The Glasshouse

The main sessions on your main instrument may cover such things as instrumental techniques, new approaches or new tunes.

Dave Gray will be taking a lead in the whole group sessions and popping into various groups throughout the day.

Folkworks Summer Sessions Daytime Timetable, 16 – 18 July 2025

Wednesday 16 July

9.30am – 9.45am: Register and Tea & Coffee
9.45am – 10.25am: Warm Up: Big Tune Big Song (Whole group)
10.30am – 11.30am: Main Instrument Session (Small group)
11.30am – 12noon: Reflection Solo Practice (Breakout)
12noon – 12.15pm: Break
12.15pm – 1.30pm: Ensemble (Small group)
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Lunch
2.30pm – 3.45pm: Ensemble (Small group)
3.45pm – 4pm: Break
4pm – 5pm: Main Instrument Session (Small group)
5pm – 5.30pm: Reflection Solo Practice (Breakout)
5.30pm – 6pm: Cool Down: Big Tune Big Song (Whole group)

Thursday 17 July

9.30am – 9.45am: Register and Tea & Coffee
9.45am – 10.25am: Warm Up: Big Tune Big Song (Whole group)
10.30am – 11.30am: Main Instrument Session (Small group)
11.30am – 12noon: Workshop Options (Breakout)
12noon – 12.15pm: Break
12.15pm – 1.30pm: Ensemble (Small group)
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Lunch
2.30pm – 3.45pm: Options (Small group)
3.45pm – 4pm: Break
4pm – 5pm: Main Instrument Session (Small group)
5pm – 5.30pm: Reflection Solo Practice (Breakout)
5.30pm – 6pm: Cool Down: Big Tune Big Song (Whole group)

Friday 18 July

9.30am – 9.45am: Register and Tea & Coffee
9.45am – 10.25am: Warm Up: Big Tune Big Song (Whole group)
10.30am – 11.30am: Main Instrument Session (Small group)
11.30am – 12noon: Break
12noon – 1pm: Ensemble
1pm – 2pm: Lunch
2pm – 3pm: Sharing performance
3pm – 3.30pm: Group Reflection

Nancy Kerr- Vocals
Karen Tweed- Box club – Accordions, Melodeons, Concertinas
Sarah Hayes- Winds – Flutes, whistles, recorders, pipes, brass
Jack Rutter- Strumming/fretted instruments- Guitars, mandolins, bouzouki, ukuleles
Jock Tyldesley- Stringed instruments- Fiddles, viola’s etc

At the start of the day, we all learn a simple tune together, also a song (Big tune/Big song). This has been taken from Folkworks of old. This will happen after a morning warm-up and we meet the Big tune/Song again, all together at the end of the day.
You will find out what the Big Tune and Big Song are on your first day at Summer Sessions.

As well as your main instrument session, you will sign up to an ensemble group. These may include things such as Band with Song, Listening Band, Dance Band. Full details on these tbc.

Tune titles and music will not be sent out before the event. However, sheet music will be available at the tutor’s discretion- normally given to the participants after the session.

Yes. Participants will have ‘Self reflection/Solo Practice time’ within the day so they can take and study/play the dots if needs be.

Wednesday – Q&A session with tutors with MC Dave Gray as host; some informal tutor performances as part of this. You’ll get a chance to put your questions forward for tutors to answer; followed by Session / Social time.

Thursday – Dance Evening, including French Bal led by Cri du Canard and local legends DIY Ceilidh taking the reins for one of their famously high-energy, inclusive ceilidhs, blending much-loved classics with wild new twists. Followed by Session / Social time.

Folkworks Summer Sessions Evening Timetable, 16 & 17 July 2025

Wednesday 16 July

7.30pm – 8pm: Doors
8pm – 9pm: Get to know the tutors with M.C. Dave Gray
9pm – 11pm: Session / Social Time

Thursday 17 July

7.30pm – 8pm: Doors
8pm – 9pm: Dance Evening DIY Ceilidh
9pm – 10pm: French Dance Bal with Cri Du Canard
10pm – 11pm: Session / Social Time

Evening activities will start at 8pm with doors at 7.30pm and run until close at 11pm.

No, this is included in the ticket price. If you have friends or family who would like to join you for the evening activities who do not have tickets to Folkworks Summer Sessions, we will have a ‘pay as you feel’ option where capacity allows. Places will be limited, so reserve by emailing fwss@theglasshouseicm.org.

There will be sharing performance on Friday afternoon from 2-3pm in Northern Rock Foundation Hall at The Glasshouse. Friends and family will be able to book a free ticket for this performance – further details tbc.

You can find full details of exclusive discounts from partner hotels here: https://theglasshouseicm.org/folkworks-summer-sessions-hotels-2025/

Yes both venues are accessible. Please contact us to discuss any specific access requirements further – fwss@theglasshouseicm.org

Lunch and 2 x tea/ coffee break are included in your ticket price.

Example menus:

1
Veggie Platter: Roasted red and yellow peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and beetroot falafel
House salad: mixed leaf, tomato, cucumber, French dressing
Hummus: Garlic and lemon hummus, Pitta breads
Potato: Rosemary and olive oil baby potatoes
Cake: Mini assorted cakes

2
Mediterranean Salad – Tomatoes, Feta, Spinach, red onion, pomegranate dressing
Falafel: Served with a garlic yoghurt
Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, peppers, onions, aubergine in a tomato sauce
Rice
Mousse – Tart Mango-coconut mousse, crispy ginger crumb, toasted macadamia’s

3
Chicken and avocado salad: crisp leaf, seasoned mayo dressing.
Samosa: Vegetable samosa with sweet chilli dip
Spicy Vegetable Couscous: cauliflower, carrots, and green beans served over couscous with a chilli oil
Focaccia: warm herby bread
Fruit Platter – a mixture of melons and black and green grapes.

Please note the menus may change.

Yes, The Glasshouse cafe café will be open from 9.30am until late each day of Summer Sessions.

Yes, you can find out more about parking at The Glasshouse here: Parking at The Glasshouse | The Glasshouse
Star and Shadow have a free car park for visitors with disabilities.
There is also on street parking close to the venue which is free with no restrictions after 6.30pm