A potted history of Tenterden Folk Festival

The guests included some familiar names such as Band of Two, Pete Castle, Lucy Castle, Keith Kendrick, Jez Lowe, Bing Lyle and Tonbridge Mummers, as well as some less familiar names including “Lo! & Behold” which was a one of collaboration between Jez, Pete, Lucy and Bing especially for the event.

The dance sides listed are all well known teams who we mainly still see at Tenterden, including Bishop Gundulf, East Kent Morris, Kits Coty Morris, Maenads and of course the host side Woodchurch Morris.

The craft fair was an important part of the programme from the beginning and in 1993 it took place in the Junior and Infant School Halls and was organised by Linda Robards from Ashford Library.

The other Committee members are listed in the programme as Alan Castle who is still there 30 years on, Christina Bax (now Fuller) from Ashford Borough Council, Keith Rundell from Kent Arts and Libraries, Dave Grabham founder of Woodchurch Morris was the dance co-ordinator and the late Cllr Anne Thomas who remained closely involved until her sad death in 2011.

Sponsors of that first folk day are listed as Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, Tenterden Chamber of Commerce and Folk Spots and the support of Tenterden Town Council and Woodchurch Morris is also noted. The venues for sing-a-rounds were the Vine and the Eight Bells with the evening concert taking place in the upstairs room of the Eight Bells, which we still miss!

Read the full history here