Dartmoor Folk Festival reveals this year's star-studded line-up

The Dartmoor Folk Festival, now in its 48th year, is set to return to the scenic foothills of Dartmoor from Friday, August 8 to Sunday, August 10, bringing a packed schedule of music, dance, and community celebration to South Zeal, near Okehampton. A highlight of the West Country’s cultural calendar, this cherished event blends top-tier folk performances with deep-rooted local traditions and family fun.

Founded in 1978 by renowned Dartmoor folk musician Bob Cann BEM, the festival was established to revive and preserve the rich musical and cultural heritage of the Dartmoor area. Over the decades, it has grown from a small village gathering into a nationally respected event, all while staying true to its traditional and community-centered ethos.

This year’s festival boasts an exciting line-up of both well-known and emerging artists. Headlining are The Demon Barbers, a high-energy English folk band known for blending traditional instruments with modern rhythms, drums, and electric bass. They’re joined by Granny’s Attic, the award-winning trio from Worcester hailed as one of the most innovative forces on the UK folk scene.

Festival-goers will also get a special treat as two of the UK’s most iconic folk voices - Jim Causley and Miranda Sykes - perform as a duo, previewing songs from their new album. Additional acts include the boundary-pushing Gilmore and Roberts, the dynamic duo James Delarre and Saul Rose, and squeezebox virtuoso John Kirkpatrick, a fixture of the English folk circuit.

Other celebrated names include Pete Coe, with over 50 years in the folk scene, and Keith Donnelly, returning in his comedic alter ego as “Rambling Elvis Donnelly.” Rising star Delta Kenzie will also make a return appearance, delivering her distinctive Celtic folk sound. Inland sea shanty band Mariners Away will once again grace the stage of the Kings Arms on the Saturday morning.

Local favourites The Dartmoor Pixie Band, originally founded by Bob Cann himself, will lead one of the festival ceilidhs. Several members of the band are Cann’s descendants and remain actively involved in organising the event.

Alan Quick, press officer for the Dartmoor Folk Festival Association, reflected on the festival’s legacy:

"It was 48 years ago that the festival was founded by the late Bob Cann, who lived in the parish of South Zeal. He had the dream of a folk event on his doorstep that would help to revive and preserve the traditions of Dartmoor.

“Mr Cann was awarded the British Empire Medal for his services to folk music, which included founding the festival.

“It was the traditional music, dance, song and crafts of the area that formed the basis for the first festival and they still remain for the association which runs the festival today."

Quick added that the event remains affordable and inclusive:

“Most events are very modestly priced and some are totally free or by donation, so there is something for everyone. The festival is deeply rooted in the heart of the Dartmoor community and is keeping customs and traditions alive.”

The festival's atmosphere is renowned for its welcoming, relaxed vibe, and includes concerts, ceilidhs, workshops, family activities, craft stalls, and traditional competitions. Highlights include the Dartmoor Stepdance and Broom Dance Championships, where local talent shines in unique regional dance styles.

Beyond music and dance, the festival offers a variety of quirky and beloved activities such as ferret racing (with real ferrets), a duck race (not real ducks), and storytelling sessions. Street performers, dance displays from morris teams Tinners Morris and Cogs & Wheels, and music sessions in village pubs like The Kings Arms, led by the Orchard family, add to the festival’s charm.

Entertainer Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different will once again bring his signature brand of fun to the event, joined by other performers still to be confirmed.

A campsite is available, and the festival attracts attendees from across the UK, many of whom return year after year to experience the warmth, heritage, and talent of this unique Dartmoor event.

For full programme details or to purchase tickets, visit: www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk