Regional
North-East
Folkworks is probably the best known of the regional folk development organisations. Based at The Sage in Gateshead it runs a variety of projects and has links with the degree in folk music at Newcastle University. Folkworks Folk Degree
The Lowland and Border Pipers' Society was formed in 1982 by a group of enthusiasts who were interested in reviving the bagpipes of the Scottish lowlands and border region. These pipes are bellows-blown with their drones issuing from a common stock, and have been played in Scotland since at least the 17th Century.
Although here filed under Regional, over recent years, the Society has grown to become an international organisation, with members in many far flung places. There are now a number of well established professional makers producing pipes of the highest quality, and the instrument has been adopted by numerous folk groups.
North-West
Folkus is a folk arts development organisation funded by ACE and Lancashire County Council to support folk activity in their region. web site
Furness Tradition is a voluntarily run folk arts facilitating organisation based in Ulverston, South Cumbria. Furness Tradition also runs an annual festival in Ulverston in July. web site
Yorkshire
Yorkshire Folk Arts state Every one of the 5 million people in Yorkshire and the Humber should be aware of folk arts and have a chance to take part; and every child in every school in the region should have the chance to learn traditional music, song and dance. web site
Ryburn 3 Step, based in Ripponden in the Pennines, run a staggering number of events each year, a large proportion of which are classes for local people. web site
Yorkshire Dales Workshop founded by Geoff and Liz Bowen and based in Glusburn between Keighley and Skipton. Ran a variety of projects for schools and the public but ceased operation in 2008. web site]
Yorkshire Garland Group Established in 2006 by Steve Gardham and Mike Parsey primarily to promote traditional Yorkshire Folk Song. Main resource is the website but the group is also involved in taking Yorkshire Folk Song into schools and the community at large, and organising workshops at all the main Yorkshire festivals.
East Anglia
East Anglian Traditional Music Trust operate out of their headquarters in Stowmarket and run a comprehensive programme of events, workshops, school and community projects, etc. web site
South-East
South East Folk Arts Network (SEFAN) are active in their area, "offering an information, advisory, co-ordinating and networking service for the traditional arts in the region" . web site
Electric Voices is a folk arts organisation based in Guildford, Surrey, and is run by Lawrence and Linda Heath. Concerts are based in the Electric Theatre,Guildford,(from where the organisation derives its name, and the main site where concerts have now been held for 10 years since 1997 ), Cranleigh Arts Centre, and Farnham Maltings. Electric Voices also organise the Music Institute Folk Club in Guildford, and the Godalming Borough Hall (GBH) Ceilidhs (which have now been running for over 30 years).They have now been hosting the "Maypoles to Mistletoe" show at the Electric Theatre for 10 years, which holds the record for longevity at that venue (as it also does at Hawth in Crawley, Sussex where it has been running even longer !) web site
South-West
Wren Trust based in Okehampton, run workshops and schools projects based on local traditions and songs. web site
Folk South West Folk South West is the folk arts development organisation for the South West of England - working to stimulate enjoyment, participation and creativity in the music, song, dance and traditions of the South West. web site
Midlands
The Traditional Arts Team runs a range of traditional performance arts events and training in the Midlands. Its Birmingham-based music events provide opportunities for singing, dancing and making music in an informal and friendly environment. The Team runs regular traditional music and song sessions, ceilidhs and barn dances, while the Moseley Village Band welcomes all musicians, plays at local events and enjoys occasional day workshops with inspirational tutors.
The Kings Heath Traditional Song Project, running from Jan 2009 to Jan 2010, provides a platform for emerging singers and opportunities for training at regular monthly workshops and occasional full day workshops featuring nationally-known tutors.
The Storytelling Cafe is the most successful series of storytelling events in the country. It brings the best local, national and international traditional performances to the Midlands, with extended touring to arts and community venues across England and Wales. Its educational programme brings the Cafe storytellers into schools and out-of-school activities; runs workshops for beginners; helps storytellers to gain professional skills; and brings forward the next generation through Young Tongues projects and Young Storyteller of the Year events.
The Traditional Arts Team also produces Folk Monthly, a magazine of folk and related events across the Midlands.