Folkestone Songwriting Festival

06/09/2026

The upcoming songwriters retreat in the lakes with Boo Hewerdine and Findlay Napier s0ld 0ut and the list of attendees looks like it could be the line-up of a really cool festival - Thank you !!!
Sadly one fully paid up person is unable to attend due to a health issue so we are trying to fill their room so there's a last chance to come if you've been thinking about it.
M3ssage me here or email...deets on bottom of poster.

05/09/2026

Planning 2027!
Dates are : Feb 19th to 21st.
Who would you love to work with as our Special Guest Tutor???
Fire away!

01/09/2026

I'm so pleased our writing retreat has s0ld 0ut and due to a waiting list I've rent the chalets next door and have 1 room left...it can be either a single occupancy double or a twin or double occupancy.
If you are keen to come, we will help you develop your songwriting and elevate your compositions.
This is going to be really special and i am blown away with the standard of musicians already booked on...just a few A list folk artists as well as pros and absolutely all are welcome.
Hurry and get this last offering.

26/08/2026

Dear Dolly, a totally one off human being and prolific genius writer of over 3,000 songs.....not so so songs but finely crafted bangers that will be sung forever. What a legend and legacy.
For me, i remember hearing her Coat of Many Colours and it really resonating as my mum got herself a sewing machine and would cobble together copies of the current styles as were at that time hard up with 6 kids and my dads progressive disability.
She worked 4 jobs and eventually bought a business delivering fresh produce across the town and villages...many affected by the de industrialisation of our district during the Thatcher years ...and she literally kept so many families fed through her own philanthropic/socialist beliefs.
Some of the dresses, skirts and jackets she made me were pretty rough lol but she woukd stay up all night making them for me so I would have something to wear to the local dancing or school party.
Dolly wrote songs full of emotion about real things that touched us...whether it's about Jolene, or eternal Love or a raggy coat.
Rest easy lovely lady ❤️

19/08/2026

Thank you Baroness Keeley for advocating for musicians rights.
Our debate in 2023 was intended to raise awareness about the bigger picture and to think about the issues we are now seeing around Permission and the financial impact and not just about the AI softwares as a tool.
Time to do a follow up i think !

12/05/2026

Tonight people of Kent.
This is a brilliant project from two master songwriters, musicians who are also such entertaining raconteurs....perfect for a mid week treat.
Sipport from Lucy May Walker and there will be some t1x otd
Oh and apologies, it's Yvonne Lyon and not Lyons!
As I'm still far away fettung better dear pals Debs Earl from Folk In The Barn is stepping in to host ...so grateful as the night will be in her expert hands.
It would be lovey to fill the rest of the seats for Boo snd Yvonne ...Boo has been such a supporter of Folkestone Songwriting Festival since the beginning and we just love him so please come and see them.
If you've never been to see Boo before, ynow you will be so glad you took the punt.
I'll be watching and waving from the terrace.
Best to get in b4 ticket line closes to save a few bob but even at £14/£16 it's a treat....I travelled to Oundle to see Boo a few months ago and with overnight accommodation it was still worth it !

23/04/2026

Next up!
A nurturing creative retreat deep in the heart of the Lake District led by women for women.
With Michele Stodart Official and Rachel Sermanni ..
Message to book 🎵❤️🎵

23/04/2026

Clea blew us all away this year when she attended the writing retreat in February - not only is she an incredible vocalist and musician she is also a really special person. A full time musician and working mum she is totally authentic in her music and writing and honest about the challenges she faces balancing it all.
She is playing this Friday at The Sound Lounge in Sutton with her band and fellow Folkestone Songwriting Festival attendees Steve Gamble is opening the evening.
A few of the FSF community are going. How about you?

AaaahhhAAAHHHHHH! CANNOT WAIT TO ROCK OUT, ok and Breathe. I am calm. 😝 So excited for this Friday at with my band and btw first gig in YEARS with DRUMS 🥁 Yes baby 😍 our kids are grown into teenagers and we have some spare fresh energy! Tickets in bio or check soundlounge website - come and have a great night out with us!

08/04/2026

Special Announcement:

Folkestone Songwriters Festival Edition 10
5th - 7th October 🎵🎵🎵
Special Guest Tutor Boo Hewerdine plus more tba.
It's going to be magical ✨️ ✨️✨️✨️
Programme and everything available soon!!

31/03/2026

Got a local gig coming up in May?
Get it listed in the physical Music In May programme and digital gig guide...deadline is Today!