Keep Safe and Carry on!

There are lots of festive folky treats to look forward to this year, including many which take place out of doors. The following events had been announced by the start of December, but keep an eye on the Events page for any updates.

On Sunday 5th December, the colourful Oyster Girls bring dance and music to the banks of the Medina as they process along the cycle path from Island Harbour to Newport Quay AND BACK to raise money for the very worthwhile charity, Shelter. They set off from Island Harbour at 10.30. Look out for lots of bemused cyclists en route. Here is the link for donations. I’m fundraising for Shelter!

Thursday 9th is the date for Ruth’s annual Christmas Reflections Concert at the Salvation Army Hall in Pyle Street, in aid of the Army’s Christmas Appeal for the homeless. Ruth has organised this lovely concert for many years and it is always a heart warming treat. Tickets must be reserved, full details on the Events page. Folk Night at the Porter Club’s usual Christmas mayhem has been shifted to Thursday 16th to give Ruth’s event a clear run.

Saturday 18th is looking rather busy. It first sees the traditional pre-Christmas morris dancing event organised by Men of Wight in St. Thomas’s Square, Newport, starting at noon. Then, as darkness falls, Bloodstone Border Morris light the beacon on Culver Cliff and dance, weather and Covid permitting. Finally, The Dance Preachers take over the cafe at Quay Arts. Doors open at 7 o’clock.

The Quay Folk Club’s popular Christmas event is on Sunday 19th. The ever-popular Festive Folkies take centre stage, ably supported with merriment and music from the Quay Cabal and The Christmas Boys.

Hearty carol singing is the plan for December 23rd at The Traveller’s Joy, starting at 1.30. The Christmas Boys pop up again at 11.45 on Boxing Day at The Dairyman’s Daughter. Finally, the Gallybagger Folk Night at Chillerton is going from strength to strength to help us make the most of the run up to the New Year.

Other events may be announced later, or circumstances may change, so see Events for updates.