Kelso Folk Festival 6th-8th September, 2024

The Kelso Folk and Live Music Club is running its 8th Kelso Folk Festival and once again is set to provide a fantastic line-up of award-winning acts, combined with sessions, workshops and open mics offering a showcase for local talent. There are four great ticketed concerts.

On Friday 6th we kick off in spectacular style with the BBC Radio Scotland Young traditional musician of 2023 Amy Laurenson and her band. On the same bill will be Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth, displaying phenomenal musicianship on mouth organ, melodeon and guitar.

Saturday lunchtime sees the band Wayward Jane who create their own Old-Time sound with claw hammer banjo, double bass, fiddle, flute, guitars and fine vocal harmonies. They are supported by Borders singer/guitarist Geoff Ross

On Saturday night we will be welcoming two greats of the Scottish folk scene - guitarist and melodeon player Tim Edey, and Highland piper Ross Ainslie to give you a spectacular show. With them are duo Steve Hicks & Lynn Goulbourn, with their entertaining and eclectic mix of songs and stunning guitarmanship.

Our Sunday lunchtime concert features the legendary songwriter and performer Jez Lowe. As supporting act we have Scottish Fiddler Carly Blain with guitarist Graeme Armstrong of Talisk fame.

There will be outdoor events on the Saturday afternoon (weather permitting) as well as pub-based sessions when you can join in our sessions, singarounds and open mics, whether you’re a musician, a singer or simply wish to listen to some great music. On Saturday morning there are workshops on singing and mixed instruments for those who wish to improve their skills.

All this is going on in the beautiful Borders town of Kelso, a great tourist destination!

Programme at a glance (see concerts for more details)

Friday 6th September

• Opening Concert at the Old Parish Church, 7.30-10.30 pm. Amy Laurenson band and Will Pound & Jenn Butterworth.
• Open mic session, The Cobbles Inn, 10.30-12.00 pm.

Saturday 7th September

• A Capella singing and mixed instrument workshops at Abbey Row Community Centre, 10.30-12.00 noon.
• Lunchtime Concert at the Old Parish Church, 12.30-2.00 pm. Wayward Jane with Geoff Ross.
• Morris dancing in the Town Square 2.00-2.30pm
• 'Borders Folk'  (Kingfisher/ Ultraviolet/ Banned in the Borders/ The Cobbles band) at Rutherfords Pub, 2.30-4.30 pm.
• Afternoon open sing-around and traditional tune session at The Cross Keys,  2-5 pm.
• Concert: Old Parish Church, 7.30-10.30 pm. Tim Edey and Ross Ainslie and Hicks and Goulbourn.

Sunday 8th September

• Traditional session at The Cross Keys, 10.30-12.00 noon.
• Fiddle and guitar workshops at Abbey Row Community Centre, 10.30-12.00 noon.
• Lunchtime Concert at the Old Parish Church, 12.30-2.00 pm. Jez Lowe with Blain & Armstrong
• Farewell singaround at the Cross Keys, 2.30-4.30 pm.