After years of working with Tramlines to produce the Folk Forest in Endcliffe Park, Regather has amicably cut ties with the festival after its move to Hillsborough Park. With the Folk Forest going solo for the first time, we caught up with the organisers to find out what’s on at the Folk Forest this year…
Tell us a bit about Regather and its relationship with the Folk Forest?
Regather Co-Op is a Sheffield based organisation supporting and celebrating local, independent trade. The projects include a local fruit and veg box scheme, a lively arts venue and a craft beer brewery.
What can the people of Sheffield expect from the Folk Forest this year?
We’re super excited with our programme this year, with bands we’ve always wanted to see coming to Sheffield. Mercury-nominated Portico Quartet, for example. I’m expecting them to blow everyone away and they’ve been getting five star reviews in the papers for their recent tour. Likewise Nubiyan Twist’s sell out show at Abbeydale Picture House last year got everyone pumped and dancing. They join Soweto Kinch, Sam Amidon, John Smith and Anchorsong, along with Sheffield favourites Jim Ghedi, Before Breakfast and a 30 piece orchestra performance of The Beatles’ White Album.
Elsewhere at the festival we’ve got a five stages of music, more than 40 stalls at our arts and crafts market, give-it-a-go sessions with heritage master-crafts leaders like blacksmiths, wood and leather work. We’ve got loads of kids activities with a stage dedicated to kids aged 0-4 and their parents. The list goes on! It’s going to be a lovely weekend in a beautiful setting in the park.
How can people get involved?
Advance tickets are available from from our website now. There will also be day tickets on sale on the day from the box office, should there be any tickets left.
Are there plans to host any other events at Endcliffe Park?
Not as yet but you never know!
What else in on the radar for the Regather team?
We’re a local organisation passionate about local food. We also operate a small arts centre in Sharrow, a micro-brewery and various other local projects around the city.
The Folk Forest kicks off on Saturday 21 July, tickets are available here. Head over to regather.net for more information.
