Turner Sims Folk Weekend
Celebrate May Day with a folk-filled weekend!
You and your family are invited to a joyful weekend bursting with music, dance, and creativity for all ages. Join us as we welcome the arrival of summer with three days of live music, dancing, hands-on activities and family-friendly fun.
We’re bringing together some of the finest folk musicians from England and Scotland for a vibrant programme of performances, free foyer gigs, and interactive workshops. It’s a celebration of music and dance rooted in folklore, landscape and tradition – with a generous twist of the new.
On Friday and Saturday, enjoy laid-back live sets in the foyer with our free Vibe Lounge performances. We’ll be adding even more folk and nature-inspired activities to the mix – so look out for updates!
Vibe Lounge: Friday 1 May / 7pm
Ahead of a stunning concert from Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver in the auditorium, join us for The Vibe Lounge!
Enjoy a 40-minute free performance in our intimate foyer space, taking place just before the concert in the main auditorium. Vibe Lounge events welcome an amazing mix of artists and showcase up and coming talent.
This event is free. Book your ticket here
Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver: Friday 1 May 8pm
The ‘Queen of May’ opens our Folk Weekend with a special performance.
Lisa Knapp is renowned for her spellbinding vocals and command of traditional song. She is joined by the brilliant multi-instrumentalist and producer Gerry Diver.
Street Dance the Maypole: Saturday 2 May / 12-12.30pm / 1 – 1.30pm / 2.30 – 3pm / 3.30 – 4pm (4 workshops)
Take part in Street Dance the Maypole workshop creating wraps ‘n ripples mixed with waves ‘n breaks around a contemporary designed, bespoke ribboned, 12 foot freestanding maypole. A chance to learn a funky dance routine to live music, mixing it with classic maypole moves, such as the Chrysanthemum Wrap and the Twister.
Suitable for: all ages
Location: out on the lawn
FREE event. No need to book – just come along!
Folk Tales in the Foyer / Saturday 2 May / 12.30pm – 12.50pm / 3pm – 3.20pm
Join Southampton’s neighbourhood bookshop ‘October Books’, for a family storytelling of folk tales. Settle in to be enchanted, surprised and inspired by stories of nature and folklore.
Suitable for: ages 5+ and their families
FREE event. No need to book – just come along!
Highfield High Jinx Ceilidh / Saturday 2 May / 1.30pm – 2.30pm
University of Southampton’s Folk Society ceilidhs are a great opportunity for friends and family to embrace the chaos of ceilidh dancing, as you jump and swing with your fellow dancers. No experience needed! Our caller will be on hand to teach the basics, so everyone can learn as they go, with a live band to accompany the group and keep you moving!
Suitable for: all ages
Location: out on the lawn
FREE event. No need to book – just come along!
Vibe Lounge: Saturday 2 May / 7pm
Ahead of an evening with Malin Lewis in the auditorium, join us for The Vibe Lounge!
Enjoy a 40-minute free performance in our intimate foyer space, taking place just before the concert in the main auditorium. Vibe Lounge events welcome an amazing mix of artists and showcase up and coming talent.
This event is free. Book your ticket here
Malin Lewis: Saturday 2 May 8pm
Award-winning innovator and multi-instrumentalist Malin Lewis brings fresh energy to Scottish West Coast traditions, performing with a self-made, custom-designed bagpipe.
FolkActive: Step into Hampshire Workshop / Sunday 3 May / 11am
Step dancing – or ‘stepping’ – was once one of Britain’s most widespread folk-dance forms. Join renowned step dancer Jo Harmer and live musicians for an uplifting, accessible workshop that brings this lively tradition into the present day.
Energetic, welcoming and rooted in local heritage, this workshop is perfect for anyone curious to give stepping a try.
Suitable for: ages 12+ (no experience necessary)
Location: concert hall
FREE event. Participants must book a ticket
FolkActive: Playing by Ear Folk Jam / Sunday 3 May / 12.15pm
Experience the joy of learning music by ear in this friendly, hands-on workshop led by folk musician Chris Nichols.
In this session, Chris will guide you through a selection of lively folk melodies, showing how to pick up tunes quickly, recognise patterns and develop musical memory.
Open to all instruments and abilities. Music reading not required.
Suitable for: ages 12+
Location: Turner Sims Foyer
FREE event. Participants must book a ticket
FolkActive Youth Ensemble / Sunday 3 May / 1.15pm
The FolkActive Youth Ensemble are a vibrant group of young musicians aged 11–19 who are redefining what youth folk music can be. Rooted in traditional tunes yet full of contemporary flair, FAYE brings together musicians of all genres in an exciting, ever-evolving sound.
Their set showcases the ensemble’s blend of powerful arrangements, improvisation and the collaborative spirit that drives their music-making. Expect foot-tapping sets, inventive harmonies and the unmistakable buzz of young performers who truly love what they do. Championing inclusivity, creativity and musical independence, the FolkActive Youth Ensemble is an inspiring celebration of the next generation of folk musicians.
The FolkActive Youth Ensemble is delivered by FolkActive, with proud support from the South Coast Music Partnership.
Suitable for: all ages
Location: Turner Sims Foyer
FREE event. No need to book – just come along!
The Furrow Collective Singing Workshop: Sunday 3 May 2pm – 3.30pm
Join The Furrow Collective for a one-off workshop exploring folk songs from England, Scotland and beyond.
This session is perfect for anyone who loves to sing together in harmony, and who’d like to expand their knowledge and repertoire of folk songs.
The Furrow Collective: Sunday 3 May 7.30pm
Four outstanding musicians are drawn together by a shared love of the traditional song of England, Scotland and beyond. They breathe new life into old ballads, in song, story and art.
Weekend Pass: Standard Band A ticket for Lisa Knapp & Gerry Diver + Malin Lewis Trio + The Furrow Collective for £45 instead of £54
For full offer details see Booking tickets >
