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13 young people jumping forwards off a low wall in a garden. Some of them have their arms raised and they are all wearing casual clothes.
(credit: Kate Griffin)

Halsway Young Folk

The Halsway Young Folk programme is for young people to explore folk arts, experiment, find their own sound and fuse different genres of music. For over ten years it has helped inspire young musicians to study music at a higher level, and to pursue careers as musicians and within related fields.

We work with young people to provide engaging experiences to ignite and support interest in folk music and dance. From residential music workshops to professional development for aspiring musicians, we try to offer something for all ages and have access to many experienced and committed artists and tutors.

We have 4 residential opportunities each year catering for young musicians aged 7 through to 21.

Halsway Young Folk Intro 2025

Four young people play their instruments together. They lean against a low stone wall with trees in leaf in the background. It is summer.
An opportunity for young musicians to work with supportive folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity. Help to create a new performance piece to be shared with parents and [...]
Start time:
Mon 7 Apr 2025 / 11:30am
End/duration:
Fri 11 Apr 2025 / 1pm
Details

Halsway Young Folk Juniors 2025

A line of children stand in front of an audience. They wear homemade masks and appear to be performing.
Now in its eighth year, our popular Halsway Young Folk Juniors is a great introduction to folk music and song for ages 7 – 12. Led by an experienced creative [...]
Start time:
Wed 9 Apr 2025 / 11am
End/duration:
Fri 11 Apr 2025 / 1pm
Details

Halsway Young Folk Intermediate 2025

Halsway Manor is in the background of a group of mostly young people gathered on the steps in front of the front door. They are all holding folky instruments (violins, guitars, harps, cellos and accordions) and looking at the camera.
An opportunity for young musicians from the South West and beyond to work with leading folk artists, to develop skills, confidence and creativity, and create a new performance piece.We’ll be [...]
Start time:
Mon 28 Jul 2025 / 11am
End/duration:
Sat 2 Aug 2025 / 5pm
Details

Halsway Young Folk Advanced 2025
The Halsway Young Folk Advanced course aims to challenge and inspire the next generation of professional folk musicians – could this be you?!This is the course to do if you [...]
Start time:
Mon 11 Aug 2025 / 11am
End/duration:
Fri 15 Aug 2025 / 3pm
Details

In each course, the participants stay at the manor and operate as a company: taking warm ups together, developing technique, learning repertoire and creating contemporary interpretations of traditional material. They live, work and play together, with opportunities for informal jams and social gatherings to enrich their understanding of the folk arts, and to make friends and have fun!

Halsway Manor is in the background of a group of mostly young people gathered on the steps in front of the front door. They are all holding folky instruments (violins, guitars, harps, cellos and accordions) and looking at the camera.
Our Young Folk tutors holding their decorated eggs. They are, from Left to Right, Archie, Becki, Rosie and Matt. Archie is wearing a black tshirt and everyone else is wearing pink, red and purple summer clothes. They are all smiling at the camera. In the background, the room is half dark wooden paneling and half light green painted wood with folksy decorations.

Even on our Junior residential, we don’t allow parents to stay on site – these residentials are for young people only. If you’re looking for a musical experience that you can enjoy together, check out our Family Folk course in the summer. Our pastoral lead, Kerrie, helps everyone to settle in and feel at home. We often find that, by the end of the residential, no one wants to leave!