Back to main events page.
Many of the venues listed on "Folk Events in Somerset and Dorset" also run many other, not folky, events. I thought it would be useful to list information and contact details so that people could find out about these, without cluttering up the main listing.
Bridgwater Arts Centre offers a wide range of arts performances andactivities, including plenty of folk music. The venue has an intimate hall for performances, plus a gallery and bar, and staff (many of whom are volunteers) pride themselves on the warmth of their welcome. There are regular gigs from well-known and up-&-coming folk artists, plus a monthly no-smoking Folk Club hosted by Bill & Jude Crawford on the first Wednesday of the month (not August or September). Check the website for more info.
Based in the heart of the West Dorset market town of Bridport, the historic venue has a 200-seat theatre, three gallery spaces plus a cafe and bar.
Fairly frequent folk events and lots of other things going on. The web site even has a forum for you to contribute to.
The David Hall is a old church or chapel, now deconsecrated, and provides a perfect venue for small or acoustic concerts. The centre is run by Petherton Arts Trust. A very wide variety of events.
The new web page now has online ticket purchase available.
Dorchester Arts Centre puts on a wide variety of shows and runs regular courses on things such as harmony singing, tai chi and the Dorchester Youth Theater. Some of the music evenings are independent productions.
Halsway Manor Folk Music Centre, offers a wide range of arts performances and activities, including plenty of folk music, dance and song with 5 different clubs meeting regularly, listed on regular meetings pages.
The 14th century mansion has a fine hall for performances, dances and concerts plus the unique Kennedy-Grant Memorial library that is available for research and a lounge bar.
Halsway Manor Society, a registered educational charity exists to give back to the people the traditional heritage of folk music, song and dance. Founded in 1965 great strides have been made in developing a contiuous folk programme and Halsway is the only permanent residential centre in the UK.
The staff (many of whom are volunteers) present a warm welcome.
Check their web page for more information.
Another perfect venue for acoustic music of all varieties. The Meeting House, also a deconsecrated chapel, combines a performance arts venue, an art gallery, and a restaurant.
Although not described as an arts centre, the Merlin has a much more eclectic programme than the other local commercial theatres (see below), so I've listed it in this section. As well as performances (concerts, plays and other events), there are films, workshops and educational and childrens events.
A commercial theatre, providing little folk music. However, it is a regular date on Fairport Convention's annual winter tour and other, similar, acts do occasionally visit. Lots of other stuff going on: pantomimes, comedy (e.g. Jethro), tribute bands, plays, the usual stock in trade of a provincial theatre.
There's a bar and disabled access is good. Plenty of car parking (free in the evening).
The Strode Theatre is a part of and is maintained by Strode College. They cover a variety of arts, including a large programme of films.
A commercial theatre, like the Octagon, and with a similar programme. Again, plenty of parking, a bar and good disabled facilities.
Venues that don’t really fit into any of the above categories
Evershot village hall has long been regarded as an excellent venue for live music. The tardis-like corrugated steel building reveals an inside clad with timber creating ideal acoustics for any live performance. A capacity of 200 gives performers and audience a chance to feel part of the intimate atmosphere the hall creates.
Yeovil's premier Live Music Venue, The Orange Box. Starting in 2008 - Regular Blues Fixtures promoting established and new acts. It doesn't end with blues. We are looking for original acts and material. If you're not a cover band and are building your army of followers, or already have legions of unwashed masses hanging on your every move..... Join us as we bring real music, played by real musicians, to the South West. Tickets for all Orange Box events are available from www.ticketweb.co.uk