What to expect?
A self-catered weekend camp from Friday evening to Sunday late afternoon at a village hall with dance workshops during the day and social dancing in the evenings. This camp is aimed at anyone who wants to dance even more, improving and widening your skills and experience. We’ll adapt the instruction to include everyone who’s had a basic level of experience and up.
For 2025, we are pleased to have secured Bob Morgan to lead this event. Having been calling for nearly 20 years, Bob started with ceilidhs before moving into contra and Playford. He’s known for his calm, accessible style and loves both flowing modern contras and historic “chestnuts.” Bob specialises in original dances from the early books, while still enjoying a well-crafted modern piece. Bob is well known on the wider folk scene, having called at Sidmouth, Cecil Sharp House, Whitby Folk Week, Towersey, Chippenham and more.
The music is from Dampier’s Round, who over the last 40 years have played Sidmouth, Whitby, Broadstairs and Eastbourne festivals, and this year May Hey Days. They frequently appear at dance events at Halsway, playing what is often described as very danceable music. They have also played internationally – at dance events in Germany.
Dances cover a variety of styles, especially Contra, Playford and Modern English but might include squares, harder ceilidh, scottish, running set and beyond.
We’re planning chances for everyone to call, suggest favourite dances or pick something we’ve probably never done before to try from a selection of dance books.
Between the workshops there’ll be time to explore the village, an optional trip to a nearby hostelry for lunch and a cream tea to finish the weekend.
You don’t have to camp if that’s not your thing: commuters and B&B’ers welcome!
This weekend is likely to be mainly adults. Accompanied children are welcome to take part in activities primarily with adults, we don’t have separate events planned. Our bank holiday events and summer camps are more likely to have other families and other children. See Programme page, or contact the office to find out more.
Lots more information about what happens at a Folk Camp can be found in the Camper’s Guide.
Location
Beckford Village Hall, Beckford, GL20 7AA
What3Words to find this Folk Camp: supplied.monitors.daffodils
Google Map to plan your route and for co-ordinates click here.
The village of Beckford sits beneath Bredon Hill, famed by Houseman’s poem, which has truly wonderful views – and not a little magic. In addition to many lovely Cotswold villages, the towns of Tewkesbury, Evesham, Cheltenham and Winchcombe, with its fine abbey, are all within range. Beckford is in the picturesque fruit growing area of the Vale of Evesham and there may be a plentiful supply of soft fruits available in the area. The camp is also close to historic Tewkesbury & Stratford Upon Avon. Folk Campers will have temporary membership of the adjacent social club.
More about the village hall.