Halsway Manor

18/09/2026

Folk Woodwind Week
(Mon 3 - Fri 7 May 2027)
Our midweek course for woodwind players interested in the English folk repertoire and style is back for 2027! The course will be led by Sam Partridge and Finn Collinson, who will be joined this year by Jo Freya. As a team, they are three wind players whose expertise covers both a multitude of styles and historical periods.

For more info follow this link: https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/folk-woodwind-2027 See less

18/09/2026

What a pleasure to have Tom here for a few days working on his next (definitely brilliant) project. He's written some great new tunes in the Blackdown Studio, and even squeezed in a journey on the West Somerset Railway. And learned about moths, it seems!

17/09/2026

We can't wait to have Vivien Zeller and Ursula back to teach this brilliant weekend at the end of next month 🎻

German Weekend
(Fri 30 Oct - Sun 1 Nov 2026)

We are pleased to welcome TradTöchter back to Halsway Manor. Vivien Zeller and Ursula Suchanek present a guided tour of traditional music, beautiful melodies, groovy tunes and breath-taking dances from Germany. There will be spotlights on various instrumental aspects such as working on second voices, harmonies and danceable accompaniments, playing together as an ensemble and of course some dancing. All instruments welcome. Here's the link: https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/german-weekend-october-2026

16/09/2026

Join us this Autumn at Halsway Manor, for our annual ceilidh of folk tales and story rounds with a delicious home cooked evening meal followed by tales and tunes to warm your heart. Passing on this wealth of folklore to storytellers and listeners alike, we'll tell the season round as we celebrate the passing of time.

A great team of guests, including Wendy Shearer will join host Taffy Thomas for this enthralling evening of merriment and tales. Please arrive for 6pm (Sat 10 Oct 2026), dinner will be served at 6.30pm. To book a place, follow this link: https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/gig-the-storytellers-supper-2026

09/09/2026

We've really enjoyed seeing everyone's photos of Shrewsbury Folk Festival and in particular the Halsway Dance Spot in action! Here are some snaps from Steve, our Chair of Trustees, of everyone braving the weather to put on a great show.
Name those sides in 3,2,1...GO!

04/09/2026

Applications for our Open House retreat week in January are now open. Are you a professional folk artist looking for a place to write, rehearse, recharge, relax, and be creative? Apply here: https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/open-house-2027

We’re offering full board – accommodation and all meals – from dinner on Wednesday 6 January until after lunch on Sunday 10 January 2027. You’ll be here alongside other artists so if you’re someone who likes to share ideas, experiences, advice and support, then this could be right up your street.

We limit this opportunity to around 20-25 artists per retreat, and we’ll be asking for a financial contribution of £140 towards your place (subsidised by Halsway Manor). We're always over-subscribed, so bear that in mind when completing your application - we like to hear your ideas and your reasons for applying.

Lovely photo of Alice Jones and Bridget Slater by Kate Griffin.

03/09/2026

We're delighted to welcome back Leveret — three of England's finest folk musicians - for an intensive weekend of ensemble playing, exclusively for young adults (18–30ish) developing their folk music skills. Suited to competent musicians who are happy to learn by ear, book early to avoid disappointment! 🎻
(Course dates: Fri 22 - Sun 24 Jan 2027)

Follow this link to book: https://www.halswaymanor.org.uk/event/leveret-18-30s-weekend-january-2027

02/09/2026

Coming up at our friends’, Taunton Brewhouse, on Friday...
Holly Clarke, a singer who draws from the old ballads and stories, and conjures a performance that immediately captivates any listener. She’ll transport you into the heart of ballads, immersing you in the narratives that have shaped humanities experience through time.
Fancy a bit of that? Still time to head over to the Brewhouse website and bag yourself a couple of tix.