Fishguard Folk Festival brings four days of music to Pembs
Fishguard Folk Festival returns for its 24th year running from today, Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26 and bringing with it a vibrant celebration of folk music and culture.
Set in the twin towns of Goodwick and Fishguard, the festival aims to preserve, share, and develop the folk traditions of Wales and beyond.
(Image: Western Telegraph) Alongside timeless traditional sounds, the festival highlights the exciting evolution of folk music — reflecting Wales' dynamic and diverse cultural landscape.
With top-quality musicians, artists, and educators, the festival offers performances, sessions, and workshops for all ages and abilities.
This year includes bilingual programming, family-friendly activities, and open spaces for learning and creativity — from Welsh singing workshops and storytelling, walks to open mic slots and Tiny Twmpaths for little ones.
(Image: Western Telegraph) The festival is mainly free with just three ticketed headline concerts and donations welcomed for other events. Workshops are a mix of drop in or pre-booked.
Claire Quinn, festival development manager, said: 'What makes Fishguard Folk Festival truly special is the variety of ways to experience folk music and culture—whether you're enjoying live performances, joining sessions and workshops, trying something new, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
(Image: Sarah Shaw) 'It's a welcoming space to have fun, connect with others, and create lasting memories.'
Sunday's concert by Welsh acts Alaw and Cynefin is now sold out, but tickets are still available for the two other headline concerts.
Friday's gig at Bethel Chapel features BBC Radio 2 and RTE folk singer of the year Ríoghnach Connolly with John Ellis, who has worked with the likes of Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, Tom Jones, Mica Paris and John Squire of the Stone Roses. They will be supported on the night by a lively set from the London Irish SGH Trio.
UK festival favourite 3 Daft Monkeys, from Cornwall, headline on Saturday at Theatr Gwaun.
(Image: Western Telegraph) There are lots of free performances, the Barti session trail - featuring live music sessions at 11 venues across town (just take along your acoustic instrument to join in), engaging talks, an art exhibition at Trove from Meinir Matthias and Quayside festivities in Lower Town featuring local food, music and environmental activities. There will also be a visit by Celtic Sail and Trade's beautiful sailing ship.
The festival committee thanked all sponsors supporters and volunteers who make the festival possible including main sponsor The Royal Oak (home to the festival's famous all weekend session), Fishguard Folk Singers, Barti rum and Stenaline. Support this year has also come from Fishguard and Goodwick Town Council, The Oakdale Trust and Pembrokeshire County Council.
(Image: Western Telegraph)
For more information go to www.fishfolkfest.co.uk, linked above, or find the festival on Facebook and Eventbrite (Friday night concert and workshops). Tickets for 3 Daft Monkeys are available from Theatr Gwaun and its website.
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