The Gloucester Folk Trail is back! From February 14 to 16, the streets of Gloucester will come alive with music, workshops, performances, and the vibrant traditions of folk culture.

This family-friendly festival, organised by Gloucester Business Improvement (BID) and now in its eighth year, celebrates everything from toe-tapping tunes to hands-on crafts, connecting attendees with the rich heritage of folk arts.

With a variety of workshops, interactive sessions, and performances from local and renowned talent, the Folk Trail offers something for everyone - whether you're a folk enthusiast, an aspiring musician, or simply curious about the world of folk traditions.

Workshops and Sessions

Weave a Willow Heart with Helen Lomberg

Date & Time: Friday, February 14 at 10.30am and 11.30am

Venue: Gloucestershire Arts & Crafts Centre

Description: Learn the ancient craft of willow weaving with expert Helen Lomberg, and create a beautiful heart decoration to take home. Perfect for beginners or craft lovers!

Tickets: £5

Booking: Gloucester Folk Trail Workshops 

Create Your Morris Masterpiece: Rosettes & Bells Workshop

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15 at 10am and 2pm

Venue: Museum of Gloucester

Description: Dive into the vibrant tradition of Morris dancing by crafting your own rosettes and bells—essential accessories for any dancer!

Tickets: £5

Booking: Museum of Gloucester 

'Don't Bore Us, Get to the Chorus' with Jim Rowley

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15 at 11am

Venue: The Folk of Gloucester

Description: Join acclaimed songwriter Jim Rowley for an engaging workshop on crafting compelling, memorable choruses. Perfect for budding songwriters!

Tickets: Free (booking required)

Booking: Gloucester Folk Trail Workshops 

'How to Put an Oomph in Your Tunes' with Christine Reynolds

Date & Time: Sunday, February 16 at 12pm

Venue: The Folk of Gloucester

Description: Christine Reynolds will teach musicians how to inject energy and dynamics into their playing. A must-attend session for anyone looking to enhance their sound.

Tickets: £3

Booking: Gloucester Folk Trail Workshops 

Slow Session with Polly

Date & Time: Sunday, February 16 at 1pm

Venue: The Folk of Gloucester

Description: New to folk sessions? Polly's Slow Session is perfect for beginners, offering a relaxed pace to learn and enjoy traditional tunes.

Tickets: Free

Details: Gloucester Folk Trail Workshops 

Featured Performances

Ferocious Dog

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15; Doors open at 7.30pm

Venue: Gloucester Guildhall

Description: Folk-rock legends Ferocious Dog headline this year's Folk Trail with their energetic and powerful performance. Don't miss this unforgettable evening of music.

Tickets: £22

Booking: Gloucester Guildhall Events 

Gloucester Folk Trail Ceilidh with BANTER

Date & Time: Sunday, February 16 at 3pm

Venue: Gloucester Guildhall

Description: Round off the weekend with a lively ceilidh led by the dynamic folk band BANTER. It's a celebration of community, dance, and music for all to enjoy!

Tickets: £10-£13

Booking: Gloucester Guildhall Events 

Additional Activities

Morris on the Gate Streets

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15 from 11am to 3pm

Location: Across Gloucester's historic Gate Streets

Description: Experience the vibrant tradition of Morris dancing as troupes perform lively routines throughout the city's historic streets.

Arts and Crafts with Sarah

Date & Time: Saturday, February 15 and Sunday, February 16 from 1pm to 4pm

Venue: The Ed Shed, The Folk of Gloucester

Description: Get hands-on with folk-inspired crafts, including rag rugging, weaving, and creating mini dioramas based on traditional folk tales. Fun for all ages!

Booking: Gloucester Folk Trail Workshops 

Celebrate Folk, Culture, and Community

The Gloucester Folk Trail 2025 celebrates the heart and soul of folk culture, combining tradition with fresh, modern experiences. This festival is an opportunity to immerse yourself in Gloucester's heritage, with events that showcase the creativity and community spirit of the city.

Pat Roberts, Folk Trail community lead., said: "The Folk Trail is a celebration of everything that makes Gloucester unique. It's a chance to bring people together through music, storytelling, and creativity while preserving the traditions that define our cultural identity."

In addition, visitors can enjoy live music at venues across Gloucester, featuring talented local and regional artists. The city's pubs and cultural spaces will come alive with traditional tunes, offering a chance to discover new music and connect with fellow festival-goers.

Outdoor and Community Highlights: Folk on the Streets

The heart of Gloucester will be filled with energy as Morris dancers take to the streets, bringing vibrant colours and rhythmic performances to the historic Gate Streets. Visitors can also take part in family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts sessions, storytelling, and folk-inspired creative workshops at The Folk of Gloucester and other local venues.

Food, Drink, and Local Hospitality

No festival experience is complete without delicious food and drink, and the Gloucester Folk Trail is no exception. Enjoy hearty meals, traditional ales, and locally sourced treats at participating pubs, restaurants, and cafes throughout the city.

A Celebration of Gloucester's Heritage

The Gloucester Folk Trail is a testament to the city's rich cultural heritage, showcasing the traditions that have shaped its identity. Whether you're weaving willow, singing along to folk tunes, or enjoying the spectacle of Morris dancers, this event is an opportunity to celebrate the vibrant community spirit that defines Gloucester.

Plan Your Visit

Tickets for workshops and headline performances are available now. Many events are free to attend, making the festival accessible to all. Don't miss this chance to experience the magic of folk culture in the heart of Gloucester.

For the full schedule, ticket information, and updates, visit the official Gloucester Folk Trail website: Gloucester Folk Trail 2025.

Social links for the event can be found here:

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/GloucesterFolkTrail 

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gloucesterfolktrail/