From its humble beginnings in 2007 as primarily an English folk music and dance festival, Southwell has evolved into one of the leading and most innovative folk events in the country.

2016 will be the 10th festival and so will be extra special. They will be bringing back some of the artists who made the biggest impressions in past years as well as putting on some special events including Dylan 75. It will be Bob Dylan’s 75th birthday on 24th May and so of the Saturday afternoon of the festival will be putting a special show – Dylan 75 – where a selection of artists from the festival will be performing Dylan songs with a house band led by Jim Moray, who we are sure will be brilliant as ever. If you are a Dylan fan, then this shouldn’t be missed!

Whilst English and Celtic music remain at the core we seriously embrace other roots music forms. Southwell has built a reputation for seeking out exciting new talent and providing something a little different. Quality remains the watchword so whether it’s country or gypsy jazz, ska or rockabilly, bluegrass or punk, traditional or contemporary, it’ll be good.