Tenterden, situated in the ancient Weald of Kent, about 12 miles west of Ashford, is an ideal venue for this well established friendly, family folk festival which is celebrating it's 10^th anniversary year. Tenterden features one of the widest High Streets in the country and the majority of the buildings are of historic interest and many are listed buildings. There are numerous pub’s, restaurants, hotels and interesting little shops, a steam railway, vineyards and the picturesque Kentish countryside. Where better to enjoy a weekend of traditional English folk song and dance?

As part of our 10^th anniversary celebrations we are presenting a full day of folk music workshops for the students at Homewood School on Friday. The Festival proper starts in the evening with a special 10^th anniversary concert at Homewood School and there will also be the usual sing-a-rounds and music sessions in the town centre pubs. On Saturday there will be a wide variety of events, including the 10^th anniversary barn dance, concerts and folk clubs, craft fair and street stalls, dance displays with Morris dancers, Appalachian dancers and Scottish dancers, a procession, street theatre and a puppet shows, sing-a-rounds and music sessions, showcases, workshops, etc. The Festival continues on Sunday with the very popular acoustic folk club, music in the pubs, Morris dancers, the special "folk trains" and finishes with a final late sing-a-round.

The emphasis remains very much on traditional English folk song and dance. We draw many of our guests from the south east of England, particularly Kent and Sussex, but also include an increasing number of visitors from farther afield as well as guests well known on the national and international folk scene. We also occasionally feature European and other "foreign" song and dance particularly where this has a connection with the local area through the material or the performers.

The Festival guest list includes many old friends and some names that are new to Tenterden Folk Festival. Tim Laycock was at the "Railway" concert in 1992 that preceded the first Tenterden Folk Day in 1993. Tim is back again this year with The New Scorpion Band who will be featuring in, amongst other things, the 10^th Anniversary Concert on Friday and playing for the English barn dance on Saturday evening.

Another of this year's new names is Dave Webber and Anni Fentimann, whose enthusiasm sparkles in their powerful vocal performances which have developed from their involvement in traditional and traditional style English folk music for over 25 years. Dave and Anni will be around the Festival on Saturday and Sunday.

Bram Taylor is making a welcome first appearance at the Festival and we are pleased to welcome back Brian Peters and Gordon Tyrell who have made one previous foray to Tenterden in 1997.

Holders of our "Full Weekend" tickets can obtain a generous 50% discount on the K&ES Railway on Saturday and Sunday. The railway will kindly be hosting our VIP reception for invited guests on Saturday. On Sunday K&ES Railway will again be running special "folk trains" with festival guests to entertain the passengers with a variety of folk songs and music.

By post only from; Tenterden Folk Day Trust, c/o Folk Spots,

15 Repton Manor Road, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3HA

Town Hall, High Street, Tenterden, Kent, TN30 6AN

Tel. 01580 763572

or 18 Church Yard, Ashford, Kent, TN23 1QG

Tel. 01233 629165

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Tenterden Folk Festival is an annual event organised by Tenterden Folk Day Trust, charity number 1038663.

The Trust has acts as a local Folk Development Agency. Our objects are to preserve and advance the public education and appreciation of traditional and contemporary folk music, song, dance and other related traditions, crafts and folk arts as part of the living heritage. Donations, sponsorship and other offers of assistance, to help achieve these aims, are always welcome.

Throughout the weekend there will be dance displays going on in the High Street and around the town. There will be at least 25 dance sides including the various forms of Morris as well as clog, Appalachian, Scottish, Molly and other dancers. The ever-popular Amazing Zolas will be back with their clowning, balloons and parachute games. The street stalls will be selling their crafts and Kentish products in the High Street on both Saturday and Sunday.

With support from Ashford Borough Council and Kent County Council we provide workshops in schools. Under the tuition of professional performers, we aim to introduce students and children, to English folk song, music, dance, story telling, and the other folk arts.

Music and song in the bar on the second Tuesdays of every month lead by various well-known local performers.

The eleventh Tenterden Folk Festival will take place from 3^rd to 5^th October 2003.

We will provide, or advise on, the folk content in other community or Council events.