Bude & Stratton Folk Festival has run since 2007, enjoyed by thousands of enthusiasts. It was one of the most highly-rated small festivals on the folk scene, lauded for fine music and friendly ambiance.

 We are grateful to our Cornwall and Town Councillors who have acknowledged this and have assisted with grant funding over many years.

Central to this success have been the Falcon Hotel and St Michael and All Angels Church, both being active partners in the creation of the festival and its continued success, which has ensured a busy hotel, busy camp-sites, and large congregations.

Equally the festival has flourished thanks to many volunteers who have given hugely of their time, energy, and cash, and the enthusiasts who have been our audiences.

Recent Past Artistes

Pete Morton
Pete Morton is a folk singer-songwriter with a wealth of great songs and a remarkable singing voice. A compelling and energetic performer whose songs have been described as an unruly mix of humour, politics, love and social comment wrapping their way around the folk tradition. Songs like ‘Another Train’ and ‘When we sing together’ have become folk club standards and his performances are a joy. “NOT ONLY IMPRESSIVE..BUT A REVELATION” – The Guardian

Reg Meuross
Reg Meuross is the top of the tree when is comes to contemporary folk song writing. Calling him a singer-songwriter doesn’t do him justice. ‘Meuross doesn’t write lines of lyrics. He writes short stories then sets them to some of the most captivating melodies you’ll ever hear.’ (Pennyblack Music) Reg is known for the intimacy of his live solo performances and ‘Intelligent and thought-provoking songs, beautifully made and skilfully delivered.’ (The Times)

Geoff Lakeman
The “ Concertina Crooner” Geoff Lakeman, is the patriarch of a folk dynasty – dad of Seth,Sean and Sam and father-in-law of Cara Dillon and Kathryn Roberts. He teases English and Irish folk, Americana and jazz songs out of his vintage duet concertina. We hoped he would be joined by Rob Murch but, sadly, he can't make it this year, as a medical appointment calls. Geoff will fulfill their engagements solo.

Vicky Swan & Jonny Dyer
Vicki Swan & Jonny effortlessly blend traditional material with contemporary sounds. Their performances showcase new interpretations of old songs alongside original self penned tunes and new contemporary songs that are entirely at home in the tradition. Strong believers in letting the music tradition live and breathe through sensitive interpretation, Vicki and Jonny allow the melody to sing without any constraints. Their evenings are packed with toe tapping tunes and songs of love, death, trains and dressing up (not always at the same time) all presented with sparkling gentle humour, lots of smiles and skillful musicianship.

Ned Clamp & Patti Smith
Ned and Patti are a Welsh folk institution, delivering an energetic mixture of Welsh and American songs and tunes. Pat is a virtuoso on the spoons and the concertina. Ned plays guitar, harmonica and sings, Together, they perform fascinating songs and tunes, old and new, from wherever they can steal them, blending gentle harmonies with top-drawer musicianship.

Jim Causley
Jim Causely is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, musician, proud Devonian and first class ambassador for the traditional music and poetry of the South West. His rich voice and easy humour disguise great musicianship and instrumental skill. Jim is well-known to this Festival and we are delighted that he is our patron and one of this year’s guests.

Road Not Taken
Road Not Taken are a Bristol based four piece starting to make waves on the UK folk scene. They are noted for their inventive and atmospheric arrangements of traditional folk songs and tunes and for their original material. Anita Dobson’s clear and striking vocal soars over hypnotically beautiful melodies from Claire Hamlen on violin and viola, underpinned by Ant Miles’ understated finger style guitar and Joe Hamlen's creative use of harmonium, banjo and bass guitar. You will love them.

Hannah Cumming and Jon Dyer

Hannah and Jon are a delightful duo. Hannah is a lovely singer and fiddle player. Jon is a master of the flute, whistle, guitar and even the double bass. Together they bring a fresh sound, delightful new sets, and innovative arrangements.

The Wilderness Yet

The Wilderness Yet combine the acclaimed talents of folksinger Rosie Hodgson, traditional fiddler Rowan Piggott, and guitarist-flautist Philippe Barnes. Independently, they have earned audiences’ esteem as consummate musicians; together, they weave an eclectic tapestry of traditional and original songs and tunes; from a cappella three-part harmonies to luscious instrumental arrangements. Together they bring technical excellence, youthful energy and vision to a performance that is mature as it is subtle.

Mike O'Connor and Barbara Griggs

Mike O’Connor and Barbara Griggs make music of breathtaking beauty on a variety of musical instruments, principally the harp, violins, and viol. Mike is well-known for his song writing and his scholarship. His evocative songs, such as ‘Carrying Nelson Home’ have a wide following. Mike is the reason the folk music in 'Poldark' was so good! Barbara is a skillful harper and viol player, whose accompaniments are a complete delight. Their music has been described as 'balm for the soul'. Their talents are such they have headlined at the nation's leading folk music and storytelling festivals.