7th - 13th June 2026
Green Man Rising
The Humber - Acoustic Music SessionHumber Road, Coventry CV3 1BAFree Sunday afternoon music session.
Temperance(Emily Portman - Folk Harmony Singing Workshop)33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa CV31 3AFWorkshop only tickets £16.62 incl booking fee.Workshop and gig combined tickets £30.56 incl booking fee.You can choose to just come to the workshop or the gig, or join us for both and opt for a Temperance dinner in between. It's going to be a fun day!
Join acclaimed singer and songwriter Emily Portman for a hands-on singing workshop celebrating harmony, folk songs, and orignal song. Together, we’ll explore songs from Emily’s repertoire, experiment with simple harmonies, and dive into folk traditions from England and beyond.Whether you’re a confident singer or simply love to sing along, this workshop is for anyone curious to explore harmony, storytelling through song, and the magic of Emily’s folktale-inspired music from her latest album, Dominion of Spells. Gain a unique insight into Emily’s writing process, her inventive harmonies, and the enchanting world of her richly imagined songwriting.Dinner Option (if you are also attending the evening concert - see separate listing)Temperance is a Vegetarian & Vegan Cafe.We will serve our delicious veggie tagine, salad and crusty bread, followed by your choice of dessert from our beautiful range of cakes. Vegan and Vegetarian options are available. Please let us know ahead of time of any allergies, as we may not be able to accommodate adjustments on the day.Approximate timingsWe are open from 9am, for drinks, cakes and brunch.2.30 for 3pm Folk harmony singing workshop, Part 14pm Break4.30-5.30pm Part 26pm Dinner (choose this add on option when buying a ticket)7.30 GigPhone: 01926 730102
Email: mail@temperance.bar
Craven Club (Craven Ceili)3-5 Craven St, Coventry CV5 8DSFirst Sundays. Celebrate Irish Traditional Music - all musicians welcome, every age, every abiity
Southbound Café-Bar (Clemency)Railway Arch, 12 Neilston Street, Leamington CV31 2AZ
Nina Bailey and Ben Clempson formed Clemency in 2017. As singer/songwriters they collaborate to create music that has a new folk vibe.Photo: © Andrew Lock
Temperance (Emily Portman)33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF
Gig only tickets £16.62 incl booking fee.Afternoon workshop and gig combined tickets £30.56 incl booking fee.Emily Portman joins us for a very special show. In addition to the evening gig, you can also join her for a folk singing workshop.We are really excited to offer you an exceptional day of musicEmily Portman is an award-winning singer, songwriter, banjo and concertina player, with a passion for folk music. A highly regarded educator, Emily brings warmth, confidence, and expertise to her workshops, guiding singers of all levels through harmonies and song interpretation.As a songwriter, Emily is known for conjuring darkly surreal worlds where folklore, fairytales, and modern life intertwine. She tours widely with her duo partner Rob Harbron and with the acclaimed folk band The Furrow Collective, awarded Best Band at the 2017 BBC Folk Awards. Emily has also received a BBC Folk Award for Best Original Song for her Greek myth-inspired lullaby Hatchlings and was nominated for Best Singer in 2016.You can choose to just come to the workshop or the gig, or join us for both and opt for a Temperance dinner in between. It's going to be a fun day!Approximate timingsWe are open from 9am, for drinks, cakes and brunch.2.30 for 3pm Folk harmony singing workshop, Part 14pm Break4.30-5.30pm Part 26pm Dinner (choose this add on option when buying a ticket)7.30 GigPhone: 01926 730102Email: mail@temperance.bar
7:30pm - 10:30pm
Willow & Tool's Music ParlourDouble header: Craig Sunderland + Harper's Dove plus Linzi Jane Morgan, Bob Wilkinson, Willow & Tool BandThe Harvester, Church Rd, Long Itchington, Southam CV47 9PE
7:30pm - 11:00pm
Tin Music & ArtsBob Sumner + The Drone Rangers + Paul GibsonUnits 1 - 4, The Canal Basin, Coventry CV1 4LYTickets £11 incl booking fee:Singer-songwriter Bob Sumner cites the musically progressive sensibilities of his heroes when talking about the spirit of his new album, Some Place to Rest Easy, out now via Fluff & Gravy (worldwide) and North Country Collective (Canada). “They were always creating something new, something different,” he says of idols like George Jones, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings. With that ideology in mind, Sumner set about creating an album that takes as much inspiration from the audio production of Randy Travis as it does the lyrical soul of Big Thief’s Adrianne Lenker—a melding of eras, sounds, concepts, and stylings that’s informed by the past, but never bound by it.The Drone Rangers are a three piece genre bending outfit. Rooted in front porch tradition their sound drifts somewhere between Appalachian camp fire to dreamy road trip...earthy, hypnotic, and unmistakably their own.Paul Gibson is a Leamington-based solo singer-songwriter writing and playing original Americana, folk and country influenced songs. Debut album ‘These Elusive Days’ out now, with a new single to be released in March 2026.14+ (Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)
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Warwick Folk ClubPerformers Night with MC SallyThe Old Fourpenny Shop, 27-29 Crompton St, Warwick CV34 6HJAdmission £3
Payment on the door by cash or card. Floor spots available. If you wish to perform please email robinfromwfc@gmail.com to book a spot.PLEASE NOTE - THE WFC PUBLICITY MAILBOX WILL NOT BE MONITORED FOR A FEW DAYS BEFORE THIS PERFORMERS' NIGHT. SO IF YOU EMAIL TO BOOK A SPOT AND DON'T RECEIVE A REPLY, PLEASE JUST TURN UP. THERE WILL BE A SPOT FOR YOU - JUST LET DON KNOW WHEN YOU ARRIVE ON THE NIGHT.If you don't wish to perform there's no need to book.
Morris Display in Warwick(Shakespeare Morris + Plum Jerkum)Warwick Market Place, Warwick, CV34 4SAShakespeare Morris and Plum Jerkum Border Morris will be dancing in Warwick Market Place from 8pm on Monday 8th June with the Mayor of Warwick in attendance as well.
Session at the Four Provinces
(Oakfield Band)Four Province Pub (Upstairs room),
19 Allesley Old Rd, Coventry CV5 8BU
Meets most Mondays but confirm with venue on 024 7667 2021
The host band has an eclectic repetoire of folk tunes with over 370 sets played from the music. Instruments include guitar, banjo, mandolin, accordians, violins, flute and whistle.
"CovTrad" traditional music sessionWeekly on Mondays
Humber Hotel, Humber Road, Coventry CV3 1BA
Free casual music session focused on traditional tunes from Britain and Ireland with bits of Americana, Skandi etc. If you are a beginner with only a few tunes, let us know and we'll join in at a speed that works for you.
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Fox Acoustic session
(Music and song session /singaround)
Weekly on Mondays
The Fox Inn, The Square, Attleborough, Nuneaton CV11 4JY
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Tuesday 9th June7:00pm - 11:00pm
Coventry Comhaltas (Instrument classes and music session)
Weekly on Tuesdays
Hearsall Inn, 45 Craven Street, Coventry CV5 8DS
The Coventry Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is a creative community nurturing Irish culture. We are dedicated to promoting Irish music, dance and language.We hold music classes for a range of traditional instruments, including fiddle, banjo, tin whistle, button accordion, mandolin and bodhran, every Tuesday evening commencing at 7.00 pm for tin whistle and 7.30 pm for all other instruments. Lessons are £2 per week with the first taster lesson absolutely free. Details https://coventrycomhaltas.wordpress.com/about/
Classes are followed by a session in which musicians of all abilities are welcome to come along and join in. If you do not play an instrument but enjoy listening to Irish music you are also more than welcome to join us.
The Coventry Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann is a creative community nurturing Irish culture. We are dedicated to promoting Irish music, dance and language.
We hold music classes for a range of traditional instruments, including fiddle, banjo, tin whistle, button accordion, mandolin and bodhran, every Tuesday evening commencing at 7.00 pm for tin whistle and 7.30 pm for all other instruments. Lessons are £2 per week with the first taster lesson absolutely free. Details https://coventrycomhaltas.wordpress.com/about/
Classes are followed by a session in which musicians of all abilities are welcome to come along and join in. If you do not play an instrument but enjoy listening to Irish music you are also more than welcome to join us.
7:30pm - 9:30pm
Abbey Theatre session
(Acoustic Music and Song Session with KC Jones)Abbey Theatre, Pool Bank Street, uneaton CV11 5DB
Bring an instrument, your singing voice and/or just your ears to listen.
Castle Inn, Warwick (Session)
88 West Street, Warwick CV34 6AW
Weekly on Tuesdays
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1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Kenilworth Centre
(Kenilworth Acoustic Traditional Session)
Weekly on Wednesdays
Abbey End Car Park, Kenilworth CV8 1QJ
https://www.thekenilworthcentre.com/whats-on/groups/kenilworth-acoustic-traditional-session/
8:00pm - 11:00pm
Bedworth Folk Club
Miriam (Erasmus) Backhouse + KC Jones
Bedworth Ex Servicemens Social Club & Institute, Ryepiece Ringway, Bedworth CV12 8JH
Mim's roots go back to the UK Folk Scene of the '70s when "Our Mim" was likened to Joan Baez, and ranked alongside Maddy Prior and other revivalists of the time.Then, she played a significant role in the folk revival, appearing at most of the Folk Clubs and Festivals of the time, including Edinburgh and Cambridge, with acclaim from all the leading critics of the day.
Miriam's interpretation of traditional and modern folk songs are unique, and her ability to lead a Folk audience into chorus singing, particularly, 'Keys of Canterbury' at Cambridge Folk Festival 1976, is the stuff of legends.
Over the years in South Africa, she has entertained for many concerts and festivals, including Grahamstown, Port Elizabeth and Splashy Fen 'Over Africa' features on the 10 years CD “ and established herself as a shining light in the entertainment business.She is unique in South Africa, her songs, like 'The beautiful pass at Van Reenen' and 'Over Africa' have become part of their music heritage.Her 'protest' songs about the border war 'I don't want my child to die' (Richard Haslop featured this on his 'Roots to Fruits' radio show) and 'Mother's lament' have been recognised as some of the best, ranking alongside those from other troubled lands like Ireland, USA etc.These songs, and the music of South Africa, are becoming world renowned now, and Mim is part of this surge.
She originally retired from the UK Folk Scene in 1977, to have a family, and now they have flown the nest, the family encouraged her to get back 'out there', and she is now re-established as Miriam Backhouse-Erasmus, Professional Folk Singer, in the UK.
Free admission - jug collection
8:30pm - 10:30pm
Wednesday Tuneworks
at Kenilworth Ale Room
(Tuneworks music session)
Weekly trad tunes session, upstairs at the Ale Rooms, Kenilworth.
£3 (£2 unwaged) contribution towards room hire appreciated please.
All sensitive musicians welcome, beginners, improvers and established players.
More info @www.tuneworks.co.uk #
Why not pick up an instrument and learn to play traditional tunes in a sociable and welcoming environment?
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Temperance
Sweet Lucy: The World According to Michael Hurley
33 Bath Street, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF
Tickets £16.62 incl booking fee
Sweet Lucy are a UK-based trio who have come together to celebrate the music, songs and spirit of the late Michael Hurley.
Johnny Fewings (banjo/guitar), Michele Stodart (bass/acoustic guitar) and Holly Carter (pedal steel/electric guitar) share lead vocals and close harmonies, bringing Hurley’s idiosyncratic songwriting to life with sensitivity, joy and affection.
Holly Carter, a two-time recipient of Instrumentalist of the Year at the Americana UK Awards, is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and one of the UK’s only professional female pedal steel players. Her debut full-length album Leave Your Mark is out now.
Michele Stodart is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter, producer, musical director and multi-instrumentalist, best known as bassist, vocalist and co-songwriter of double platinum selling band, The Magic Numbers, and also three critically acclaimed solo albums. Her diverse skills have led to many collaborative projects on stage and in the studio. Michele is spending this year collaborating, writing and producing new music.
Johnny Fewings, the artistic director of Sweet Lucy, knew Michael Hurley personally and promoted several of his UK shows. Alongside his distinctive banjo style, Johnny weaves stories and reflections gathered especially for this project. Blues singer Geoff Muldaur has said: “Johnny’s soft and easy banjo picking is right up there with the late great Kate McGarrigle—always a joy to play with Mr Fewings.”
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In his later years, Michael Hurley (1941–2025) was based in Portland, Oregon. An enigmatic and singular figure - often labelled the ‘godfather of freak folk’ (a title he himself would have hated!) - his songs have been covered by artists including Cat Power, The Low Anthem and Calexico, and admired by the likes of Lucinda Williams, Yo La Tengo and Devendra Banhart, who invited Hurley to record on his own label.
Sweet Lucy’s performances combine live renditions of Hurley’s songs with recorded excerpts of stories shared by those who knew him, loved him and played with him - some for as long as fifty years: Loudon Wainwright III, Peter Stampfel (Holy Modal Rounders), Dave Reisch (his long time friend and bass player), Ken Irwin & Marian Levy (original founders of Rounder Records) and many more.
Phone: 01926 730102
Email: mail@temperance.bar
The CrewMark Chadwick (Levellers) + Matts His Name75-77 Queen's Road, Nuneaton, CV11 5LATickets £24.74 incl booking fee.
Bluegrass at The SquirrelBluegrass session with Wes StantonThe Squirrel, Bishopton, Stratford upon Avon CV37 9LDAcoustic jam session
Godiva Sessions
(Singaround with Yonderland)
The Humber, Humber Rd, Coventry CV3 1BA
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Friday 12th June
7:00pm - 11:00pm
Temperance
(Bonfire Radicals)
33 BaTickets £15.55 incl booking fee.
We are very excited to welcome back the hugely entertaining Bonfire Radicals. Lots of energy and great fun! Highly recommended.
Bonfire Radicals are a high-energy folk powerhouse whose genre-defying live show is as joyful as it is explosive. Drawing on original and traditional music from across the British Isles and the Balkans, their sound fuses pounding grooves, virtuosic instrumentation, rich vocal harmonies and moments of spellbinding a cappella.
Renowned for their exhilarating stage presence, the band have been described as “dynamic and high octane” (Fatea Magazine) and “a serious powerhouse of a performance… foot-stomping and adrenalin-powered” (The Arts Desk ★★★★)
Immersive, celebratory and unpredictable, their performances push boldly at the edges of folk traditions - folk music with a fearless, contemporary edge.
Their 2022 album The Space Between entered the UK Folk Charts at #13 and received widespread critical acclaim. In summer 2026, Bonfire Radicals tour with a brand new album, with the record available to buy at shows before its official release.th Street, Leamington Spa CV31 3AF
Phone: 01926 730102
Email: mail@temperance.bar
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Saturday 13th June
Leamington Peace Festival
Guests incl Mudlands String Band, Seize The Day, Green Man Rising
Pump Room Gardens, Leamington CV32 4AA
The 2-day Leamington Peace Festival is back for 2026 under new management. Joining the group of newcomers are old hands with experience through the decades, including a founder member from 1978. We’re thrilled to be bringing back all of the activities, talks, music and creativity that make this event such a vibrant, inclusive and meaningful part of our local community.
One of the UK’s longest running free festivals and based in Leamington Spa town centre, it features two music stages, a dance display area, children’s tent, workshop tent, and over 120 stalls including charities, activists, spiritual groups, healers, crafts, fair traders and food vendors.Full programme: http://machelp.org.uk/files/Programme%20coming%20soon.pdf
Tour of shanties and waterway songsThe Ashby Fishwives & The Hawkesbury Trawlermen
Sutton Wharf: Cheney Wharf, Wharf Ln, Sutton Cheney, Sutton CV13 0ALPhone: 01455 213743
The Anchor Inn: Mancetter Rd, Hartshill, Nuneaton CV10 0RT 024 7639 3444
The Greybound: Sutton Stop, Coventry CV6 6DF 024 7745 4992
Old Post Office
Chris Gibbons & Kevin Dempsey12 West St, Warwick CV34 6ANFree admission
Côr Cymraeg Coventry + Julie ElementPriory Undercrofts (LTB Showrooms),
1 Hill Top, Coventry CV1 5AB
Warwick Arts CentreGoblin Band + Jude Rees (Madrigirl)
University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7FD
Tickets: £20 incl booking fee
On general sale Fri 16 Jan at 10am - ONLINE ONLY and via the Box Office phone/counter from 1.30pm
https://www.warwickartscentre.co.uk/whats-on/qpL-goblin-band/
Goblin Band are a four-piece English traditional folk band based in London.
Firmly rooted in the folk music of England, the band shines a light on an alternative perspective on the UK’s social and political history, particularly the history of the working classes, industrialisation and colonialism.
Through a fusion of harmony singing, fiddle, squeezeboxes, hurdy gurdy, recorders and more, Goblin Band deliver a charismatic and unruly alternative expression of English traditional music which is both riotously joyful and deeply sincere.
Support comes from Jude Rees AKA MADRIGIRL
Jude is a dynamic and fearless multi-instrumentalist fusing ancient instruments with modern circuitry to create her own sonic lexicon. Under her solo moniker MADRIGIRL, Jude reimagines early music through a contemporary lens, diving deep into the raw source material and reconstructing it with live-looped improvisations, her own compositions, and a rich tapestry of drones.
7:30pm - 10:00pm
Bridge House Theatre
(Ralph McTell)
Warwick School, Myton Road, Warwick CV34 6PP
Reflections From a Life in Music
Following on from the success of an intimate show in London’s St James earlier this year, Ralph McTell is taking his ‘Reflections from a Life in Music’ show on tour. This will be an autobiographical evening of songs, stories and anecdotes from a career spanning close to sixty-five years. With insights into his writing process and guitar techniques, inspirations and adversity, Ralph will speak and sing his life, in a close up and personal performance from a master of his craft.Tickets £35Box Office: 01926 776438
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