet delightful characters all weekend long! Say hello to Percy the puppet crab fisherman, dance with disco-loving moths Ray and Flash, follow the waggle-dancing bees Bombus and Borage, or meet friendly sea creatures and wandering monsters. When it’s time to relax, cozy up in front of the Magic Lantern for enchanting shadow puppet stories.

Interactive Workshops and Performances:

• Sing like a pirate with folk musician Saul Rose or learn a traditional Syrian harvest song with world-class musician Maya Youssef.
• Hear stories of mining life from Bill Elliott of Beamish Museum, or get crafty and make a Playful Protest banner with Curious Arts to carry in the Sunday twilight procession to the sea.
• Watch pupils from St. Helen’s School showcase the traditional rapper sword dance, a performance they’ve learned through the Telling the Bees project, rooted in the mining traditions of the North East.

Family Festival Highlights:

• Free outdoor performances and workshops.
• Fun, interactive experiences with unique characters.
• Craft and music sessions for kids of all ages.