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The Glasshouse

See below for dates and times  

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Folkworks Summer School 2023

Folkworks Junior Summer School 2020

Folkworks Summer School 2023

Folkworks Youth Summer School – ages 14 to 18
Folkworks Junior Summer School – ages 9 to 13

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED

Folkworks Summer Schools are a brilliant way for children and young people aged 9-18 to learn more about folk music.

Whether you’ve played lots already or are totally new to it, everyone can learn folk music, song and dance in a fun and welcoming environment.

The Summer School is based at The Sill in Northumberland, with the choice to stay at the beautiful new hostel, close to Hadrian’s Wall, as part of a residential Summer School experience. Our experienced and welcoming pastoral staff look after the young people 24/7, supporting them to have a fantastic week. The venue has great facilities, good food, and homely and comfortable shared dorms.

FWSS 2023 2
FWSS 2023
FWSS 2023 3

What will you learn?

Folkworks Summer School 2023 is for young people who sing or play instruments, and everyone at the school will enjoy folk singing, playing and dancing during their stay.

You will learn folk tunes from a team of experienced folk musicians and educators, working together with the tutors and other students to create arrangements and explore new and classic songs. Lots of time will be spent in mixed-instrument ensembles, with activities specifically designed for the Summer School instrumentalists.

Don’t worry if you’re new to folk music; the 2023 Summer School is for people who are already comfortable playing their instrument but your experience can be from any style of music.

When you apply you’ll be asked to include your main instrument, as well as any other instrument you play. Any kind of acoustic instruments are welcome (but you will need to bring your own).

Both Youth and Junior Summer Schools will spend some time during the week working together, as well as separate sessions in smaller groups.


Tutors: Jenn Butterworth, Dave Gray, Sam Partridge, Miranda Rutter, Sam Sweeney

SummerSchool Tutors 2023

Booking information

Folkworks Youth Summer School (ages 14-18)

Dates: Monday 28 August – Friday 1 September 2023
Times: 9.30am on 28 August – 4.00pm on 1 September (Timings are subject to change – these will be confirmed ahead of the event)

Residential place: £500
Non-residential place: £350
Some bursary places are available: Bursaries are available for young people for which financial circumstances may be a barrier to taking part. Please tick the box in our online enrolment form if you would like to apply for a bursary. More information will be sent to you once your enrolment form has been received.

Venue: The Sill – The National Landscape Discovery Centre, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN
Accommodation: YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN

Folkworks Junior Summer School (ages 9-13)

Dates: Wednesday 30 August – Friday 1 September 2023
Times: 10.00am on 30 August – 4.00pm on 1 September (Timings are subject to change – these will be confirmed ahead of the event)

Residential place: £300
Non-residential place: £210
Some bursary places are available: Bursaries are available for young people for which financial circumstances may be a barrier to taking part. Please tick the box in our online enrolment form if you would like to apply for a bursary. More information will be sent to you once your enrolment form has been received.

Venue: The Sill – The National Landscape Discovery Centre, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN
Accommodation: YHA The Sill at Hadrian’s Wall, Military Road, Bardon Mill, Northumberland, NE47 7AN