Christchurch Folk Music Sessions

Welcome to the Christchurch Folk website – promoting live traditional music in the south and getting 'folk' back into music. The Christchurch Folk session takes place in the centre of town, a stone’s throw from the Norman castle and the building that has given the town its modern name, the impressive Priory Church. Christchurch is a small historic market town on the south coast of England. Traditionally in Hampshire, it is now just on the Dorset side of the Hampshire-Dorset boundary. Originally called Twynham, the place 'between the rivers', it is a town with a long history. It was a prehistoric settlement, a fortified Saxon burh listed in the Domesday Book, the site of an Augustinian priory and of a Civil War skirmish, and was a centre for the manufacture of fusee chains for watches. Its greatest (unsung) hero is Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons who, upon his triumphant return from the Crimean War, was pulled through the town in an open carriage by a company of sailors. It is primarily a traditional tune session, but opportunities for songs - especially ones that everyone can join in - or the occasional poem or reading, are presented throughout the evening. There is no formal host, but hopefully someone will always ask newcomers if they would like to contribute. You do not need to be a virtuoso performer, just willing to join in. Alternatively, you may simply like to listen and enjoy – the sessions are free and all are welcome. We strive to make the Christchurch Folk sessions a fun and friendly venue for a mix of folk traditions - from Cotswold morris to Celtic fringe, mumming to music hall, and medieval to modern. You’ve not heard a Chaucer prologue recited in Old English or Dancing Queen performed on ukulele? – you just might at a Christchurch Folk session! :

The Ship Inn

Ye Olde George Inn

Originally The George & Dragon coaching inn, Ye Olde George Inn in Castle Street can lay claim to being the oldest hostelry in the town. It has been the traditional home of folk music in Christchurch for over 25 years. The session is held in the Barn Bar at the far end of the historic courtyard. Being a separate room, the Barn Bar lends itself to themed sessions celebrating notable dates in the folklore calendar such as Beltane and Yule. All are welcome to present ideas for celebratory parties. Last Wednesday of every month 8.30pm Ye Olde George Inn Castle Street Christchurch Dorset :

More than just music...

Christchurch Folk has been extending its activities beyond the pub-based sessions to inspire, and be involved in, other local events. We believe that music, song, poetry, storytelling, dance and drama were once woven with tradition, ritual, and celebration to lift the spirit and bind communities together. We believe that they still have the power to do so.

Christchurch Folk musicians have played at charity garden parties and taken part in folk traditions such as St George’s Day, mumming, and wassailing. They have also been instrumental in resurrecting the medieval St Faith’s Fair in Christchurch. To discover more about these related activities please look at Special Events or follow these links:-

For further details contact:

John Smith 01202 720630 or 07597 995844 E-mail: john(at)bournespringtrust.org From June 2009, Kaz & Phil will hand over their brush and keys to John Smith and Ted Davies as the next in a long line of caretakers of the sessions. It is anticipated that Christchurch Folk will remain primarily a tune session, but this website may gradually become a record of what was rather than what is. If you wish to receive e-mail notification of Christchurch Folk events please contact John at the address above. Kaz & Phil wish John and Ted every success!